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Larger Extension Tables
To start Festool upgraded their slide-out extension tables, making their footprint bigger and better stability. They also put the MiterFast finder at the rear of the tool. The MiterFast makes the transfer of inside and outside angles from the workpiece to the saw quick and easy without complex angle calculations.
Dust Collection - Locking Hose Connection
Festool plans to make this upgrade on all their dust ports moving forward. The new connection is effective at collecting dust and now allows the hose to lock in place and prevent accidental disconnects. The hose port accommodates 27mm inside diameter and 36 mm outside diameter.

Pro Tip - We found that the Kapex has the best dust extraction when you cut/shorten your hose length to 6 feet and use a 36mm Festool hose.

Electronic Brake
The 1,600-Watt motor in the Kapex utilizes direct drive for a more efficient transfer of energy to the blade. The motor also has a magnetic brake to reduce the time needed for the blade to spin down. The electric brake that will stop the blade with in 3-seconds. This brake has a magnet around the armature, there are no contact points, and will not wear down over time.

Rail Forward design
The Kapex features a rail forward design which increases precision and creates a compact footprint. With a rail-forward design, the Kpaex REB can be placed against a wall for all cutting tasks, maximizing the work space. The rails are 30 mm in diameter and wide apart. They were redesigned to further reduce deflection and head play, especially when tilted to a 45-degree bevel. The rail forward design has long been a favorite in the shop and in tight working locations, like up against a wall. It also assists when transporting or storing the saw.
Portability
The saw weighs (47 pounds) allowing the Kapex REB easy to move around the job site. The Kapex's head locks down making it compact and preventing head movement. A two-handle location keep the Kapex REB close to your center of gravity which allows for a safer way to carry the saw.

Counter Spring Balanced Bevel
When adjusting the bevel on the Kapex REB a counter spring balances the saw head. This keeps the saw head in position even when it is not locked in place. This makes dialing in a micro-bevel angle adjustment easier and more accurate.
Bevel Lock Knob
Since we’re talking about bevels, it’s hard to overlook the Kapex REB “Bevel Lock Knob.” The knob conveniently located on the top of the Kapex REB to control the bevel positive detents and to lock the bevel angle. The bevel knob has three settings: positive detents at 0 and -45 degrees, free movement between -45 and +45 degrees and free movement up to 47 degrees. Bevels can be made to the left or right and the bevel gauge appears on both sides of the saw. You DO need to remove the fence in order to achieve a 45 degree bevel – man I wish that weren’t necessary.
Special Cutting Position
If I said you can have a 12” miter saw in a 10” blade would you take it?
One thing I learned about the Kapex REB is that it has a “special cutting position” that, locks the saw head in and allows a deeper cut at the fence. When employed, it provides greater than usual cutting capacity by utilizing the back portion of the blade more effectively. A lever controls this features and allows you to cut crown molding up to 6-5/8" in the nested position and vertical cuts 4-3/4" x 3/4"
Crown Stop with Base Extension
Sold as an optional accessory, the Crown Stop with Base Extension (494 369) attaches to the left and right of the Kapex using a V-Groove and locking knob providing additional support surface and aiding in the utilization of the special cut position. The crown stop allows the Kapex to be used in the special cutting position to cut crown molding up to 6-5/8" in the nested position.
Dual-line lasers
A favorite feature of ours is the dual-line laser. The laser is adjustable and projects a dual-line to either side of the blade to accurately define the cut area for precise cut placement.
This laser has spring-loaded carriages inside the tool that protect the laser during transport. One tip that a lot of folks don’t know is that the laser lens can be cleaned over time for better visibility.

Another unique feature of the Kapex is a special trenching capability. Simply flip the green trenching lever forward, and a twist to set cut depth. This features can be used to cut kerfs and trenches to create lap joints, dados or bend a board.

Conclusion
We think the Festool Kapex REQ makes sense for contractors looking for a high quality, precision tool that was designed to deliver functionality.