A Kapex Thread

[Frank-Jan]

The one for the ehl 65 doesn't fit, altough I quickly checked the dimensions of the dustports with my folding rule, the outer dimensions of the one on the kapex are slightly larger. (I got one on Friday, when I ordered the extra worksupports and got the clamping set for the mft). It was near closing time, and the salesperson that was helping didn't want to open the box I guess... I hope that the one that's ment for the bigger planer is built so it slides into the port.

[LGS]

Greetings and compliments of the Cricket and Cicada season to one and all.
Has anybody tried the fine cut blade on their Kapex? I'm thinking of getting one for Klaus for Christmas and would like the opinion of this learned group before parting with A$200+.

Regards,

Rob

[thesupervisor]

forget the kapex blade i just got a 60t blade and waiting for a 80t to be made cost $118 not $269 its from linbide its called a rapier 260mm 2.4mm kerf
1inch bore bit noisier than the festool but i can live with that

[thesupervisor]

what dust extractor do festool recommend with the kapex?

[nt900]

what dust extractor do festool recommend with the kapex?

I'm not sure if Festool has a dust extractor they specifically recommend for the KAPEX, it would come down to the type of materials you are cutting. The level of material hazard would determine the filter requirements and other dust extractor specifications. For example, HEPA for MDF would be sensible.

The CT MINI/MIDI have enough suction, but a CT-HEPA has more and larger capacity in the bags.

I like the Protool VCP 170 E as it is an economical dust extractor for the KAPEX. Approx. 17 litre bags and you can get a SET version that has some cleaning accessories and an additional non-anti-static hose of 50mm diameter. This hose is good for use with the KAPEX and other large port Festools.

One of the reasons it is more economical is because it does not have variable suction control. For sanding this can be an issue, but for a KAPEX full suction all the time is the go. Not huge capacity, but being similar design to the Festool dust extractors it has the filters in the motor housing, so the container capacity is almost entirely used by the dust bag. So unlike a lot of other small-medium shop-vacs, you actually get a lot of bag capacity for the rated (container) capacity. Many barrel filter designs you get about half.

[tijy]

just heard back from festool the uk model kapex has been redesigned and is now ready so am going to purchase it again been using a makita which is very good but just doesnt go with the rest of my festool stuff sad but true. lasers wont need realighning as before and the have tightened up the cutting tolerances. Also have been a few probs over the blade lock knob now hopefully resolved only took a year to work it out! lol

[Ron Dunn]

... but just doesnt go with the rest of my festool stuff ...

That is the saddest statement I've ever seen in a woodworking forum. Tools as fashion co-ordinates.

What's next? Queer Eye for the Starret Guy?

[Honorary Bloke]

That is the saddest statement I've ever seen in a woodworking forum. Tools as fashion co-ordinates.

Obviously not a Festo junkie.

[LGS]

what dust extractor do festool recommend with the kapex?

I have a CT22 with standard 32mm(?) hose and it only just copes with the sawdust the Kapex generates. I feel that using a wider bore hose would fix this however.

Regards,

Rob

[Coliny]

I have had my Kapex for a couple of weeks. After a little time getting used to it I am really enjoying using it compared to my trusty old Makita 12".

I find that the trimming attachment makes cutting to a size a breeze. I am just surprised that no one has snapped up my spare trimming attachment that I have for sale at a great price now

[Brice Burrell]

I have had my Kapex for a couple of weeks. After a little time getting used to it I am really enjoying using it compared to my trusty old Makita 12".

I find that the trimming attachment makes cutting to a size a breeze. I am just surprised that no one has snapped up my spare trimming attachment that I have for sale at a great price now

Coliny,
Since I'm a Yank I have no idea what a trimming attachment is, care to explain? What do you like about the Kapex more than the Makita?

[Coliny]

Hi Brice

I find the overall feel of the machine is better and easier to use. It is more precise, the laser is great and there is much less dust. The angle tool makes mitres easy when one is working with walls that are not completely square. The electronic motor means that the saw doesn't kick when started and the blade stops quicker

The trimming attachment is a rail that attaches to the sides of the saw and not only supports the timber but has a built in measure so that setting the length of a cutoff is quick and easy

There is a picture of it here:
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=67471

[Lignum]

...just doesnt go with the rest of my festool stuff...

That is the saddest statement I've ever seen in a woodworking forum. Tools as fashion co-ordinates.

What's next? Queer Eye for the Starret Guy?

Whats wrong with that? i have painted all my non Festool power tools black with a splash of lime. It looks good.

[Ratbag]

After having carefully read all posts to date I decided to take the plunge a couple of weeks ago. I'm impressed.

The price, at $1600, is more than I could afford, however my kind local agent has allowed me a couple of extra months to pay.

As for it's performance... couldn't be more pleased. While it doesn't have the capacity of 300mm. saws, it compensates in other ways, such as the carriage clamp for tall skirting etc. The portability is just wonderful. I've spent the last 30 years making excuses not to lug around my old DeWalt Radia Arm Saw. Now, no more excuses!

The small footprint and dust extraction is also superb. It can be used very close to a wall, or on a fairly narrow bench without any stability problems. The turntable height is the same as a Systainer 1 too, providing instant outrigger support on the go.

Quite frankly, some of (non owner's) objections to the saw are nonsense.

Unusual Sawblade dimensions? Rubbish! The Radial Arm and Mitre Saw family all need Zero or Negative Rake Tooth configuration. This is an essential safety feature to counter the saw's natural tendency to snatch or jamming. While it's more relevant in Radial Arms due to the feed direction, the same principles apply with both. Zero & Neg. rakes feed more smoothly. These blades are made by the thousand by all reputable specialist manufacturers (Freud, Linbide, AKS, Record Power, Trend, CMT, DeWalt, Makita and others), and are readily available nationwide. Almost all Mitre & Radial Arm Saw Blades use a 30mm. bore: it's a global standard for most markets outside North America.

The Irwin and DeWalt Blades from my Radial Arm Saw work a treat on the Kapex, despite their nominally smaller (250-254mm.) dimensions, albeit not as smoothly as the Festool original.

The dust extraction is a revelation. I use a CT22 at home and a SR5E extractor on site. The 36mm. hose is better than the 27mm. "standard", but with either extractor or hose the dust removal is the best I've seen. Automatic power tool extractors are now available, with a 36mm. hose, for as little as $60 on flea-bay, so there's now no excuses for a messy workplace!

The Lasers? Spot on from day one, and continue to be so. And it's sociably quiet too, just like the best of the rest. Overall, given it's relative portability, versatility and cleanliness I believe the saw represents good, but not excellent, value for money.