Must-see Tips For Mastering The Kapex Saw !!

Sedge walks us through some of the key features and benefits of the Festool KAPEX sliding compound miter saw. Features covered include the laser, bevel adjustment and even some maintenance.
Be positive and stay sharp!
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SedgeTool is all about woodworking and having a great time doing it. SedgeTool is Brian “Sedge” Sedgeley who brings 30 years of woodworking experience and tons of energy to the team. Chris "cameraman" Seibert who films it all! If you want to have a good time and learn something about woodworking, then you’ve come to the right place.
All views and opinions expressed during SedgeTool are explicitly those of SedgeTool. They are not intended to represent any claims, value statements, or opinions of any of the tools, brands, subsidiaries, or parent companies of brands referenced, visible, or mentioned on the show. The SedgeTool team is here for entertainment and educational purposes only. SedgeTool is not a replacement for proper training or safety guidelines as outlined by the manufacturer's owner’s manuals.
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[@BW-cw4lq]

Once again I learn a lot of stuff I did not know about the Kapex. I learn additional places to lube when doing maintenance. Most important I learned the green knob for 0, 45 and 47 degrees. That was great! Thank you. To quote two great educators “ be positive, stay sharp”. I can not wait until we learn how to align the laser.

[@sedgetool]

Thanks Blake

[@conditionsunknown9384]

Sedge is the man !!! He is very funny and makes his videos fun to watch BUT he is also very smart and informative about his videos . He is very knowledgeable and I could sit and watch his stuff all day ! God bless you my brother and I am a fan for life !! Take care

[@sedgetool]

Wicked !!!! Thank you VERY much !!!!!!

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

These tips also apply to other brands as well. I have a DeWalt 12in chop saw that is basically the same without the sliding rails. I have hold downs for it and I can use these tips to make my saw that much safer and more usable. Thanks!!

[@sedgetool]

Thanks for watching and always sharing your advice......

[@SimpleWoodShop]

Love watching the slow transformation of Big D into a Mini Sedge. Got the shirt, pouch, and positive winning attitude. Keep it up.

[@sedgetool]

Right on! Thanks Matt !!!!!!!!!

[@stephenbozzone1116]

Mini? Big D is a bit taller 🤓

[@okpail]

Good explanation why you need to cut and let the saw stop. First time that I see explained why that is a good practice...

[@sedgetool]

cool..Thanks for watching....

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Got my Kapex on Friday. Love it! Definitely ready to get my miter station built now for repeatable cuts. Can’t wait to get a stop system in place. And to try out some miters. I tend to avoid them. But excited to put the Kapex to the test.

[@sedgetool]

Wicked cool Angie !!!!

[@andrewhricovsky2633]

great viedo thank you for Maintenance tips

[@sedgetool]

You bet

[@kevinwilkinson4233]

Great Video,great tip on that lense cleaning, didn’t know that owned mine for 6 years now, Love my Kapex . Can’t wait to see laser alignment

[@sedgetool]

Thanks! 👍

[@BoxcarJerry]

Good tips guys, I didn't know about the lens tip.👍

[@sedgetool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nedcoburn6421]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@sedgetool]

Glad you liked it!

[@pieces94]

The Kapex is certainly expensive but one of the things I really like are those hold down clamps. They are so convenient to use that I actually find myself using them. I bought a second one for the other side of the saw and really like that clamp.

[@sedgetool]

I believe the Kapex is worth every penny...and yes I bought mine !!!!

[@michaelpayne8102]

Great tips keep em coming. :)

[@sedgetool]

Thanks, will do!

[@hagpound]

Sedge - enjoying your videos. You're a great instructor! Your voice and teaching reminds me of Norm Abram of This Old House. Quality stuff... Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@sedgetool]

Wicked....thank you for the compliment ... I learned a lot in the beginning watching New Yankee Workshop and then to work with Norm on a few projects it was quite an honor. I have learned sooooooo much from him . Thank you so much. You made my day !!!

[@CarstenDittrich2014]

Always very informative. Thank you. Could you perhaps show how to test / calibrate the saw to 90 and 45 (both bevel and miter etc) - I think mine may be off...

[@sedgetool]

Great suggestion!

[@edehrenwlad1408]

Thanks for the review. We need a laser adjustment video pls. Thanks again

[@sedgetool]

Noted!

[@jason-hh6lu]

I’ve added some lube to the small roller wheel that touches the clear plastic blade guide. Sometimes that grips too and gets pitch build up. 👍🏻

[@sedgetool]

great tip !!!

[@PGore9894]

Awesome overview of some of the trickier items. One particular issue I am having happens when I am cutting compound cuts that are thin. They tend to get pulled up into the shroud. I have made a point to angle the cut so that the off cut is at the problem and doesn’t dance around on top of the blade, but I still periodically have them get picked up. Also I am leaving the blade down until it stops….per your excellent advice. Any thoughts on this problem? Thanks for all the info!

[@sedgetool]

I have never tried it but someone told me that they slow the saw speed down to avoid this...

[@BrundonC]

After a new jointer, and the Festool router, this is high on my list. As I don’t do finish work, this isn’t a need, but damn I want one. Brandon - 1915 woodworks

[@sedgetool]

It is totally worth it ........

[@user-zp3mh6vk4s]

Very good video, thanks. If poosible make the video, how to calibrate the Kapex.

[@sedgetool]

Noted

[@farmhouselovingmama1996]

Great tips. Will the clamp work with the Kapex 60? Thanks

[@sedgetool]

I do not think so

[@markthorsen3467]

Great video as always! Out of the box my Kapex helped take my woodcraft to a higher level and it was worth every penny. Then I bought the TENRYU MITER PRO PLUS 260MM 80T MITER SAW BLADE. Oh my god, that blade with the Kapex is so good it is scary!

[@sedgetool]

Sounds great Mark...... When I had a Hitachi slide many moons ago I put a Tenyru blade on it....

[@kevinwillingham172]

Hyper focused when Serious Sedge was speaking. I think I forgot to blink.

[@sedgetool]

Thanks Kevin !!!

[@clintoncox3887]

Sedge! Love the content and want to pull the trigger on a Kapex, but the only thing I am wary about is the noise level. I live in an apartment currently and use the cheapest cordless craftsman miter saw because it’s the quietest I’ve found so far and do all my cuts in the early afternoon to do my best not to disturb my neighbors. Could you do a decibel test on the kapex? I would love to compare the decibel level to my current saw.

[@sedgetool]

Noted!

[@robhackett3]

Sedge you used a dust extractor hose in one of your videos that had an end that fit over the kapex instead of inside it. I’ve asked my local dealer about that to no avail. Can you advise? That would be handy in other applications as well to keep the hose from getting clogged. Thank you!

[@sedgetool]

yep..it is a 36mm hose Anti-Static (green) ....

[@bradb8292]

I can't seem to find much difference other than some comments about the motor in the EB as opposed to the updated model, the KS 120 REB. My local store has an EB floating around, but I'm hesitant to buy a it, missing some parts (angle finder) etc. The few videos I did find didn't seem to offer much comparison at least for here in the states. Thanks!

[@sedgetool]

upgrades inside and a better dust port

[@williamcooper5009]

Just bought second Kapex. Shocker that it’s out of calibration. Just received my older Kapex via UPS that was sent to Indiana to be calibrated. Just tested it. It’s out of calibration. I’m running out of reasons to stay with Festool. Returning Kapex tomorrow to exchange for another new one. It too will be out of calibration. I’ll return to comment. Festool will be Fein soon if they keep this up, sad to say. Otherwise, Sedge…..great vid. Love all your vids.

[@sedgetool]

sorry to hear that....

[@williamcooper5009]

@@sedgetool I love Festool and will stick with them, mostly. I just wish this would not happen!

[@stevengilmartin6434]

Always enjoy your tutoring. Thank you. Right now I need a Big D tutorial. Got to move my Kapex miter saw and Mobil cart. How in the world do I get the extensions back in the transport holders? Please save me!

[@sedgetool]

will do a video soon on the transport holders...

[@stevengilmartin6434]

@@sedgetool Thank you.

[@cchelemen5517]

Great stuff. Green pen holder. Where do you get that?

[@sedgetool]

I bought it at Staples office supply

[@jasonhagen]

@SedgeTool where did you get that green pencil holder?

[@sedgetool]

Staples office supply

[@markjarman7819]

Moving from a dewalt flexvolt into the kapex I found it to be a great machine. I love mine. For sure it cuts true out of the box. They cost a load of money so why not look after them. All my tools are cleaned regularly. I’m loving the festool tools here in the uk.

[@sedgetool]

Right on.... I have always taken good care of my tools ....... they made me money !!!

[@josephkelley9161]

What would make my kapex not have great dust collection. I use a midi with the separator. Dust collection works great on the battery kapex just not the larger one. Any ideas for me to look at???? It leave a crazy amount almost like it’s not even going in the shoot

[@sedgetool]

i would upgrade to a 36mm hose

[@guyhanaoka49]

Sedge, When is the Kapex 60corded or cordless coming to a USA?

[@sedgetool]

The KSC60 is coming I believe....I just don't know when.....

[@chrisjames3831]

I wish they had kept the hold down on the ks60. I know you can slide the clamps in, but they arent as quick and easy to use. Dont know why they removed it

[@sedgetool]

I really like the hold downs as well on the KS120..The best ones I have ever used !!!

[@bestyoutubernonegraternumber1]

Sedge! Help! What router bits are the best for doing dados for plywood builds? I am looking through all of your content and your festool content and I cannot find the information on which bits to use with the track or the edge guide or techniques for making dados that fit like the ones you make in the demos! I think I am overthinking it - I ordered a 3 pack of Whiteside undersized; shipping soon I think. Can you make a video or demo on processing dados? I have the domino now, too. But I still want to figure out making dados with of1400 and accessories!

[@sedgetool]

The Whiteside set you ordered should be fine...I have used them and they work great for Dados

[@bestyoutubernonegraternumber1]

@@sedgetool what about running the router? Do I just use the L pointer trick and do two passes? Thanks Sedge! You are the reason I took the plunge into Festool! No one else has anywhere near the information about the ins and outs of any tool brand like you provide us!

[@larksp]

Sometimes i forget that when mitre cutting. the tape measure (on kapex legs) is measuring the short part of the mitred wood (inside) or can be on the longer part and end up cutting one too short

[@sedgetool]

I always have to verify when cutting miters ......

[@peterholtman1532]

I want to add a zero clearance insert on my Kapex 120 and I am having a dog of a time determining what kind and size driver I need to remove the screws. Would you be able to tell me what I should be using?

[@sedgetool]

Torx #15

[@peterholtman1532]

@@sedgetool Thank you.

[@Omega782]

So that flap is the bevel lock? I just got a Kapex today and can’t figure out how to go to 45

[@sedgetool]

yep

[@warrensmith2902]

HIGH drool factor. Still love the dedicated Kapex table.

[@sedgetool]

Thanks Warren...

[@bobh64]

Is there a answer why the Kapex has a vertical handle verses a horizontal handle? Most people get turned off when testing the Kapex . Thanks.

[@sedgetool]

It is easier to use if left handed .... horizontal handles are always on the right side of the saw and very awkward to use left handed .......

[@w.robbgraham7684]

Even though I own the brand X (Bosch) sliding compound miter saw, I bought the Festool hold down. While you can probably buy a cheap compound miter saw for less than the cost of the Festool hold down, I don't think that anyone makes a miter saw hold down that is as quick and easy to use.

[@sedgetool]

Thanks Robb...... It is the best hold down I have ever used ....

[@synthdude7664]

Hey Sedge! I had a question I was hoping you could answer. Recently I had a project that required a lot of bevel cuts at 22.5. I was wondering why the Kapex did not have stops at the 22.5 for bevel or on the miter sections , any insight ? I just felt it was a bit cumbersome to make these 22.5 bevel cut wedges by dialling it in with my eye,

[@sedgetool]

I believe it is because bevel positive detents are a tremendous wear factor and do not hold up accuracy over time... That is the reason the bevel scale is so large.

[@synthdude7664]

@@sedgetool thank you so much for your response!

[@synthdude7664]

@@sedgetool last question! This is just out of curiosity, I’ve noticed a lot of saws have 31.6 degrees in the mitre scale , why does Kapex have this not have this?

[@SamWanamaker1]

Hey sedge, any tips for squaring it? Just got one, and the blade doesn’t sit low enough below the throat plate for me to put a square against it without hitting the teeth. Having quite the time trying to square it. Thanks.

[@sedgetool]

will look into as video on how to square .....

[@SamWanamaker1]

@@sedgetool that’d be great. Came pretty good from factory, but needs a little tweaking.

[@carbb5760]

Where did the pencil holder on the side come from?

[@sedgetool]

Staples office supply

[@stephenbozzone1116]

Is there a rule of thumb for when to miter vs. bevel?

[@sedgetool]

hmmmmmm... I usually bevel on wider pieces.... never gave it much thought ...

[@uproarink]

Where should you use Dry Lube versus PG 2000?

[@sedgetool]

I use dry lube for the guide rails and to coat my blades after I clean them and PG 2000 on Kapex , domino and router rods

[@synthdude7664]

Hey Sedge! I got another question for you! I have been using my Kapex to cut MDF trims, wainscoting etc but over the weekend I was building a cabinet and trying to cut walnut that had pieces as thick as 2” and as thin as 3/8” and although I gauged the sound of the motor to ensure I wasn’t digging too hard , it always got bogged down, and always left burn marks. It’s the stock blade. I’ve had the unit for approx 6 months now. And the weirdest thing was on the 2” piece when I tried cutting it in multiple passes, ( using the clamp ) it not only burned it black, it also cut it sort of crooked. Is the stock blade not meant for cutting walnut ? 😅 please help brother man

[@sedgetool]

cutting MDF dulls the heck out of blades..... I ran into this when I was running MDF raised panels on my router table...I had a raised panel bit for MDF and 1 for hardwoods.....

[@synthdude7664]

@@sedgetool so the regular stock blade “universal” is good for hardwoods and you think I’ve dulled my blade because I cut MDF? I’m not sure I cut enough MDF or used the saw enough to dull the blades, is there anyway I can tell by looking at the blade teeth? I’m also concerned because when I cut the 2” thick walnut it couldn’t cut it straight, it was cutting it crooked, even though I had it properly clamped down and took multiple passes. It was like the blade was bending? What blade would you recommend getting for finish cuts on thick hardwoods? Ps, thank you so much for responding

[@jason-hh6lu]

Sedge please help. I’m cutting 100mm x 100mm timber posts and I’m having to cut, then spin the post 180 degrees to cut the last slither left on the back edge because the blade washer catches against the timber. Is there something I haven’t thought of?

[@sedgetool]

Possibly place a 1” sacrificial fence on fence ??? My thoughts without try it out ….

[@jason-hh6lu]

@@sedgetool thank you, I’ll try that. It was a rush order on a table and I was under pressure to get it finished quick. 😂👍🏻

[@sunnydays1238]

where can we buy that pencil holder from?

[@sedgetool]

I bought the pencil holder at Staples office supply

[@Tool-Meister]

I have a nasty scar and a permanent groove on my left index finger from a miter saw kickback, before I got my Kapex. Now I ALWAYS use the hold-down. I’d say the safety improvements alone were worth the costs. My Kapex was new in 2013! The saw was dumped down a flight of stairs by a helper. I was amazed that the accident didn’t, even change the calibration IN ANY WAY.

[@sedgetool]

My saw in the shop is a 2006..it has never lost it's calibration and I have moved it a lot for all the flooring I have done in the house ....

[@Tool-Meister]

@@sedgetool Just had an “ah ha”! I’m glad I have a Kapex and not a Rolex! Darn Rolexes just nag about the time, but Kapexes are the SOURCE of “a good time”!

[@tedmaxeffs]

most akward mitre saw i have ever used , as good as it is , that handle and switch , urgh

[@sedgetool]

OK

[@santoshrai1553]

Ripeyar is not pasbal

[@sedgetool]

OK

[@danahorton9841]

You know, you guys are the best. I've been away from my tools for a while due to a move and having to build a new shop but " ask and you will receive". Thank you so much for bringing me back up to speed on so many things. Festool ought to send bonuses monthly to you. d

[@sedgetool]

Glad to help

[@jgarehart89]

Sedge, where did you get the pencil holder you have attached to your kapex??

[@sedgetool]

Right Here amzn.to/3BomZNl

[@jasonkeiser1883]

Thanks for a great video. Where did the little pencil holder on the side of the saw come from? That's genius and I need one!

[@sedgetool]

Staples office supply