Thread: Festool KAPEX 120 fails after incident

With the saw unplugged, does the blade turn freely. Sometimes a wedge of wood can get caught up between the blade an guard (Doesn't sound like it, but worth checking).
TM

Also, some tools have an overload switch, often just a small press pin type switch. Check for that. Obviously, I don't have a Kapex, so I'm not familiar with that saw.
TM

Turns out the laser lights will not switch on either.

I have checked through the User Manual, and could not find any circuit breaker on the saw. Nor could I physically locate one

When looking at the trouble shooting chart, under "Motor does not start" , it only says to use another power point, check the power cord, and the motor brushes may be worn and need replacement

With the saw unplugged, the blade does not turn freely, but feels more like a ratchet gearing effect as it turns.

I am not liking the sound of all this

Now the good news. I plugged the wrong cord in to the powerpoint ! There were 3 cords on the powerboard - my Kapex, my little vacuum cleaner, and my drill press. To test the Kapex, I removed the Kapex plug from the powerboard and put it straight in the powerpoint - the saw still would not start.

In fact I had plugged in the identical drill press plug by mistake I am totally embarrassed right now!

OK, the saw now starts, but sounds terrible. I took the blade off, and cleaned up the black gunk around the centre hole from the friction pads on the arbor , and there are also marks around the blade midway between the centre hole and the teeth where it looks like something is rubbing against the blade.

I then checked inside the safety guard and around that area where the blade rotates, and could not find anything. I was using a non Festool blade while my original was away being sharpened last week, and hadn't changed it back.

Just did so now, and there are no problems whatsoever, with the blade cutting a pine board like cheese.

Still not sure about the blade - while I turn it by hand, there are a series of clicks like it is turning on a ratchet movement.

I would also like to thank Anthony from Ideal Tools, one of this Forum's sponsors, for his support and assistance. Must be hard to soar with the eagles of the woodworking world when you are dealing with turkeys buried up to their necks in swampy ground.

Oh Mr Dengy,
I thought I was the only one in the swamp up to my neck. You must be further over out of site. It seems that this swamp has a lot of people in it.
My plight was when I was fitting some aluminium windows. I noticed one was missing a neoprene flashing. I ended up Taking it back to the factory only to find the flashing had folded itself under the window and was there all along. Yes humble pie doesn't go down well at all.
That clicking noise would be something to chase just in case the saw has a problem
Rest assured......there will be another round of humble pie for any of us who do things

Hello Denque

I am glad to hear that your Kapex issue issolved

To put you mind further at ease I felt Ishould step forward and explain the ‘series of clicks’ you are hearing withinthe saw

The field winding fitted to the Kapex saw containsa series of magnets, these magnets are there to assist with the brake function,when you turn the blade by hand you will feel these magnets pulling at theturning armature, this creates the unusual feel and clicking sound, this isnormal and nothing to be alarmed about.

Regards

Brett

Thanks for "stepping forward", Brett, your information is very much appreciated. I shall sleep better tonight.

I was reading the User Manual at 11pm last night looking for clues

Dang it Dengue - you are having a run eh? Without wishing to look for a have you considered more hand tools?

Actually, Brett, Jim Davey just told me my No4 Stanley is rubbish

I think I will be chasing a scraper plane of some sort soon. Know where I might get a decently priced one?