EQUIPMENT ADVICE by Festool

ACCURACY, TIME-SAVING, VERSATILITY WITH HEALTH BENEFITS, FESTOOLS KAPEX KS 120 TICKS ALL THE BOXES

Using a sliding compound mitre saw to achieve a clean accurate cut on a wide variety of materials, is easily portable, whilst providing efficient dust extraction is a challenge for any manufacturer. However, the good news is that the Festool KAPEX KS 120 sliding compound mitre saw (SCMS) performs all of these functions to perfection.

Ideal for KBB installers who often work with pre-finished materials, KAPEX is suitable for this type of work as the material that is cut can be used without further re-work thus saving them time and money.

Using a KAPEX enhances the system approach that Festool are renowned for. So what is the system approach? It involves a machine hose and extractor working in unison to ensure a clean working environment, with a better quality finished product and critically, a professional result whenever it is used.

The KAPEX weighs 21.5kg but if fitted to the wheeled stand its weight is irrelevant. It can easily be set up wherever the work is based and its 900mm height is the perfect working position for installers. Material over 4.8 metres can easily be cut to size once the side leg extensions are fitted for the left and right hand sides and also extended.

Providing a quality finished edge is a fundamental requirement of any power saw, however KAPEX surpasses expectations with the finish provided by its 60t blade. To have an increase in the surface finish, an 80t blade can be used so that when cutting solid timber, a ‘mirror’ finish can be achieved with great accuracy. Using the Festool system approach means blades are available for laminates and also non-ferrous metals like aluminium.

Sliding compound mitre saws are notorious for producing unwanted dust, however this is easily controlled by attaching one of Festool's extractors to the KAPEX KS 120 saw. This not only results in more professional finish but is much healthier for the installer.

Festool's crown stops are accessories that can make a huge difference, so what are they? Basically, the crown stops will permit the cutting of compound mitres on cornice in one cut. The crown stops can be fitted to the main base of the saw and a small ‘stop’ can be adjusted to the correct width. The only other adjustment is to place the saw at the correct angle, for example 22.5 degrees and then cut the cornice, it is quick, easy, simple and cost effective to use.

KAPEX is a leader in its class especially as housings can be cut accurately, angles can be bisected with the angle finder, and with the use of a laser even the process of marking out is reduced which saves valuable time. On the job time-saving means that installers will enjoy a return on investment on their KS120 purchase. Peace of mind is assured as Festool provides a three year all inclusive service warranty.

www.festool.co.uk

SAFETY FIRST

The iKBBI has teamed up with NICEIC and ELECSA to promote consumer safety within the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation market.

Paul Collins, Technical Services Manager at NICEIC and ELECSA, said: “We are pleased to be working alongside the iKBBI to look at ways that the NICEIC and ELECSA can support the iKBBI and help it achieve its aims. Many NICEIC, ELECSA and iKBBI registrants will already be undertaking work in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom sector so it makes sense to come together and look at ways that we can support installers and promote consumer safety to ensure that work is completed to a high standard by competent installers”.

Paul continues, “NICEIC and ELECSA are both committed to improving safety within the home and by working with other industry partners we can share experiences on a range of initiatives such as training, complaints and recommended standards to improve safety for consumers looking to employ competent and reliable installers.”

The iKBBI already works with a range of partners across the consumer and retail sectors to improve standards, including Gas Safe and Which? Trusted Traders. iKBBI Chief Executive Damian Walters commented on the new partnership by saying: “The safety of our members and their customers is of paramount importance to our organisation and something we are passionate about. Our latest strategic partnership with NICEIC and ELECSA is another important milestone and a relationship we are incredibly proud of.”

He continued, “Our members can operate in potentially dangerous environments on a daily basis, often working with a combination of gas, electricity and water. It therefore makes perfect sense to partner with those whose specialist subject is safety in the home.” 

“The safety of our members and their customers is of paramount importance to our organisation and something we are passionate about."

The NICEIC and ELECSA are two of the most recognised names in the electrical contracting industry and wider construction sector. They represent more than 37,000 registered enterprises and have a reputation amongst consumers, specifiers of work and industry for promoting safety, integrity and technical excellence.

The NICEIC brand on its own has been around for more than 60 years and is the UK’s leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry. “Our members can operate in potentially dangerous environments on a daily basis, often working with a combination of gas, electricity and water. It therefore makes perfect sense to partner with those whose specialist subject is safety in the home.”