Want but can't afford a Kapex, any suggestions?

[mlfaber]

I am in the market for a new miter saw and badly want a Kapex but can't justify nor afford the $1300.00 + all of the goodies associated with.  Are there any suggestion for a close second?  I am looking for actual real world experience.  Uses will be everything from Trim to decking and furniture building (different blades of course).  I appreciate the advice.

Marc

 

[MTRANGER]

I went through the samething before I bought my kapex, I was comparing to the bosch glide saw, I went with the Kapex because the bosch didn't have the angle finder thingy, no lasers and when you compared them that way they were almost the same price.  That being said I think alot of guys like the Makita's

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I went through the samething before I bought my kapex, I was comparing to the bosch glide saw, I went with the Kapex because the bosch didn't have the angle finder thingy, no lasers and when you compared them that way they were almost the same price.  That being said I think alot of guys like the Makita's

+1 , but be advised that the new Makitas are having some design/manufacturing issues with fence alignment, blade runout, table problems.  -- LS1016 & LS1216.

I have an inside source.  He doesn't see them doing much too correct it till new models are introduced.

 

[Guy Ashley]

Marc, there is no doubt the Kapex is expensive but it is the best mitre saw I have had and it took a long time for me to take the plunge.

Consider this point, do you want the Kapex? If the answer is yes and you know you will eventually get one then purchasing an "it will do for now" will in the long run end up costing you more. You will buy it, and then eventually sell it and there will a loss of "real terms cash" which if you scraped around, Ebayed the dross you haven't used for 12 months, saved for another couple of months you would find you were near to the purchase price.

I don't know what you local dealers are like but in the UK if you have "trade account" terms with a dealer you can get 30 days or for big purchases like the Kapex 60 days to pay in full.

If you get a different mitre saw I will guarantee you will look at it and think "Nice, but wish it was a Kapex"

Oh yeah, if you are still undecided PM Woodguy7 for his advice, he is very persuasive at getting other FOG members to buy Festool and Lie Nielsen tools. I think on his advice Mac and I have spent enough in the last month to cure the national debt of a small African nation.  [crying] [scared]

 

[mlfaber]

I went through the samething before I bought my kapex, I was comparing to the bosch glide saw, I went with the Kapex because the bosch didn't have the angle finder thingy, no lasers and when you compared them that way they were almost the same price.  That being said I think alot of guys like the Makita's

+1 , but be advised that the new Makitas are having some design/manufacturing issues with fence alignment, blade runout, table problems.  -- LS1016 & LS1216.

I have an inside source.  He doesn't see them doing much too correct it till new models are introduced.

It is interesting that you specifically mention this because I have been reading countless reviews and looking at the Makita LS1016L.  It is probably one of the closest saws too the Kapex.  I looked and played with one today at a HD and I don't like the "soft feel" in the bevel settings.  I could also see why many people complained about things breaking due to small plastic knobs and parts.  Just did not feel solid!  I was wondering if and when a new Makita might be introduced.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I went through the samething before I bought my kapex, I was comparing to the bosch glide saw, I went with the Kapex because the bosch didn't have the angle finder thingy, no lasers and when you compared them that way they were almost the same price.  That being said I think alot of guys like the Makita's

+1 , but be advised that the new Makitas are having some design/manufacturing issues with fence alignment, blade runout, table problems.  -- LS1016 & LS1216.

I have an inside source.  He doesn't see them doing much too correct it till new models are introduced.

  I was wondering if and when a new Makita might be introduced.

I don't know, since I haven't asked that question of the "right people", but seeing as how they dumped a lot of yen into the new saws, I don't expect that to happen for a while.

If I hear anything, I'll certainly update everyone on here.

 

[Mac]

Oh yeah, if you are still undecided PM Woodguy7 for his advice, he is very persuasive at getting other FOG members to buy Festool and Lie Nielsen tools. I think on his advice Mac and I have spent enough in the last month to cure the national debt of a small African nation.   [crying] [scared]

[crying] Ain't it the truth.

 

[Brice Burrell]

How's your back?  If you don't mind the weight the Milwaukee is an option.  Not for me, I find bringing along the pack mule to carry it is more hassle than it's worth....Another Kapex owner here. 

Of course, you could get the Makita from the Depot and try it out.  If it's a dud, take it back. 

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Marc,

Another option is to rent one occasionally till you have the funds for the Kapex.  It makes sense only if you'd need it for occasional use.  Orrrr, buy a decent used saw for little money and re-sell it when you're ready for the Kapex.

The third option is to do a ton of videos on here and mayyyyybe Shane will give you a recon for an infinite demo period.  Scratch their back and they'll scratch yours kinda thing.

 

[Pdevore]

I was in the same place as you about 10 months ago, I bought the 1016 and after set up, I have had no problems or complaints. I purchased the unit with the gravity table and out riggers built in. I looked at the Kapex for a long time but just had to put the money into other items. That same day I purchased a Makita compressor, Bostich angle nailer, finish nailer, brad nailer and pin nailer, Festool MIDI, Festool 125es, Bosch 10 table saw with gravity table, Honda 2000esi, and MANY MANY acc... I say all that because as much as I would like to say the Makita was my first choise I would be lying. The KAPEX is still the saw that I want, I just could not justify when already dropping that much dough.
If you can wait, I would get the KAPEX, if you can not the Makita is still a great saw.

Pete

 

[RPSmith]

Good topic.

I have used my Makita LS1212 for over a decade and it has been my workhorse.  I work in very high-end homes doing trim carpentry and it has done everything I've asked of it.  With a sharp blade, it is excellent for all manners of woodworking.

That said...they don't make it anymore. [crying]

The saw that I would consider buying next is the Makita DXT.  It solves many of the issues that the older Makita's have (the back bevel adjustment is much easier, the fence is taller and more functional, it has a laser).

A friend of mine who is also in the business has had his for almost a year and gives it good reports.  I have not heard of any quality control issues.  I own a lot of Makita tools and they are all excellent at what they do.  Granted, they are not Festools, but then they are also half the price.

I looked at the new Bosch and it looks sweet, but man, that thing is A BEAST.

Mobility is a factor for me.  I haven't decided what will replace my 1212 when it finally gives up the ghost.  I will look long and hard at the Kapex, but will also give the DXT a shot at the spot.  

Like many here, my tools are my investment.  I don't feel that dropping a lot of money on them is ever a waste as long as they are making me money and they perform their tasks reliably over the long haul.  

Good luck and let us know what you decide.  

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

You could always sell plasma to make up the difference. [big grin]

 

[Ken Nagrod]

You could always sell plasma to make up the difference. [big grin]

TV or blood?

 

[mlfaber]

You could always sell plasma to make up the difference. [big grin]

Totally read my mind...  We actually bought a LED LCD on Black Friday, still in the box!  My wife can't decide on a media center she likes.  I actually have the money but really trying to justify for my needs.  I am a diy'er and small funiture maker for fun.  I believe in, trust and appreciate Festool.  I would not part with any of them.  However, because I am not making a living at this it is harder to spend a lot extra on something.  Now, if we get the house that we bid on...3200 square feet of home needing new crown and base...maybe a different story!  I really hate to just buy something as a temporary though.

 

[mlfaber]

You could always sell plasma to make up the difference. [big grin]

TV or blood?

no question...blood!  ;D

 

[peter halle]

if you are going to sell blood, if you do it quickly you might get more tying into St. Patrick's day.  Green blood!

 

[mopowers]

I too had a Makita LS1212. I just sold it for Festool $. I had that saw for ten years and for the first five framed with it. Nice saw, built to last and very accurate. The dust collection was zero and the bevel controls were not to user friendly so it had to go. All in all it was a great saw and i would buy another makita because of it.

I brought my Ridgid 12" duel bevel saw into the shop to replace it for now. It works ok for as little as i use a miter saw in the shop. The Ridgid is my framing saw and i am very happy with it. I think the Ridgid saws are really nice and worth a consideration although they wont be any where close to a Kapex.  

I have never used or even seen the new Jet saw but The Wood Whisperer gives it props. I think the controls are upfront. I have recently seen a video on youtube of a 7 1/2" makita that looks sweet for a trim saw.

I am in the same boat as you wood pulp. A Kapex would be really nice but $1300 is a big hit and i even use a miter saw for a living. There are lots of very nice saws out there for half the price.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

You could always sell plasma to make up the difference. [big grin]

TV or blood?

I wouldn't suggest home theater sales to anyone right now. [big grin]

You could also sell some dna.......

 

[erock]

wood pulp,
think about this....$1300 divided by 12 months =$108 per month.  $108 divided by 4 weeks = $27 a week. 
Can you save $54 a week for 6 months?  (don't forget the taxes)
How much money a week do you spend on coffee?  I stopped buying $3 coffee and saved $21 a week!
Every time I went shopping for things I check in with myself and asked myself "do I really need this?"
I have a lot of will power and self control.  So for my first festool purchase I cut back on a lot of junk I
was wasting my money on.  My first Festool purchase was $1500.  I wanted to save $63 a week for the
6 month plan I had for myself.  After 4 months I had the tools I wanted and I don't drink as much coffee  [big grin].
It's a great practice I have for myself and my festool fetish. 
I'm like you, a  hobbiest but it's slowly turning into a career, and I can afford the tools that I want.  But  for me
saving for what I want also give me time to think about the tool and do more research on it.
Gool luck!  hope you find a way to get what you want.
Eric

 

[mlfaber]

You could always sell plasma to make up the difference. [big grin]

TV or blood?

I wouldn't suggest home theater sales to anyone right now. [big grin]

You could also sell some dna.......

Funny...when I first read this I thought you said, I could sell THE plasma!  Funny how different it makes it sound.  Regardless of what I sell, that will at least keep the wife happy.