I've been thinking about replacing my Bosch 12" SCMS with a Kapex, but yesterday I realized I couldn't (I still may get one, will need to keep
the bosch around).

The reason I bought the Bosch was so that I could chop 4x4 lumber (for housing building and landscaping structures easily). Without having to make two cuts after rotating the lumber. Looking at the Kapex, I see that it's max cut is 3 15/32. While this might work for some 4x4s, i wouldn't for that actually measure a full 3 1/2". Sometimes they're a little over that.

Also, yesterday I used the bosch to chop some 6x6 posts (5 1/2 nominal) and found that I could cut to within 1/2" all the way through on those!

So a 12" Kapex would be awesome for handling the larger lumber better.

THanks.

After getting a Kapex, the only reason I use my old Dewalt is for cutting treated lumber and posts.

Reviving an old thread that has surprisingly few replies. If Festool made a 12" Kapex I would buy it today. The 10" just leaves a little to be desired (capacity-wise). I love my other Festool tools and I'm sure the Kapex is an amazing saw, I just wish they offered a 12" model. It would be a no-brainer. Don't really want to keep the old 12" around but I guess I could. Would rather have a 12" and get rid of the other SCMS.

I am in the 10 inch camp, can't see any reason to go with a 12 inch, and I do all sorts of work. I vote that the Kapex stays 10" if for no other reason a 12'' would make it too heavy to deal with, just so I could cut a 6x6 once ever 10 years?

Quote from: skids on February 01, 2013, 08:08 PM

I am in the 10 inch camp, can't see any reason to go with a 12 inch, and I do all sorts of work. I vote that the Kapex stays 10" if for no other reason a 12'' would make it too heavy to deal with, just so I could cut a 6x6 once ever 10 years?

Can u cut a 4x4 in one pass with the lapel?

darn spell corrector. I meant kapex

I recently cut some hand-hewn almost 6" x 6" 123 year old chestnut beams for a desk and the Kapex was just able to get through it with two cuts. I cut one side and flipped it. Came out nice and of course the cut itself was easy and smooth.

I only have the spec sheet to go by, it states. if I recall correctly, cutting depth of 3 15/32" most 4X lumber when wet is 3 5/8" which is why I say I would like to have a larger Kapex. I am not saying get rid of the 10", just offer a 12". Kapex is a lot of money, I would like to only have one SCMS, don't care to keep the old 12" SCMS around for the heavier timbers. Please keep in mind, we are not all trim carpenters.

I am not a trim carpenter..Actually, over the past 15 years most of my work has been rougher work, wasnt' until recently I took on alot more trim work, and got a Kapex. But...I have always had a 10" and never had any issues that would make me want to run out and get a 12". In the case of the Kapex it cuts more than any other 10" I have noted anyway.

If this is holding you back from getting a Kapex, I would reconsider it as an obstacle for you, that is my point mainly. Ask yourself how much of that larger stuff you cut over the course of time. I personally haven't felt limited by this saw, opposite actually. And if it were, most of the other things it does that other saws DO NOT would make me easily overlook the 10" blade (it's really closer to like 10 and 1/4" I believe). You are right though Kapex is alot of $$ and you have to feel good about buying one. I don't think there is anything this saw can't do that my old 10" slide couldn't do, just makes it alot easier, cleaner, lighter in weight and more accurate with the Kapex.

If they made a 12" I could see it for stationary workcenter saw in the shop I suppose. But the 10" is made to be moved about with ease, and I dig that about it. But if you think the 10" is expensive imagine what a 12" would be?

Thanks Skids!

I don't intend to move it around. Will mount it in my shop and likely it will never move off-site.

I don't do a lot of heavy timber work anymore. I've pretty much completed all the major framing work on my Victorian restoration. I'm only now getting into more detailed work, some cabinets and other "lighter" work. I will likely get a Kapex, it just sounds like an incredible saw. For the heavier duty projects, I guess I can always flip the thicker stock over or drag out the old DeWalt. 

You will love the saw, it will change how you think at the saw. And it can handle heavy work..Framing, building decks etc.

Let us know if you get it what you think after using it on a job! Oh, and wait to you use the bevel, it's amazing.