subject: Does The Value of The Festool Kapex KS 120 Justify The Cost? [print this page] The futuristic looking Festool Kapex KS 120, at $1300, is probably the most expensive job site sliding compound miter saw on the market. If you look around, you'll find a good number of quality 10" sliding compound miter saws that cost less than half what the Kapex does. An example is the very serious Makita LS1016 at less than $600.
Even with the huge difference in prices though, there is merit to buying the Festool. For example, it comes with a three year warranty that you won't find with most other miter saws. It also boasts features no other saw maker has dreamed of including on their saws.
Now you have to ask yourself if the high price of the Festool Kapex 120 is justifiable to you. It just might be, if you're a professional finish carpenter doing high end remodels or new construction. Do you take a lot of pride in doing the best work you can possibly do? If that describes you, then you definitely want the best tools.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to say that simply using the best tools will magically make your work top-notch. You have to already have the desire and the skills learned from experience. My point is, even the best carpenter can't use thrid rate tools and expect to do first rate work. But investing in the right tools will improve your work.
The Impression You Leave Builds Your Reputation
The first thing a homeowner who is spending thousands of dollars for a remodel of their home notices is the detail quality of your work. How is the fit, is it tight with no gaps? What the client sees determines what they'll think of you. The same goes for the prospective buyer of a new home.
Another detail the owner of the remodeled home is going to note is the neatness of your work area.
In both areas, you can't beat the Festool Kapex KS 120. You can do good work with another saw, but the Kapex will make it easier to produce work that exceeds your customer's expectations. And if you pair it up with a Festool dust extractor, up to 91% of the sawdust will be collected as you work. Think of the time you'll save! (It also may be possible to adapt a shop vacuum to the Kapex if you're not prepared to part with an additional $350 600.)
So at the end of the day, if you can produce first-rate work AND leave your work space tidy so no one has to clean up after you, you'll make a fantastic impression. Which will lead to a great reputation.
If you're thought of as the contractor who did a great job and left the place cleaner than anyone else, you're destined to get some good recommendations. And you know what you can do with your bids when you come highly recommended, right? More money will be coming your way.
I've mentioned the Festool Kapex KS 120 features here a couple of time so I have to talk about at least one. So how about the double laser that perfectly frames the kerf? There's no better way to assure precise cuts.
Does The Value of The Festool Kapex KS 120 Justify The Cost?
