The Festool Kapex UG Mobile Miter Station is designed to pair with the Kapex saw that many high-end finish carpenters like to use. The two extension wings give continuous support and provide extra work surface that is ideal for trim work, and simple flip stops allow repetitive cuts.
Jesse Wright, a finish carpenter with Architectural Molding, in Concord, Calif., has been using the UG for two years for cutting everything from giant crown moldings to bevel siding (not to mention occasionally cutting 2-by framing lumber). He really likes the compact footprint, mobility, accuracy, and durability of this stand. With the saw mounted and the wings removed, the folded stand occupies minimal space in his Ford Transit van. He has rolled it on and off jobsites over pavers, power cords, and gravel—and even up concrete stairs—every workday for a year with ease. The base and saw together weigh just 69 pounds and are easy to grip when folded, so they can be carried around obstacles or between floors. Setting up is a snap: The saw quickly swings up into the cutting position, the wings easily connect by hand, and a single leg swings down from each wing for support at the ends. The legs pivot if necessary to align the wings with the saw table.
Each wing is 48 inches long and includes a metric tape measure and a flip stop. A second-stage fence with a stop at the end extends an additional 36 inches from the wing to allow longer repetitive cuts, but the extension can't support much weight. When cutting longer stock than the wings can handle, Wright supports the ends with Ridgid's FlipTop portable work supports (model AC9934). He commonly works in metric measurements, so the metric scale works well for him. The saw can also be used solo, on its padded quick-release brackets.
Stephen Klug, owner of Fine Building & Finish, in Yarmouthport, Mass., has been using a UG stand for about two months for trim and Azek railings. He would like to see larger wheels, a sturdier second-stage fence, and the option of locking the saw in the closed position. But he says that the stand is worth its premium price.
Festool Kapex UG / $825 / 888.337.8600 /festoolusa.com
