What’s a 2014 Kapex Worth

[BJM9818]

I purchased my Kapex back in 2014. Motor is not what it used to be. Definitely missing a few amps.  No desire to get it replaced will replace with a new Kapex.  Still cuts just very slowly. No burning smell. 

Anybody sell a Kapex with a dying motor.  Would like to get a few $$ for it to offset the $1600 new one. 

Are there brushes that can be replaced or is it terminal.

 

[Coen]

Wasn't there a Kapex recall at some point?

 

[ChuckS]

The pandemic supply situations may affect the demand for used saws. My calculation below doesn't take that into account:

1) Price paid (2014) $1400 Cdn
2) Discounted price (30% off -- you can change that to suit your expectation) $980
3) Discounted for a dead motor -- $980 - $300 = $680

If I were considering to buy this particular saw, I would not pay anything more than $600 Cdn, or $450 US, give or take.

Others may choose to use the current Kapex price rather than the 2014 price as a starting point.

 

[kevinculle]

About 6 years ago I bought a then 7 year old Kapex with the UG stand and wings.  It operated perfectly and was in nice cosmetic condition but clearly used.  I paid $1600 for the set which at that time was about 2/3rds of new price.

 

[semenza]

I purchased my Kapex back in 2014. Motor is not what it used to be. Definitely missing a few amps.  No desire to get it replaced will replace with a new Kapex.  Still cuts just very slowly. No burning smell. 

Anybody sell a Kapex with a dying motor.  Would like to get a few $$ for it to offset the $1600 new one. 

Are there brushes that can be replaced or is it terminal.

  There are brushes. 

Seth

 

 

[BJM9818]

Seth

Kapex motor dying symptoms.

Is it a slow dying syndrome or traumatic end?  Right now it cuts of you take your time and gently work through the material. I’m guessing it’s RPM is  50% slower.  If replacing  brushes do you think it will fix it? 

Everybody’s else. Yea this saw has been run hard and put away wet. Also has some issues with the dust collection getting messed up when a 4” PVC pipe I was cutting exploded a few years ago. Have the pieces only minor damage but too lazy to replace them.

I have a ton of Festool tools and beat the hell out of them. $3-400 was what I was thinking.

Bottom line I think I need a new one  [big grin]looking at options. May even keep this one if I can 

 

[ChuckS]

If Festool could fix everything (new motor and any known issues) around $500 to $600 or so, I'd get it fixed and keep it. The new Kapex REB offers no advantages over the old model except the motor, based on these estimates:

New Kapex cost: $1600 - $400 (proceed from old saw)=$1,200
Cost of keeping the old saw fixed with a new REB motor - $500 - $600
Saving: $600 - $700.

Factors to consider: Is the current saw good on fence straightness, squareness and bed flatness? Does it cut accurately (square, miters, bevels, etc.)? Some buyers found issues with their new Kapex saws in some of those aspects.

 

[Cheese]

If the motor is slowing down I’d check the brushes. That’s the first thing you notice on a Milwaukee drill with worn brushes.

 

[Max Fracas]

I have a 2014 Kapex. It died about 6 months ago. Festool repaired it for $375 plus $60 shipping, IIRC. UPS shipping (from Louisiana) was $180. Saw is working fine now and I hope it outlasts me!

 

[tjbnwi]

Not to be an a$$, but did you check the speed setting on the Kapex?

This is where I’d start if one of mine was running slow.

Your description of the problem with no burnt smell does not fit the typical Kapex motor issues.

I keep armatures, brushes, a switch and a control board for the Kapex in stock. Takes me about an hour to change an armature.

Tom

 

[BJM9818]

Tom

HaHa.
My father had just borrowed it and he breaks everything. I’ll double check the setting. He also borrowed my brand new compact skillsaw table saw and somehow broke the fence because he couldn’t figure out how to use it so anything is possible.

I didn’t know Festool was only charging $375 to fix the motor. A few years back I remember hearing about motor failures and remember people getting $6-800 bills.

 

[ChuckS]

$300 - $350 US was the usual range of repair costs I've heard before for a Kapex motor (armature) and some small supplies. Probably a little cheaper if the saw bought is from a local Festool vendor which may charge less on the shipping.