What miter saw to get?

[tjbier]

Well I have a full kitchen remodel coming up in a month and I would like to replace my Mak LS1013. It's a ok saw but I am sick of no 0° stop and reaching over the back of the beast to change the bevel.
I may sell it ($150-200?) or just keep it as a basement chop saw/ sometimes having 2 miter saws on the job.
So, the dilemma.
I want the Kapex, and the benefits it has. But I have also been looking at the new Bosch and the Milwaukee 12" slider. I could buy either of the latter and the wife suggested getting a Domino with the left over money.  At first she said just get the Kapex (yes, she knows it by name) but the more I thought about it $1350 + tax is a lot of money for 1 tool. I feel like I've spent more time thinking about this than buying my truck lol.
I've read reviews here and there, and went to HD to look at the Milwaukee but it's "online only". Any of you using one currently?
I'm leaning towards the Mil and a domino in the next 2 months when I build our dining table and coffee tables.

Thoughts?

Thanks, Tom

 

[Wooden Skye]

I have been contemplating the same thing, and I am leaning towards the 12" DWS780 SCMS.  It is lighter than most of the Bosch saws and has a greater capacity.  The axial glide takes up minimal space, but the dewalt takes up less than my current 10" slider.  Mine will be dedicated in the shop, so weight means little, but I like that I can do a crosscut at 16".  the price is $599.  Almost everyone raves about the Kapex and the few cuts I made at Woodcraft it was very nice, but the price scares me away.  I decided to use the $1300 to buy an OF1400 and will buy the Dewalt.  I am waiting to see if it goes back on sale again or if there is a promo at the Woodworking Show in 2 weeks.

 

[Theshipstore]

Tom  I can tell you this I held off for a long time before I finally bought the Kapex, This is an awesome saw, its cuts are great and clean its dust collection is to drool over. I am still in the process of getting acquainted with this Saw but it has already blown away my Delta and Makita by a long shot

Just my  [2cents] but I know others here will have much more to say about the Kapex

Sal

 

[Bill Chang]

I bought my Kapex 3 years ago, as part of a major purchase.

I upgraded to the UG stand last year.

It is my most-used Festool and has made me a good deal of money, absolutely worth it.

I may be taking on a project in another state for a few months and if I am flying to the job I will be ordering a Kapex for that job.

When I am finished I will either sell it or have someone drive it back home for me, to keep as a second saw.

Yes the price is high but once you try it there is no going back.

 

[Kev]

You'll buy a Kapex (or it's next incarnation) one day if Festool is truly in your blood ... it's not like it's one of the lesser Festools, it is a flagship of theirs.

I'd pay the premium for the noise and dust reduction alone!

 

[Alan m]

given that you will still have the older saw for rougher work i would get a saw for the really accurate cuts.
the kapex would be perfect/..

 

[tiralie]

Take it for 30 days. I have seen your work and I think it'll make you faster. If you still can't bear to part with the money (completely understandable then take it back.

You really need to use this saw compared to others to really appreciate it. For instance I really didn't appreciate the hold downs but the system really works (I recommend buying one for the other side). For a professional site carpenter/cabinet maker I think the Kapex is the answer if you want a lighter and less dusty machine that is very accurate.
The 7" Makita is also a good saw with reasonable dust collection but obviously not as great a range.
Tim

 

[waho6o9]

Let's think this out.  Congrats on the kitchen remodel!

Would a domino or a Kapex help you do the remodel more efficiently?

Kapex needed for moulding, back rails, maybe some drawer sides.

Domino needed for carcass, drawers, partitions, and maybe face frames.
Plus, future furniture builds will require you having a Domino.

Tough call, Tjbier.  Good luck on your decision.  I say Kapex for the remodel,
and purchase the Domino after you get paid from the remodel.

 

[jeep jake]

I was in the same boat as you. However I was kinda on a budget, when you consider the prices of festool. I had a house to trim out, and a basement remodel in the future. I ended up getting a dewalt 780, with a forest blade, and had planned to get a stand. (I ended up making something) I just figured dws780 $599, forest blade $179, saw stand $599 fast cap V3, I'am just a hair over the cost of a Kapex. I have everything I need to really make some cash!                                                              However I will say this, The Kapex is light and super easy to transport. I would love to get one for small jobs, and too have a additional saw for large jobs.

 

[tjbier]

I use nails and kreg jigs for all my rails and stiles so the Domino would help for that, and joining all the table tops I will make
Jake, I would buy a chopmaster for anything but the kapex so ya theres another 150.
Im just sick of reaching over the back to bevel and no 0 stop. But then theres the UG cart  [embarassed]
Thanks for the imput so far fellas.