Derek Arita
05-07-2013, 6:05 PM
I'm sure similar threads have been posted about the Festool Kapex, but I thought I'd go ahead with this thread just in case someone wants to hear from a recent purchaser. Anyhow, my old miter saw was a Makita LS1212. That was a great saw and I had it adjusted to cut as close to perfect 90* as I could measure with my Starrets. I moved up to the Kapex for better dust collection and to get dual lasers. A side benefit will be a smaller footprint with the Kapex.
When I put the Kapex thru it's paces I found that the 90* cuts and the lasers were slightly off and needed adjustment. I adjusted the fence and now the Kapex cuts as well as my Makita ever did. As for the lasers, I'm holding off on their adjustment because I need to learn more about how it's done. I own other Festools and am always surprised that the factory adjustments are often not dead on. I guess I expect them to hold to their reputation, more than the reality of mass produced power tools.
As far as I'm concerned, my old Makita LS1212 cuts just as cleanly and accurately as the Kapex, as measured with Starret precision squares. With a Festool vac connected to both, I noticed only slightly better dust collection with the Kapex. I think the dual lasers and the smaller footprint, for me, tip the scales in favor of the Kapex. I'm not in love the Kapex yet, but ask me in about 6 months and who knows...Cupid could strike. Thanks for looking.
When I put the Kapex thru it's paces I found that the 90* cuts and the lasers were slightly off and needed adjustment. I adjusted the fence and now the Kapex cuts as well as my Makita ever did. As for the lasers, I'm holding off on their adjustment because I need to learn more about how it's done. I own other Festools and am always surprised that the factory adjustments are often not dead on. I guess I expect them to hold to their reputation, more than the reality of mass produced power tools.
As far as I'm concerned, my old Makita LS1212 cuts just as cleanly and accurately as the Kapex, as measured with Starret precision squares. With a Festool vac connected to both, I noticed only slightly better dust collection with the Kapex. I think the dual lasers and the smaller footprint, for me, tip the scales in favor of the Kapex. I'm not in love the Kapex yet, but ask me in about 6 months and who knows...Cupid could strike. Thanks for looking.