Review - Festool Kapex KS 120 EB after 4 years of use 

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As Festool is one of the few Brands who are still Building alomast everything in Germany I think the price is realy ok. I was so often disapointed by bosch in the last time, but never with Festool. Im not a professional and have to save a long time for the machines, but I have never regreted to buy one. But my Opinion to support local manufacturing is quite Strong. For wood Festool and for metal Fein:-) But I have to admit that Milwaukee makes some realy nice tools. Once I needed a special screw for a router template and called Festool. I was not sure that you can even get this screw but 2 days later I had it delivered together with a small part for my jigsaw, completely free of charge. With other companys you can't even get somebody to the Phone, Festool always has Swabian employees on the phone, thats the region where they are located in Germany. But I don't know how the support in the states is. Here brands like Veritas or Snapon are quite expensive. Greetings from Hamburg. Tim.

Great saw especially ru-vid.comUgkxxnKxcY0vm4xjW8xkPbjaHuKt10gr-wG_ considering how drastically cheaper it is than every other track saw on the market. Only things I would mention is replace the blade immediately, the 24 tooth blade supplied leaves a lot to be desired.

Defiantly the most accurate 10 inch saw that I ever used. I haul mine from job to job and it has always stayed square and true.

at the 53 second mark you gave 100% reason as to why you should buy this saw. I have it and love it, at the end of the day, you get precision . . . PRECISION!!!!! You get what you pay for, this is the perfect saw. Period

You covered everything that I had a question about! Well done, the best review I have seen so far.

Really enjoyed listening to your detailed review..... you didn’t send me to sleep. I’ve just bought one so it’s interesting to see what other tradesman think of it. WELL DONE👏👏👍👍

Love your content and your honesty in tool reviews

The only good reason I’ve been able to come up with to justify Festools prices, is that it’s the only tool company selling in North America whose manufacturing employees can afford a North American or european mortgage.

Thanks for the comprehensive review. I’m a diy’r and committed to excellence so Festool it is.

The depth stop is amazing on the kapex as well. So nice for creating precise large rabbets or dados for half lap joints!

I’ve had the Kapex now for almost 2 years, and watching your review was what made my decision to bite the bullet and buy it. By far the best saw there is, you can feel the quality as soon as you touch it. I as well do not like difficult triggers on saws and the Kapex trigger was very ackward, but I was able to completely fix it and make it much better by removing a small piece of plastic up in the Guard that stops the saw head from coming down with out the right trigger sequence. So now I can just bring the saw head down and use the trigger and the guard is still completely safe. Amazing Saw now!

"It's been four years and I friggin' hate it." Golden. Great video, thanks for sharing.

Another plus for the festool is with the foldable stand it has to be the lightest most portable saw on the market. We use it with the wings on our job sites. One person can easily load it in and out.

I've only watched a handful of your vids man but I love your style and reviews. Very honest and you approach tools in really clear fashion. Liked and subscribed! Can't wait for you m12 installation driver vs cxs vid.

I have been seriousely woodworking for 40+ years, and semi-pro since 1997 I retiered at 40 and needed to take up my time. I have had Festool tools since 2008. I appreciate your reviews coming from actual experience. I unfortunately see a lot of RU-vid videos with reviews of tools that were never used until the manufacturer sent one to be reviewed. I want to see reviews of people that have spent more tha a couple of minutes using the too. I have the Kapex and I also opted for the Festool stand and outriggers. This thing trans ports easily. While expensive, I am finding that my Festool tools are lasting 2~4 times lonmger than the competition. I have 3 Festool sanders, some are 10+ years old. I used to use the right angle PC ROS and the SpeedBloc. I wore out the PC SpeedBloc and replaced it. So far all of my Festool tools are still going strong.

Great review. Honesty and experience count for a lot.

Great review !!! Looks like a great saw.

Great review dude, very informative. I really want one now

Yeah, I love it. I got it with the stand. It makes it even more accurate. The handle is in the line of cut, not to the side like Dewalt and Milwaukee. This is coming from Milwaukee fan.

been using my kapex for about 2 years, a few things i find great that you didnt mention are the quick lock blade change system, also the clamp is 10x better than any of the other brands. totally right on the price ... its insane but .... having lived in germany and been around alot of festool, the support from festool and the fact these will keep on going for 20 years does make it a good long term investment over buying 2 or 3 makitas in that time!

I used this saw every day in a busy school workshop situation for three years. It’s worth every cent. Accuracy, build quality, lower operating noise, slow start, variable speed, dust collection efficiency and, yes....the laser. It was so good I purchased a second one for the adjacent workshop. Highly recommended. And, btw, the trigger never bothered me. Never even thought about it until I viewed videos like this one.

Best and honest review of this saw I have seen, so glad you didn't just say the trigger sucks so the saw sucks like so many other reviews. I work with these saws and I have used a bunch of saws, for me the trigger isn't a big deal, the dust control and accuracy are the major reason I would buy it, $1900 is a small price to pay to care for your health and you get to work with the best saw in the world. This is why I own a festool track saw and vacuum.

If you'd pay an extra dollar for every time your accuracy saved you five minutes of extra work, then paying $1500US for this saw will pay for itself in a month of real work. That's my calculation.

Great review - Thanks!

Great review Funny Carpenter! Not too long, but a lot of useful info.

Personally, I think it’s good value for money. I’ve had two... they never let me down. Ever. That saw has gotten me out of more head scratching moments than I care to remember. I do the little lift with the material also to get that little extra wide cut ☺️ Get a zero clearance insert. Or make one. Such a great little addition to the saw 👌🏼

I’ve had my KS120 for about 12 years and the only mechanical fault was the bevel lock, which was fixed by them. Yes it was a very expensive purchase but the fact I’ve had it in use for so long with hardly any down time negates the cost. I bought the OF2200 when it came out and my friend said he couldn’t justify the cost, yet within a few years he had to buy 3 different top of the range routers from other companies and I’m guessing he’s bought others since then. My router has never failed in any way (until I said that). As a side note I recently received a letter from Festool saying a fault has been identified on my batch of KS120’s and they are going to arrange to pick it up and replace parts (and replace the mains lead, which I think may be standard practice in the UK). The company’s ethics are unbeatable and after years of service I expect to take all my machines well into my retirement.

Own the saw for a few years and that "horrible" price goes to $100/yr (for me) to have one of the best saws I have ever used. I LOVE the laser. Finally, I have NEVER even thought that the dual trigger was bad, I always think of it as the best safety switch out of any of my tools in the shop.

Milwaukee mitre saw comes pretty close to Kapex in terms of features & quality. Had mine for 12 years. If money was no object I’d like to buy Kapex. Thanks for the awesome review 👏🏼

Great review! Thanks

Pro review. 10x. Maybe also mention that one can use this tool against the wall due to the special gliders design that glide towards the front not the back so it is also compact for the workshop.

Good honest review.

Thank you Sir.

I started out woodworking with Bosch ,the green stuff, and some by makita. Then one fine day , i tried to get a Big bookshelf for my Parents, in oakwood. I allmost gave up after 3rd or forth time the sawblade does not produce a straight Cut and the 45° Angles just had a Kind of radius in it despite me clamping everything Down like mad. Neighbour i talked to , had some Festools, he helped me cutting and sanding and finetuning, it was so easy i could' nt believe it at first. From that day on i started saving some money , and started buying Festools. Now more than 25 years later , i d never regreted that decision. Its absolutely true, Festool is more expansive than many other toolbrands, no lie.But, even if you're only take woodworking as a Hobby, it is worth every dammn single Pennie, plus in top you'd very seldom have to work twice cause your cuts are out of angle or line of any other dammn nuisance that come out of your Tools. Since that said day im hooked on Festools. 👍

Good video, very helpful.

I worked for a finish carpenter that had this saw and in my humble opinion this saw is the best one for finish carpenters because it adjusts SO EASILY. If I could afford it I would buy it but for now I'm stuck with my old Dewalt.

I love this review. I love what you hate because those two hates are the reason I DO NOT own this saw. Redundant switches drive me nuts and I believe for the most part they cause more injuries than they prevent. The primary reason I might eventually own one of these is the weight as compared to my Makita which is extremely heavy.. My 12" DeWalt is best for keeping the gaurd out of the way. I use stainless welding rod to hook it up out of my way.

I love the kapex, the lasers are actually awesome, especially for my eyes, the bevel is superb, I am used to the on switch combo now so don’t even think about it, but I thought the dust collection would be better quite frankly, so was disappointed with that, and I think the trenching does not go high enough and can give you varying results. Overall though I love the saw.

Lasor's for looses I'm guilty, but they are great for my old eyes. I still have two 15" Hitachi's and one Omga in the shop the Kapex by far is my favorite

I'm buying that damn miter saw! sometime soon, I need THAT FOR WORK.

Greate review, thanks! Be honest with you - I watched your video only for the question from end of the video :) I am just want starting working with wood, watched a lot of reviews on the many tools and specially on the Festool. I know, that it is not for beginners, but as a programmer, musician and man who really like what I do - I know that really good tool is a best investment. I tried to find compact analogs, but it is only Bosch GCM 12 GDL, but I really like Festool and Kapex. I am agree that it is overpriced, but it is built in Germany (Czech Republic, idk), on the Festool’s factory, with Festool’s parts and with, probably, a good service without any China or another Asia piece. I think that it worth that money. I really think that is the best saw, cause it have a lot features, amazing quality and perfect design. And it does not have analogs. So many men, so many minds. Thanks again. Cheers!

I used this and the Bosch (both for space saving), and they're both great. The Festool definitely better with dust collection, but cutting and easy of use, theyre pretty equal

That saw has so many great features but having to cut 5 1/4", or larger, base on the flat was the deal breaker. Get rid of the laser and install a light for a shadow line, it's way more accurate and never needs adjusting after a bumpy ride in the van. And agree with you about the trigger. I think my thumb is confused about not being able to move the guard out of the way, I can never get it cutting on the first try. For the price it should be a perfect saw.

I agree 👏

I'm considering the Kapex, so thankyou very much for posting this very detailed review. Like you, I like to sight or even touch the blade tooth to my pencil mark. And blade guards just get in the way, so I've always removed them. This appears to have a double whammy... in those two buttons which must be pressed just right. Have you looked into defeating that system at all... or even removing the blade guard?

Saved and bought it. For the most part very nice saw but there was a crack in the cast. I didn't notice until after the 30 day warranty however when Festool saw the pictures they offered to send me a new one once they are back in stock or a refund. Excellent service...but no saw in the shop. Might get a cheap non sliding saw for better accuracy but might try the Milwaukee seems pretty sturdy and didn't seem to have a lot of deflection.

Thanks!

I am heavy into Festool. They made the first track saw I am aware of and I invested in the whole enchilada. Their cordless drills in the NiCad era were the best made. I am still using them on the second battery cell replacement. The Kapex was a consideration until Makita introduced the 1019L and at 1/2 the price it is a close second in quality and everything in functionality ...

You can even improve the dust collection by using a 36mm hose on the vac which means more airflow 😎. Appreciate the video👍

Great vid, I think I still want one... you remind me of Will Forte lol

The warranty… That is insane.👍😳 It cost alot, but if you use it as pro its worth every dime…

Excellent video. Looking at festool and it’s everything I’ve been dreaming about ceptin behold, the price. A serious deliberation. Question; is Festool available directly from Festool. The only retailers I’ve located substantially mark up the base price.

I own quite a few pieces of Festool tools and have been eyeing this saw for a while now, but as you said. The price is a bit ridiculous indeed though.

I would have liked to have seen a review of the trenching adjustment/feature on this saw. A lot of people use this feature on their bevel cross cut saws and it would have been a useful inclusion. Otherwise a sound review, I am sure in the UK we get free insurance if we have registered the saw in the case of theft.

😂 Ok. That trick with lifting the piece to get a longer cut. We had a big old 14” Dewalt radial arm saw. A wonderful beast. There was a purpose built “sled” for it so we could cut 19” glue-ups. Used to scare the crap out of the new kids. Ahhhh, the good old days.

Warren buffet says “price is what you pay, value is what you get”. So funny you say it’s terrible value after you spend 10 minutes espousing all of the valuable features of the saw!

No review of the Kapex is complete with mention of the Kapex hold-down system. For my use, it’s THE BEST feature of many best-in-class features the Kapex has! I gave up my Hitachi 12 digital readout mitre saw to get my Kapex in 2011. Not sorry! I’m a value guy. I totally disagree about the value. My son-in-law has the top off the line Makita and my best friend has the Bosch Glide. We’ve spent a great deal of time in each others’ shops. All three of us vote the Kapex AND its blade best. I’m still using my original Kapex blade! Having it sharpened only once since 2011. I purchased a spare blade when it was new. It’s still sitting unopened in my shop. That first blade has made THOUSANDS of cuts including pressure treated, cedar decking, framing lumber, laminate flooring, and many species of hardwood, dominated by white oak. Still cuts clean and smooth. Now THAT’S 12 years of value! Didn’t get all that with either my Hitachi or Dewalt, both of which came with crappy blade.

Very well done video. Building furniture, I really need the accuracy, so I think I’ll be biting the bullet and paying the premium. One thing you didn’t mention was blades. Do you use standard blades on it, or does it have to be festool?

When we bought this, I thought the trigger would be a constant pain also but it really hasn’t been even a thought after the first few cuts. We use this saw to trim out entire houses while moving room to room with it (we use the full stand and extensions). This week alone we probably made 1500-2000 cuts on this and I don’t think the trigger even once stalled me or my guys. We do keep and use the Dewalt 12” Compound Mitre for pressure treated and thin steel which seems a good task for it as it just feels like it has more raw power for these type of cuts over the Festool. But the Festool destroys the Dewalt in the precision category.

I'm not sure if this has been suggested, but it's possible that the awkward design of the trigger mechanism was intentional. The idea could be to make operators pause and think, a mental check-in of sorts, before pulling the trigger. This extra moment of awareness could reduce accidental usage, enhancing safety overall.

OMGA or bust for me buddy, now that has dust extraction. Might not work for everyone though. . Don't miss my 120 in the slightest in the workshop. I do have a 60 for site work though.

This test is only if you want to saw with precision, with a miter saw.(test is not intended for rough and hard work). Tips and Test: Very important if you would like to saw with precision. (avoid torsion as much as possible)! Always choose a Miter saw with a handle positioned in a VERTICAL line above the saw blade. Everything must be aligned, slide rails, handle, and saw blade,it is much better this way the blade will not tilt. Because there is some torsion in the aluminum housing . And choose an engine with softstart on it to prevent wear of the gear and worm shaft. It is very important that everything is aligned. Here are some examples to show how the handle must be positioned above the blade. Bosch gcm 800 sj / Bosch gcm 8 sjl / Evolution rage 3 / FESTOOL KS 60 / Bosch GCM 8 SDE / FESTOOL KS 60 E KAPEX / Metabo KGSV 72 Xact / Bosch PCM 8 SD / Hitachi C10FSH / Ridgid MS255SR 10-inch / Evolution Fury3-S / Evolution R255SMS / Metabo HPT C10FSBS / Hitachi C10FSB / Hitachi C10FS. (This also is the case with the Miter saw without the slide rails). (If you want). You can test it yourself at home if there is torsion in the aluminum housing. Step-1. First you make a saw cut from +-5 mm deep in to a flat piece of wood about +- 20 mm thick to this with the normal handle positioned on the right side of the Miter saw (the wood it will remain in place until the test is completed). Step-2. Then repeat this by pushing the saw blade down with your hand (finger) on the aluminum protective cover were the saw blade is cased in. Just now only do this without the running engine. Step-3. Now you can see if the saw blade will be positioned in or next to the saw cut. If the saw blade is (+- 0,2 / 0,5 mm) next to the saw cut then there is torsion in the aluminum housing (test is completed). Step-4. Therefor it is much better to choose a Miter saw with the handle positioned VERTICAL in line above the saw blade. The second option is the handle positioned HORIZONTAL in line above the saw blade. Step-5. When you measure the vertical 90 degrees angle square (Digital Angle Gaug) of you're sawblade don't forget that there is always some torsion in the aluminum housing. Conclusion:how further away the handle is from the saw blade how more chance of torsion in the aluminum housing don't go for that (the choices are yours). Also with a cheap slide miter saw it is still better the handgriff in line a above the saw blade than on the right side. Maybe they will make it someday then we have a winner...

Great video. I will be replacing my Bosch with a Kapex.

I’m on my second Kapex saw. The first one developed a small problem after 6 years and when it was sent back to Festool they replaced it with a brand new one. This one has been flogged every day for 9 years and still cuts as good as the day it came out of the factory. With the wheeled base and the side wings, no other saw or system comes close to it. Highly recommend this saw.

That handle looks like an ergonomic nightmare, I like the horizontal ones

Any info on your saw stand, I really appreciate your review on this, I am looking at getting one of these. I agree with the value comment

Looking back I probably should have bought one of these I went with the Makita it's a great saw but it took me over six months of service centers and complaints to the company to finally get one that cut straight I also don't know if I would ever get used to that handle and the double trigger buttons

Nice honest review 👍🏼 🤔 How did you make the support wings? They look good. If you made them again would you make any improvements like adjustable stops. Also looks like you have a folding stand. which brand is it and did you have to modify anything to make the saw fit?

great review , I am thinking to buy it but like you said price is high

9:20 It must have seemed worth it, if you bought it, no? After 4 years and hundreds of paying jobs, the cost per project is negligible. DIYers are going to have a tough time justifying the price, but contractors will probably see value here, plus they can write it off as a business expense on their taxes. Sure is pretty though. Cheers on a very thorough review. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Funny C , You are right the laser is not usable in every circumstances very bright light, its badly to see but it is, what I like is the system thing I have the two original tables left and right with scala and stops , great. But the best, they fit to the small Festtool table pullsaw, made me realize tricky outdoor flooring easily. cut outs on long heavy duty Bankgirai hard wood boards for example. The System thing ist the big advantage for me here. They system is worth it, because on location you need high end . This is. Brings fast gentle working and top quality = Profit. The trigger doesn't bother me, may be a little "German", but I am ;-)

Great review! Hard to justify the price!

Great video! I'm curious what the opinion is of those with this saw as to hooking it up to a central dust collection --or-- going with a Festool dust extractor. I am in the final stages of setting up my central DC but keep wondering if it is a waste (or not as efficient) to include the Kapex in the central ducting system or to keep it separate by using the Festool extractor?

I have a Makita LS1019 in our production shop, and the dust extraction is about as ridiculous as the Festool trigger. It works for a couple of cuts, but is clogged for the rest of the day. It's over complicated with its sliding rubber parts that bump into each other and deform at every cut. Other than that it's a nice saw. The trigger is perfection. Too bad those two can't mate, the offspring would be really something....

I think the tagline for Festool is "Probably one of the best tools in this category, but also probably only makes $$ sense for a professional". It's unfortunate really. I'd love to get some Festool stuff as a hobby woodworker and I always try and support locally made products. Lord knows i've spent more than I should I many US made woodworking squares and levels etc. I could afford Festool products if I really wanted but I've never been able to justify it personally. If Festool was closer to 2x more expensive than others I think I could give them more $$ but they are often 3-4x more expensive and sometimes 5-6x even. I also think the Kapex loses a bit of it's "worth it" factor if you cut very few bevels. If you are cutting straight 90 most of the time, you can true up any saw and be happy. The dust collection is awesome though...I've watched a lot of RU-vid videos on modifying my Bosch for better dust collection and am happy now :) Great review!

It's expensive, because it's developed and made in Germany + shipping and custom tax to North America! But thanks for the Review anyway! Greetings from the Black Forest, Germany!

I was hoping for more funny stuff😅. Nice review thoug!

definitely a great saw, good review 👍 how do you like your laguna table saw?

Great review, and thanks for addressing the fact the price is on the moon, or at least in low earth orbit. There are a lot of nice features, but I've read about consistent motor failures with this saw, sometimes 3 or 4 times. It's changed my mind on this saw.

Hi, thanks for making this video. I am in the process of deciding, and yes, the price is still ridiculous. One of the things I like is that is does not protrude in the back: I do not need to make a hole in the wall. The question I have for you though is...dust collection. I do NOT want connect it to my main dust collection system based on the place I am going to install it...so I want to get one of the dust collectors and put it under the saw. Do ALL of them work with this saw, I mean, do the turn on when I press the trigger and turn off when I release? And what is the amperage requirement for such a combo? Thanks!!!

It's overpriced. But I would probably buy it again ;-)

Hi, I'd like to have your advice. I'm undecided between makita ls1219l and kapex festool. I would like to make a good purchase. Thanks!

The European version of the Bosch is far better than the N. American version and it's laser system is either side of the blade. Matt Estlea does a really good review on it. That version rivals the Festool more and is not far off it's price (about $1,250 US). I've just invested very heavily in several Felder machines and a 10' x 5' CNC with ATC so I'm not afraid of spending money. However, the Festool stuff, frankly I'm fighting myself over if I should buy it or not because it is blatantly far too expensive. I have 2 Hitachi saws and they have served me well but time to upgrade.

I liked my Kapex but finally sold it and moved back to a Dewalt. I really like the light setup on my Dewalt that makes a shadow of where the blade will hit. I also like that I don’t have to get almost proprietary blades anymore. I do miss the micro adjustment features the Kapex had along with the better dust collection. If the price was half of what it cost I would most likely keep running a Kapex.

I repeatedly hear people say they buy Festool because they have a great warranty and service. Truth is, a sign of a great product is never knowing how good (or bad) their service is.

I just wish festool would make a 12” with a horizontal handle and LED light sight line.

Festools are great tools. They are not expensive if they work for you. Extra 1K over its lifetime pays for itself. That said, it's also better because of its cult status. The Japanese Makitas (most of which are no longer produced) are arguably equally good. The Makitas are weaker on the adjustment department, but much stronger in the durability department. The DeWalt may not be as accurate, but they are good enough for all but the most precision work... At 1/4 of the price. So the Festool is good if it works for you, I just find other tools better for my application and if I have to be honest, abuse.

Alright I'm getting one. I'm finally done with drooling over it. 😁 How accurate are the bevel cuts? Are we talking 0,1° range or more like 0,5° range?

Thanks a lot for posting this video because i don’t have to read the manual anymore.. ☺️🤝 By the way: my wife was wondering why i use the laser?? 😁

German tools are the best. Great review, with no bs

Why did I not see this 5 years ago? Precision engineering and production simply costs more at every stage.

Great video. I actually (because of the price) went with a Delta Cruzer. Has a lot of great features the other saws don’t. Way better then the Bosch. Have you used the Delta?

I've used the kapex for over 3 years now and really put it through some shit and its action and accuracy are still as good as new. The trigger is slightly annoying but the d handle grip is great I have 2 left handers working with me and often use left handed. The dewalt 12" (mule) is horrible for leftys or obscure bevel cuts. The kapex handle being in line with the blade I'm sure is why the accuracy is what it is

Good review...and I agree with you, the price is really unrealistic. Should be priced around $1100 CAD MAX. I like quality, but not at the current price. I think that part of the problem is the "MAP" pricing. It eliminates sale pricing and promotes price fixing.

Just a hit piece on everything thing else. Have you tested all DeWalt saws for the flatness?

Great review! I appreciate your comments about the precision of the base and fence. I’m regretting my Hitachi, it has an extreme bow on the fence, so completing a cut pinches the blade every time. And i am unable to get the fence vertically square, even with shims. The fence extension doesn’t run flat with the base of the fence too. I reached out to tech support and they would want me to ship it to them instead of just shipping me a fence. I ended up sanding the fence flat using sand paper glued to my cast iron table saw. After a few hours, I was able to minimize the bow. Was $350 worth all of this? It’s hard to say.

I have a bosch now and I love it, but festool is festool. And if you're planning on getting something for a very long time, the cost spreads out quite a lot so why not treat yourself?

If you use the 36 mm hose on the festool saws it will catch about 98.5 % of the dust

The compact footprint and relative light weight is a winner for me in the UK.. not that much more than the ks 60..