Festool's iconic Kapex KS 120 miter saw has been updated with several improvements. (Go to the bottom of this description for a summary of the improvements.)
The Kapex was the first miter saw with MMC electronics-driven variable speed, which lets you match the speed of the blade with the special requirements of the material you're cutting (so wood is just the beginning).
The saw has a base of a super-light magnesium alloy with deep ribbing, an integrated blade trough and rubber feet, so it's designed to be lightweight but also remarkably stable, resistant to slippage and protective of the blade. The new version has integrated sliding table extensions that provide even greater work surface area for material support. The new base is still compatible with existing Kapex accessories including the Kapex Crown Stops, UG, and UG Extensions.
As with all Festool tools, the Kapex has outstanding dust extraction - it's designed to capture 91% of the saw dust when used with a CT dust extractor. Your work piece, your eyes and your lungs will all thank you. The bayonet-style dust port allows a positive connection with the latest generation of Cleantec hoses for superior dust collection. The saw’s motor structure has been improved for longer increase service life.
Some other great features of this innovative and precise saw: the Kapex's dual laser marking system accurately defines the cut area for precise cut placements. The lasers are adjustable if need be and project through slots in the blade guard so that you can see the guides before you turn on the saw without moving the guard out of the way.
Festool knows that a big use of compound miter saws is, well, compound miter sawing! So Festool has included a clever angle transfer device that can copy and angle directly from the wall, and allow you to transfer the setting directly to the saw. No more complex angle calculations required! The Kapex also has available a crown stop and base extension that will make cutting molding much simpler and faster. It has the cutting capacity of a 12" unit in a 10" miter saw design, and is capable of cutting trim molding almost 4 3/4"(120 mm) tall in the special cutting position and hardwoods greater than 3" thick. It can cut miters from 50° (left) to 60° (right).
The celebrated FastFix blade change system lets you change blades very rapidly in just a few simple steps. It's easy to make fine bevel adjustments, with the tool's upfront controls, coupled with a counter-spring mechanism, for precise bevel placement. You will get more accurate, smoother cuts than ever before. The Kapex can even be placed against a wall for all cutting tasks because of its rail-forward design. Of course, like all Festool tools, it's designed to transport easily to the jobsite and integrate into all Festool multi-function tables.
In another example of the well thought-out Festool design, the distance between the cutting table and the bottom of the Kapex is exactly the height of a Systainer 1, so you can put a couple of Systainers on the floor and use them as bed extenders. However we think most Kapex users will also be interested in the Kapex Multifunction table, which is 34-7/32" x 22-7/8" and exactly a Systainer 1 shorter than the new MFT3 tables so that you can use your regular MFT/3 tables as outboard supports. The Kapex table folds up like the regular MFT3 table, but does not come with a separate fence or miter attachment. The Kapex table is drilled for hold-downs and accessories just like the regular MFT3 Table (not included). You can get the clamping kit (see below) to clamp your Kapex to the table but the Kapex rubber feet also fit into the holes in the table top.
With the MFT table you can get extensions to turn the Kapex into a regular shop chop saw with cutting stops, and rails to support the wood. The entire set up is pretty portable and comes apart very easily.
The UG-Kapex Mobile Cutting Station increases portability and functionality on the jobsite or in the workshop. Equipped with large wheels, the UG easily navigates your work area, and breaks down quickly and easily for transport. All you do is unbolt the two extension rails, fold the cart up with the Kapex still in place, and you are ready to roll away. The two expandable extensions allow for large stock support and provide plenty of surface area with integrated flip stops and scale.
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Specifications:
Power Consumption | 1600 Watts |
Speed | 1,400-3,400 RPM |
Cutting Depth 90°/ 90° | 12" x 3-1/2" |
Left/Right Cutting Depth 45°/ 90° | 8 15/32" x 3-1/2" |
Left Cutting Depth 45°/ 45° | 8 15/32" x 2-1/8" |
Right Cutting Depth 45°/ 45° | 8 15/32" x 1-3/8" |
Special Cutting Depth | 4-23/32 x 3/4" |
Crown Nested Capacity | 6-5/8" |
Max Bevel | 47°/ 47° |
Miter Range | 50°/ 60° |
Dimensions (W x D x H) | 28" x 19 3/4" x 18 1/2" |
Dust Port | 27/36mm |
Weight | 47 lbs. |
MFT/3 Kapex Table Weight | 42 lbs. |
Summary of 2019 improvements:
A new base with integrated sliding table extensions that provide even greater work surface area for material support. The new base is still compatible with existing Kapex accessories including the Kapex Crown Stops, UG, and UG Extensions.
The bayonet-style dust port allows a positive connection with the latest generation of Cleantec hoses for superior dust collection.
The saw’s motor structure has been improved for longer increase service life.
Package includes: Kapex Saw, HW Universal 60 tooth blade (#495388), MiterFast Angle Transfer Device (# 494370). Hold Down Clamp (#494391) and a wrench.
"No other miter saw has the cachet to be known by a singular appellation like the Kapex, and now the next generation of this venerable saw has arrived. But beyond any snob appeal, the Kapex has a well-deserved reputation as an accurate and easy-to-use saw with great dust collection. Legacy features include the up-front, micro-adjust-able bevel angle adjustment knob and dual lasers that define both sides of the blade’s kerf. New features on this latest model add extendable material supports, an improved motor and optional crown molding supports and stops.” -- Popular Woodworking.
Selected as one of Popular Woodworking’s Best New Woodworking Tools of 2019