Replies

1. 
   Ledebuhr1 | Apr 21, 2010 09:27am | #1

   The Kapex is WAY overpriced, look at the Milwaukee 6955, great saw and much cheaper.

2. 
   RalphBarker | Apr 21, 2010 11:00am | #2

   options

   You might find this discussion helpful:

   http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/power-tools-and-machinery/can-i-give-my-radial-arm-saw

   In that thread, Jonnieboy posted the following link to a review of other saws:

   http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/articles/miter-saw-features-roundup-video-reviews.aspx

   Although I also like the design of the Kapex, I, too, think it is overpriced.

3. 
   bones | Apr 21, 2010 11:25am | #3

   I like it

   Worth it is in the eye of the beholder.   When I purchased mine (when it was released), I weighed all the plusses and minuses and decided to go for it and I have not been dissapointed.   Are there cheaper saws sure.  Is it expensive you bet, but  I have a lot of festool and the Dust collection is no comparrison, sound, weight, ability to adjust angles, was the best I've seen.  I also liked the mechanics of it it stays true can be placed close to the wall ect.   I love mine, would get it again in a heart beat.   If cost is the number one factor I'd go with the dewalt or milwalke but  since buyin my first festool (domino and ct33e vac) I have purchased a lot of green tools.  The quality and support from the network of vendors is the best I've ever seen.   Check out used festools on E-bay they go for almost the same as new.   That will tell you something right there.  Good luck.  

1. 
   SlottyBartfast | Apr 23, 2010 05:26pm | #4

   Thanks for the feedback, Bones.  I also bought a Festool Domino Joiner and because I am very happy with it, I even considered the $1,300 Kapex. However, the eBay link sounds good.  Thanks again.

4. 
   forestgirl | Apr 23, 2010 10:07pm | #5

   Love the Kapex-trickledown!

   I love the Kapex -- because it put a bunch of really good sliding CMSs on the market, at great prices.  Bought my Makita 12" from a gal who had all top-drawer tools, used to trim out her house and build cabinets and such.  The price drop in these enabled us less-affluent peons to afford the sliders.

5. 
   brownman | Apr 25, 2010 01:36am | #6

   No, do not buy it ! It is over priced ! But their so arrogant that even if they didnt sell any here in America they still wouldnt lower the price. They would just stop importing them.

6. 
   jointerman | Apr 26, 2010 02:02am | #7

   I'm not trying to knock the
   I'm not trying to knock the Kapex, but you may also want to check out the new Makita SCMS. It also has the four rail system for shorter rear clearance but maintains high cut capacity. Also, it uses normal saw blades unlike the Kapex.

7. 
   Buster2000 | Apr 26, 2010 02:28pm | #8

   Festools Saves Time?

   Hmmm....  Time is money.  But how does a Kapex save time over the Makita?  Or how does the Festool Drill save time over my cordless drill?

   It seems to me the draw of Festool is quality and Dust collection. 

   Clearly a tool like the Domino will indeed save time... compared ti similar joints...

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 27, 2010 02:58pm | #9

   Dust collection could be a major time saver to someone doing interior installations in occupied space.  Either save time cleaning up, and protecting from dust or save time running outside to make every cut.  If that allows you to accept one more job a month due to time saved, the machine could pay for itself in very short order. 

1. 
   Ledebuhr1 | Apr 27, 2010 08:11pm | #10

   The Milwaukee 6955 has as good or better dust collection than the Kapex. Hook up a Fein to it and you get nearly everything, and save a whole lot of money. Im not seeing an quality advantage in Festool. Sure there good, but other tool makers make stuff just as good for a whole lot less. If you believe in the old saying, "You get what you pay for", then you prabally overpaid for a lot of things.

2. 
   BruceS | Apr 29, 2010 09:01am | #11

   I have the C-12 drill and I love it !!  Example =  I just laid an oak strip floor and used the offset attachment to lay the starter strip with finish head screws within 1/2" of the wall and screwed in the first  three strips with the same screws( no face nailing!!)  bammed in the field then finished the last strips with the right angle attachment  and screws and face screwed within 1/2" of the wall.  NO FACE NAILING AT ALL.    No need for a second drywall screw gun, I have that attachment.  Recharge time is well within the run down time of battery being used.   Quick change between attachments is great.  It's an over the top drill.

   The attachments have gotten me out  of and  into some very tight spots  while installing cabinet bases and uppers.

   The torque setting is flawless and the drive cuts out when you reach the setting is great,  no more playing machine gun when the screw is seated,  the drill motor is shut off.

1. 
   bones | Apr 29, 2010 11:01am | #12

   T15+3

   I'm with you on the drills I had just purchased two months prior to release of the T15 the Makita LI18v drill pack.  When the T15 came out and I put my hands on it it was love at first sight.  The ergonomics is unreal and made the makita feel like a log.   I also loved the eltronic clutch feature and how they adjusted the spead based on torque setting.  The attachment are awsome especially the offset chuck to help you get to those tight spaces.  I've even used the rt angle chuck a good bit.  I gave the makita to the wife to use around the house and in her  stained glass shop.  Don't get me wrong the makita was nice, but the Festool designers did a fantastic job.  The only think the makita had that was better was the led light built in, but thats it.   Battery life is fantastic as well.  

1. 
   jointerman | Apr 30, 2010 02:22am | #13

   The funny thing is that I believe that Festo is really the ultimate for the hobbyist. It's system approach makes my work more accurate and faster for the precious little time that I have in the shop. However, I do not have the Kapex. As a hobbyist, my old reliable Makita L1013 is still running strong.

2. 
   James R. | Apr 30, 2010 11:23pm | #14

   Not for everyone

      I have several Festool products, am happy with them and feel they were worth the price.  I do not, however, think they are for everyone.  Most woodworkers get by just fine without Festool.  I do not have the Kapex and probably won't buy one since the TS 55 with the MF table works so well for me.

   Good luck with your choice.

   Jim

   My memory's good, it's just short.  

    

       

    

8. 
   AZMO | Apr 30, 2010 11:44pm | #15

   Personally I did not care for the handle and grip. Felt like my hand was sliding off the back of it. My only issue, other than cost. I have a Makita 12". Cuts accurate and works great for all my needs. I have a Festool Slider which I think is great. Cuts down panesl like a dream.

   AZMO

9. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | May 01, 2010 11:04am | #16

   If I depended on one for a living maybe even though I know many trim carpenters that have other less expensive saws for years and aren't complaing. I mainly use my 12" Hitachi to cut down rough coming into my shop from 12'-14'. I have some 75" cross-cuts on bed rails in the next few days and I will use it on pieces of that lenght and it's accurate. So.. with that said I sold my 10" Hitachi and replaced it with their 12" on sale to allow me to cut 16/4 stock which I get.. the shorter.. compact arms that take less space and a whole lot cheaper than the Kapex.

   Never going to do this for a living even though I am in the shop 5 days a week but what I have already works fine so a Kapex is definitely not on my mind now or will be...

   Good luck...