Even though Festool’s Kapex KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw was launched nearly five years ago now, there’s really no debating that it’s still “the most advanced sliding compound miter saw on the market today.” Engineered to be compact and relatively lightweight at 47 lbs., the KS 120 is suitable either for the workshop or the jobsite. Two handle locations on the tool help to keep its center of gravity close to your body for easier transport and to help minimize back strain.
The saw features a rail forward design which increases precision and creates a compact footprint while preventing head play for accurate cuts. Cuts can be aligned from the left or right side using dual lasers, which also feature three axis adjustment controls for fine-tuning. The lasers define the material which will be removed during the cut. There’s also a micro-adjustable bevel angle with up-front rotary knob. A large stainless-steel bevel scale and fine pointers make it easy to set precise bevel angles. The bevel adjustment on the Kapex is counter spring balanced so you can position the bevel at any angle and the head will stay in position, even when it is not locked in place. This makes angle adjustment less tedious and more accurate.
Kapex incorporates a special cutting position that, when employed, provides greater than usual cutting capacity by utilizing the back portion of the blade more effectively. The Kapex is locked into the special cutting position with the flip of a lever. It will cut crown moulding up to 6-5/8″ when in the nested position, providing a cutting capacity equal to most 12-in. miter saws. You can cut material standing vertically against the fence up to 4-3/4-in. wide by 3/4-in. thick.
The machine features a direct-drive 1,600-watt motor for more efficient transfer of energy to its thin-kerf blade, and Festool’s multi-material control (MMC) electronics provide constant blade speed under load as well as variable speed control to match the correct blade speed with the material being cut.
Festool estimates Kapex to be up to 91 percent effective at collecting dust produced during cutting, with its behind-the-cut dust hood and when connected to a Festool CT 22 or CT 33 dust extractor. A pivoting 36 mm hose channels the dust away from the saw.
The Kapex KS 120’s street price (for the base model) is $1350; other combo package options are also available that include various Festool dust extractor models. Learn more about the tool and its many unique features by clicking here.
