Why Did I Buy This? Festool Kapex Review
I bought the Kapex 120 REB and here is my first impression review of it.
This is the model www.festool.co.uk/products/se...
Music by Funkmammoth / meandering-trim-ft-jab...
...
I'M ON INSTAGRAM instagram.com/scottbrownc...
You can support SBC on Patreon www.patreon.com/user?u=16545763
The below are affiliate links. I get a small percentage when you buy using these links. It does not cost you anything extra, but helps supports the channel. Thanks!
My Tools
Tool belt amzn.to/3dXMZnk
Tool belt shoulder straps amzn.to/3AI0VLU
Hammer with wooden handle amzn.to/3jRhQ92
Rubber grip for hammer amzn.to/3jTM7UE
Speed Square amzn.to/3yAaE5f
Makita Circular Saw amzn.to/3qYzaKH
Track Saw amzn.to/3dV9wkF
Awesome ratchet clamp amzn.to/3dSGa6s
Impact driver (main drill) amzn.to/3xDmBat
Other drill for pilot holes amzn.to/3yAYjh4
My Table Saw amzn.to/2UzuOxp
My favourite vacuum (newer version) amzn.to/3yxss0S
Full face mask amzn.to/3hH4Cce
Ear muffs amzn.to/3yNAWBl
Green line laser level amzn.to/3yqYdJ0
The Camera Gear I use
Main Camera amzn.to/3AD2if5
Backup Camera amzn.to/3jTGTbv
Main Lens (main camera) amzn.to/3wp0hzU
Lens for Backup Camera amzn.to/3jWaFfU
Microphone amzn.to/36pNWAA
Tripod amzn.to/3yxSeCb
Headphones amzn.to/3xqm2R4
Drone amzn.to/3xp9OrO
Aeropress (Coffee) amzn.to/3ijpvdQ
Donate here if you would like to help the channel
www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
SEND STUFF TO HERE
PO BOX 3506
Richmond 7050
New Zealand
Disclaimer:
These videos are intended to provide information and inspiration only. If you choose to imitate, duplicate or copy anything you may have observed in these videos, you do so at your own risk. Scott Brown Carpentry Ltd does not take any responsibility for any action taken as a result of the information or advice on this KZhead channel and shall not have any liability in respect of any injury or damage that may result.
To view full disclaimer, click here: www.scottbrowncarpentry.com/d...
8:53 “Everything’s square we built the walls” 🤣🤣 Low key flex there Scott
Thanks for clear perspective on all that you do with this channel. Brings back memories of working in NZ and all that I learned while I was there! CHEERS MATE!
I really like about the Festool Kapex in general that the "working table" of the saw got the same high as a Festool I Systainer, so it's easy peasy so cut longer pieces that way!
Another great review Scott, I purchased one today as I’ve wanted one for ages and this sealed the deal!, in relation to the blade gaurd kicking the off cut, the guy where I purchased advised me to wait until the blade break comes on and then you can lift the blade without risk of projectiles haha!, love your vids btw. Keep up the good work
Love my Kapex. Bought it for doing all the detail work around the house during a full renovation. With the Midi dust collector it's superb.
Hands down best miter saw I’ve used not for raw power but for all the reasons you mentioned. The weight and tight profile and easy of bevel, etc... got mine in 2012 and still loving it
I had my festool kapex for about a week when it fell out of the tool trailer going round a corner. Picked it up, went to site, checked it for square and started cutting never had a problem with it. Great saw for the last three years.
I watched sooo many reviews of this saw as I was looking to buy one. I think the main gripe for most reviewers was the trigger position, and it nearly put me off buying it. However I bit the bullet and bought one... And I'm so glad I did! The trigger position does take a little getting used to, but after a while it's fine, don't let it be the decision maker! It's the best saw I've ever owned albeit a little pricey but hey I wanted to treat myself. 👍
Loved the 10 minute video. I really like the Kapex saw as well - I hope you enjoy your time with it.
Love the video. I love my kapex too! I found that the dewalt clips actually fit right on the kapex without any plywood, the holes lined up and I was able to bolt it strait on. I also use the “best fence” system from fast cap. It integrates perfectly with the dewalt stand and kapex.
Great work again mate! We just finished our renovation too and love watching your videos for inspiration
You made the right choice have had mine for 5 years and never looked back. The bisecting tool with the laser seams gimicy at first glance but after using it on funny angles in Reno work and such it is frigging awsome. I keep it in my truck and only use it for fine finish work and definitely don’t let a dull apprentice at it. You definitely should of giving the stand with the wheel and telescopic arms a chance I love mine. The telescopic arms give you really accurate stops so make really accurate repeatability easy
Would love to see an after video of this job. When paint is done. I know you are usually on to the next job by then and owners are hard to lock down when some of their stuff is in there but I think it would be good viewing. Thanks for the great content Scott.
I’ve never seen Scott complain about being tired and he did it twice, cheers to resting up!
There's 2 holes in the base (that capture a M8 bolt head) for attaching it to a MFT type top - bolts go through the top and then down through the top and secured from underneath. I use those to attach it to a board with the DeWalt brackets bolted to it. It means you're free to take it off the mounting board and use it on flat surfaces with systainers as supports if needed.
Love Festool. I only use fessy’s for finishing, they’re expensive for sure but the dust extraction is amazing and the quality and precision is second to none.
Scott, I use the Dewalt stand with my Kapex. I laminated two 1\2" pieces of ply together to make a more sturdy intermediate filler. I originally did a large piece as you did but then the saw was heavy again so I cut down to two pieces just a by larger than the Kapex foot and that works great bolts to through Kapex and Dewalt adapter. Easy to move on and off saw. Only drawback would be added height for space in your van.
I’ve had 3 “top-of-the-line” miter saws. My Kapex was my 3rd miter saw investment, about 10 years ago. I’ve made tens of thousands of cuts. I’ve tried several friend’s high quality saws too. I see no reason to replace my original Kapex. I really like the Festool blades. If tried a couple other premium blades and still came back to my Festool blades. I have a pair of the 60 tooth blades and send them to a very reparable blade service once a year. I also have an 80 tooth blade that’s never needed resharpening.
Thanks for putting this video together. I've never seen trim and skirting (what we call baseboard) out here in the states. It was cool to see that, too, in your video.
I like how the tubes are fixed forward and the mount slides on the tubes rather than the tubes being fixed to the saw and sliding with it. My old Ryobi (bought 2007, still going strong) needs a lot of room behind it.
Congratulations Scott! I can see that angle divider coming quite handy the next time you do ply on a ceiling. 😉
I see where this is going. Went from Dewalt vacuum too Festool. Replaced Dewalt Miter with a Festool. I can see him replacing the Makita Track Saw and the impact driver he was testing at that store. Came back after researching dust extractors for home.
I've the dewalt about 10yr old.....would love the kapex....class episode as always scott......
Also I use the Bosch miter saw stand with my kapex and it works great. No modifications needed other than drilling a hole for the locking feet brackets to mount to the saw.
Good choice, had mine since it came out. Great saw and very accurate.
I bought the Kapex 60 Scott and think it’s fantastic. I know you said you aren’t a fan of the stand, this isn’t a justification of it but I only work with one arm and it is so easy for my to assemble and disassemble with the extendable side wings😀. Super accurate too, very happy with the investment 👍😀
HAH!, I had just ordered mine, stand, wings and all, not delivered till January, now i can't wait cause of you! I think we actually bought the same saw on the same day. Thanks for great videos!
Looking forward to seeing it in extended use. Certainly looks worth the price. The double length top casing on the two adjacent doors was an interesting way to maintain the distinctive appearance.
Well, all I can say is your video editing skills are way way up there. Really enjoy your channel already a Subscriber, keep up the great work.
Holy shit Scott! Perfect editing so far. I'm following right along with you, scene cuts are spot on, not to mention, maybe one day I'll have a Kapex. Peter, fellow tradie
Bench recommendation is the Rigid Flip tops.They dont spit your left overs like rollers can at times. Super rugged,really compact. I use them more often like saw horses and really load them up.
Nice job on the renovation!
HEY, MATE! It's good to see you again.
I bought one with the stand, love it, pleasure to use, especially the portability with the stand
Another great video SBC
Awesome review Scott.
Hi Scott, we use the kapex on our Dewalt stands. Dewalt sell a set of longer brackets than youre using. Keep up the great videos..
That’s it, your hooked, I can see a cameron style van kitted out with festool this time next year!!! 😂 But in all seriousness, it’s a disease, once you start buying it you then talk yourself in to needing more! And believe me, after speaking to myself for the same reasons I’m right, it’s all good and I need it all, now I just need to talk to my bank account and convince him! 😂😂😂
Cutting pine and the sappy sawdust will build up on the blade guard and block out the laser or lasers. I thought my laser died until I removed and cleaned the blade guard. I have had mine since they first came out and I absolutely love it.
Festool - Painful pricing but amazing quality and performance. Never regretted any purchases.
Keep up the good work scott
Keep up the good work. My suggestion for attaching the saw to the stand would be to extend the Dewalt brackets with a long strip of aluminium and attach the Kapex to that.
For a working pro trim guy/ home renovator, I LOVE my Kapex!!
Give us atour of the finished house as it looks amazing
I'm sure Cameron will help you with the things that bug you with it. Congrats on an awesome bit of kit
You won’t regret it .had mine for about 12 years.awesome saw
I like how You use your makita tools to adapt your deWalt stand to fit Your festool...
Ha! There was a lot of blue tools working, to make the green tool work properly.
@@scottbennington2936 only for the green tool to finish the job off. Those green ones go well too
Yep .. he'll got to hell for that I'm sure!
The Kapex and Dewalt stand is a great combo! Chears from Belgium !
I don’t know what I’m more impressed with, Festool Kapex or the fact that the baseboard is real wood.
Less shrinkage and warping with MDF me thinks.
@@cmmartti Yeah, MDF just loves water - thirsty it be, and it swells up just lovely. And dries out still all swollen. MDF is basically cardboard. Horrible stuff. MDF are for the lazy who just want it cheap and easy.
@@1414141x MDF is a bit more sensitive yeah. Often it's laminated to help against the water stuff and make it a bit more resistant, but then you can't really fix it once it gets dinged up, like by a chair or something. With wood you can just paint it again, but you can't properly paint over laminate without that part catching your eye. But still, what he said is true. Wood will warp, MDF won't. If you got an application where it's more important that it's really straight and stays that way rather than standing up to wear, you should use MDF.
Thanks Scott! Just ordered one for myself. :)
Loving your content scott .my nephews are carpenters too .such a good calm laid back presenter you are ..im building a holiday batch / house and my nephew is helping me but your building tips are priceless ..one thing my dutch nephew said was ..working for building company where quotas have to be met sees your quality standards drop ..would that be true ? Keep up the excellent vids scott ..hi paerau
Nice saw Scott. I made a 800 x 2400mm version of the paulk bench and cut a space out for my dewalt chop saw. It gives me 1200mm each side of the blade, 1800mm on the left when i have the tablesaw on. Works for me anyway.
I have the UG system and really like it. That square comes in handy all the time when your apartment building is from 1885 😉. I'm on my 2nd Kapex (had my first stolen) and never looked back.
That baseboard profile is very elegant and clean.
One trick I learned ist that the small festool sustainers are the same height as the saw base, this comes in handy as long as you dont have an saw stand but have to cut long pieces. Greetings from an german carpenter
Good stuff. Besides- you have my taste in music! The #1 or a top reason you bought this saw is the #1 reason Im considering buying it. THE WIEGHT! I own Dewalt's 12" and Makita's cordless 10" but they are both getting sold to get the Festool simply because I want the lighter easier to set up saw because Im 73 and been doing this since I was 14. My last 10 years will be using the best.
That 1 dislike on the video came from Scott's wallet probably
HA!!
it's still going. 31. poor wallet. i absolutely loved festool crap, it was amazing to me how one machine could be so precise and versatile.
@@ignacymat Festool bites hard at the wallet, but they make the tools that are most likely to make me smile while I'm using them.
I'VE been using the small makita 18v mitersaw for years now, holding up Great, been hard on it too, cuts like 👌 definately recommend the small one!
After listening to your POV on the Kpex, I might get one eventually.... As the main thing for me, is that handle. Just hated using that style in shop class, & never got used to it; but, did like your thoughts on why you like it.....make a valid point! Glad ya like, & can’t wait to see some more✌🏼
Hi Scott, nothing like having a new toy to 'play' with, keep safe and well, best regards from a ChCh boy living in Melbourne
Scott to get the festool saw to fit onto the dewalt stand you could use a piece of metal unistrut 41x21 it has holes in it for both the stand and the saw which I'm sure will line up. Haven't tried it with this saw but with a makita saved me purchasing a new set of stand brackets.
Frig dude...one more tip for yah. With my kapex I slit the rubber dust extraction boot vertically with like 8 or 9 slits. When released they hold their shape and still guide the exhaust of dust AND it flips and pops over the fence w no interference.
The rubber dust deflector is easily removed and replaced. The guard hitting you small scraps is avoided by leaving the saw in the down position until the blade stops and you move the pieces. FWIW the Festool stand and out riggers work very well and makes moving around the job site easy.
Scott, I have been using power miter boxes since 1979. I found the Kapex to be the best so far. Owning this saw since 2010, I have found that the saw plugged directly to an outlet, motor is stronger, vac outlet says good for 2 amps, this saw draws 11 amps under no load. Add blue tooth to the vac if your vac allows so you can plug saw in directly into wall outlet if possible. Increase hose size to 36mm. I cut about 90% of the little vents out of the front of the blade guard, now with laser on, head up, I can see two solid red laser lines on the stock to be cut. Hand position over blade makes for almost no deflection. Have fun with the saw, makes trim work simple...
My Festool CTL MIDI has socket outlet rated for 2400W, while this saw is only rated at 1600W.
Please measure the draw as that sounds improbable.
Scott the miter Finder tool can be purchased under a different brand name, Bora 530401, I found that to be my go to tool for miters
I have just purchased a KS120, after years of Dewalt and Makita mitre saws. Got a blinder of deal with VAT free so not so bad on my pocket. Used a mates ks60 and was solidly the accuracy and usability. The handle is a bit of getting used to but thats by the by.
Highly recommend buying a stand to go with. Makes it even more accurate.
Plus the cut hub... Ultimate set up!
Hi I’m using kapex over 6 years my is 110v I love it absolutely and I love kapex stand it’s perfect for setting saw in a solid surfaces, for outside work and rough ground surface I’m using dewalt stand the saw fitts perfectly on dewalt long bracket ( yeah there is two types of brackets for stand ) after my experience I can’t say bad word it’s a perfect accurate saw the only thing is a motor that burn 3 times but that is common issue in uk with 110v kapex saw the good think is that festool repair service it’s extremely quick and they sending their back own courier with a box design for transport Overal I’m very happy with all my festool tools. And I was like you trying all brand that way I learned what’s best
you can get longer brackets for the dewalt stand part number DE7030-XJ there about 550mm long so should work with the Kapex
Hi Scott, I love watching your channel and what is your favourite makita tool thanks
The dust boot can also be flipped up with out removing it from the kapex and it gives you another inch or so without catching
Was really looking forward to this video as I'm in the market for the kapex ... if it's good enough for scott then im having one
That is some serious baseboard. Scribing it to the floor is great as long as they don't replace the flooring. Matching smaller shoe might have been nice. I miss that double laser line my Delta saw had it, now I have a Hitachi and the single line isn't as nice. Love you videos keep them coming
I have the kapex fitted to the dewalt stand had to make the holes bigger with a drill bit to fit the bolts but works fine
Scott, please would you consider doing a step by step Video on how you do your costing/ estimations for your jobs. What programs or formulas do you use to determine the final price of the jobs?
Nice saw! I would appreciate seeing video of that thing you described where it slingshot the cut-off piece. Sounds like a relative to the tablesaw kickback...not good!
Never had issues with the dust flap hitting the fence? Doesn't sliding the fence further out help if it would it? And have you considered the 'trim wings' ? also, the base is equally high as a sys-1 systainer ;)
Hey Mate love the vids, im a builder in aus just wondering would you be using this for framing and general building work? Just curious cause im not a fan of the other brand saw due to everything being very bulky and heavy, and the new models of saw just seem to be getting cheaply made.
I remember when I first heard about Festool my thought was "wow that is way way too expensive" so I went another decade without ever buying anything Festool. Recently purchased the track saw, dust extractor and a sander because I did particularly well on a few jobs and had the extra money to spend....all I can say is I wish I would have bought in to this brand years and years ago, all the ways it could have saved me time and frustration would be innumerable , I have no bought THIS saw just yet but am considering it. If it is anything as good as the track saw then it is worth every penny.The thing I love most about the track saw is I can break down sheet goods safely and accurately on a job site. at home I have a full size table saw with a table built around large enough to accommodate cutting full sheets but even in that case I am finding I like the track saw better at least for the basic breaking down of the sheet into more easily handled pieces.it is very quiet and even if you only use the bag it comes with instead of a dust extractor it is nearly dust free.I really really love it.
I just let the rubber hood catch and pull, it stays on. Just replaced my 12” dewalt for the Kapex for high end custom cabinet install after 7 years and the second you use the Kapex bevel you don’t miss the 12” blade. You would definitely appreciate the saw better with the stand.
I had a choice between the Festool and Bosch. I chose the Bosch because it was substantially less expensive and didn’t have that weird unnatural handle angle. It has all the features of the Festool and is incredibly accurate in all directions.
Great over sight, random question but what did you spray on the edge of the skirting when glueing, activator?🤔
Scott totally agree with you about the Kapex stand i am also lookin at upgrading from the Dewalt 12" and I am looking forward to seeing your solution for fitting the Kapex to the DeWalt stand which is rock solid. Did you buy the wings as well as I'm sure these could be supported by the arms on the DeWalt Stand. Look forward to your response
Fantastic saw! I like my dewalt dw717xps too much to justify getting the kapex. Enoy the new saw Scott 👌👌
When I bought my kapex I used 3/4 MDF and used my dewalt stand ,the only problem was the ug extension didn’t work so I cut three inches off the stand legs and now they both work perfect. And fit in my van better than a kapex stand.
hi go scott having fun is a good thing
You’re already using a Paulk style workbench. He uses the Kapex and has a new Smart Total Station that has two different length supports for longer and shorter skirting.
Nice saw. Any chance we could have a recap ‘before and after’ on this renovation, Scott? (I’ve enjoyed it too, 🙏🏼)
Absolutely
Wow I never seen a base molding that big. I just bought my base molding for my house to give it a better looking but man those molding are huge. I love to learn from everyone and I am curious what mayor hardware stores you guys have to buy all the main brands power tools there. Here in EEUU my second house is HomeDepot and the other one that I love after that one is Farm&Fleet!!
Not a big fan of how much festool costs but man they make some nice tools. When i seen that angle adjustment i was in aww. Also great video as always.
@ScottBrown the DeWalt DE7030XJ might allow you to use the DeWalt stand. These are the larger brackets (Deeper from front to back)
Tip for running skirting when you have to scribe it put a 5* bevel on it without taking off any width, less material to remove
Interesting header assembly over the doors.
The rubber hood folds back on itself to help with mitre cuts :)
I like the dewalt 12" miter saw.
I hated the safety switch on the one Festool I used. I like my 12" 36v Makita.
Hey man, a couple tips from a long time Kapex user: Zip Ties. I zip tie the detent override and the blade guard. I'm some one who almost never has to make perfect 0's or 45's. Most of my work as is done in fractions of angles and having to over come 4 detents and then possibly stepping in to one when I'm trying to cut 44.5 or some thing really pisses me off. Zip tie the Blade guard for obvious reasons. Safety first and all that but I honestly feel that some times that blade guard is unsafe. If you have any OSHA types (or equivalent) drop by you just cut the zip and you're compliant again. I guess since you film yourself all the time that might not be a good idea. Buy a zero clearance insert. I paid like 20usd for mine and it really helps with losing tiny cuts and not getting a bunch of build up down below. Some day your blade will bite in to some thing in there and you will just have to replace it any way. Just so you know, the motors on the Kapex have always been crap. I've personally burnt through 4 saws. Most of the time it happens around the 1 year mark for me. I've taken to buying the saw, getting it repaired (under warranty) and then using it until the warranty is about up. Then I sell that saw and buy a new one. They have "fixed" the motor issue multiple times over the years but I am still skeptical. This newer generation seems to have actually fixed the problem so far. I've had mine since summer of 2019 and its still making dust, so fingers crossed. I hope you remained happy with your purchase. Like I said, I've burned up 4 of these bad boys and keep buying them because the are the best. The accuracy is unapparelled. The features are incredibly well thought out. The weight is best in class.
Hi Scott, great fan of your channel. Maybe you can help me with some advice: I have some money to spend on either a mitter saw (sliding preferably) or a portable table saw, for interior work ie kitchen and bathroom cabinets, maybe some furniture. What would you recommend buying first? Keep up with your exciting episodes, cheers from Argentina!
I have the Kapex 120 in the shed, that's where it'll stay, it is a nice saw, accuracy, blade change & angle adjustment are good but i suspect on site it'll get trashed, it is bulky, i had to use aluminium duct tape to pack out & stop the fence from moving & it doesn't cut 100mm posts, , my old Dewalt lasted 20+yrs on site so that's what i have for carrying in the van 👍 Enjoy your toy 👍