Troll
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Location: UNITED KINGDOM (UK) Member Since: May 2007
Posts: 77
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« on: January 11, 2012, 01:27 PM » |
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I purchased the 110v top handle saw in June of last year, I only use it primarily for sink and hob cut-outs. It's the model with the strobe light that can't be adjusted. Most of my tools are Festool and overwhelmingly I'm extremely pleased with them. Unfortunately, in my opinion this jigsaw is a big disappointment. I know the strobe light has now been changed, so criticism of this must be taken in context. I simply find that the constant flashing of this light extremely irritating to my eye sight to the point I don't look at it now if possible.
The saw release mechanism is a big step backwards for two reasons: firstly, you now have to remove the splinterguard to eject the blade; and secondly, you can only eject the blade if it has stopped in the 'up' position. The blade release slide only activates the release mechanism on the plunger rod when it's 'up', this is extremely irritating and poorly thought out. And as an aside the thumb lever on the slide mechanism keeps falling off.
I really can't work out what the 'automatic' setting is all about. It seems to have no real purpose and simply engineered and fitted because it can be. My saw 'stalls' when turning tight corners and in automatic mode. What's wrong with the user setting the saw's maximum speed and the saw simply having the standard feature of automatically compensating for increase loads? Perhaps I'm missing something and someone will explain.
Subjectively, the saw feels more 'plastic' than the trion, especially the top handle. I'd also prefer a more chunkier handle, It's a bit thin for me (but that's an individual thing). Another annoying point that is specific to the UK 110v version (and applies to a few Festool tools) is that it's extremely difficult to shut the systainer with the bulky110v plug. You end up with the lid of the systainer bulging out.
Anyway in summary I can't recommend this saw and I think your money would be better spent on a top of the range Bosch at probably half the cost. I've sent it off for repair and hopefully Festool UK can modify the strobe light and the other faults otherwise it's on ebay.
Troll
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Festool USA does not pre-approve the contents of this website nor endorse the application or use of any Festool product in any way other than in the manner described in the Festool Instruction Manual. To reduce the risk of serious injury and/or damage to your Festool product, always read, understand and follow all warnings and instructions in your Festool product's Instruction Manual. Although Festool strives for accuracy in the website material, the website may contain inaccuracies. Festool makes no representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of the material on this website or about the results to be obtained from using the website. Festool and its affiliates cannot be responsible for improper postings or your reliance on the website's material. Your use of any material contained on this website is entirely at your own risk. The content contained on this site is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
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woodguy7
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Location: wick, scotland Member Since: Apr 2009
Posts: 2406
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« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2012, 02:38 PM » |
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Well, it's no secret I hate my Carvex  . I will send it back AGAIN to see if they can make it any better ! |
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If its made of wood, i can make it smaller.
Shirt size medium
p.s- ive started reading these too
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Festoolfootstool
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Location: uk Member Since: Mar 2010
Posts: 1557
The trouble with Bob is its all about Bob
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« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2012, 02:41 PM » |
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Hi there are very few people that have anything good to say about the carvex . I bought the mafell p1 cc and am very pleased with it. I picked up a carvex in a dealers and thought that the handle be more suited to a boy of 10 years it is sooooo thin yuck the Uk 110v plug is an issue for most tools,cases regardless of manufacturer there is just not enough room  I have the same issue withe the mafell in a sys one there is one way to get it in thats it.... I would not be asking for a repair on the carvex I would be asking for a refund. |
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« Last Edit: January 11, 2012, 02:44 PM by Festoolfootstool »
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If the milk turns out to be sour, I ain't the kind of **** to drink it.......
Why do Festool accessories only have a two month guarantee here in the UK ?
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woodguy7
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Location: wick, scotland Member Since: Apr 2009
Posts: 2406
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« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2012, 02:50 PM » |
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Trust me, if I thought there was any chance of getting my money back I would snap at it. I have the barrel grip but my issue is with the blade guide. The blade just won't stay straight. Glad I didn't sell my Makita.
You guys in the States, don't wait for it, get a Makita or Bosch.
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If its made of wood, i can make it smaller.
Shirt size medium
p.s- ive started reading these too
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duburban
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Location: Vermont Member Since: Sep 2011
Posts: 384
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« Reply #4 on: January 11, 2012, 03:15 PM » |
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good to know, thanks!
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ts75, ts55, ro150feq, ets150/3, trion, ct26, mft1080, estension wings, of1400, parallel guides, dts400, df500,
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Guy Ashley
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Location: Northampton, UK Member Since: Feb 2010
Posts: 662
Furniture & Cabinet Maker/Joiner
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« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2012, 03:17 PM » |
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Alan
Send it back to TTS!!!
Mine is absolutely fine, I prefer it over the Trion.
If TTS wont play ball email Festool Germany, I did that a couple of years ago and the issue was resolved within a couple of days!
Oh to have Festool USA customer service ethos in Europe!
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DIPLOMACY:
"The art of being able to tell someone to go to Hades in such a way that they positively look forward to the journey"
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GPowers
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Location: West Coast, USA Member Since: Mar 2010
Posts: 1694
Metric convert
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« Reply #6 on: January 11, 2012, 03:20 PM » |
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You guys in the States, don't wait for it, get a Makita or Bosch.
OR the very reasonably priced Trion  |
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Greg Powers
Size:XL
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Deansocial
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Location: derbyshire, uk Member Since: Mar 2010
Posts: 1744
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« Reply #7 on: January 11, 2012, 03:27 PM » |
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not sure why so many jumped to get the carvex. I only use jigsaw to rough cut the waste out and cope skirting. dont see the need for all the silly bases
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Guy Ashley
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Location: Northampton, UK Member Since: Feb 2010
Posts: 662
Furniture & Cabinet Maker/Joiner
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« Reply #8 on: January 11, 2012, 03:40 PM » |
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not sure why so many jumped to get the carvex. I only use jigsaw to rough cut the waste out and cope skirting. dont see the need for all the silly bases
Totally agree, never got them and dont see the need for those additional bases |
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DIPLOMACY:
"The art of being able to tell someone to go to Hades in such a way that they positively look forward to the journey"
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Troll
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Location: UNITED KINGDOM (UK) Member Since: May 2007
Posts: 77
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« Reply #9 on: January 11, 2012, 04:34 PM » |
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I agree about the bases, I really can't see that there can be anyone who has a real purpose / use for all the various base configurations. Sometimes I think tool designers / engineers can lose sight of the real world of work and design features because they can and not because they have any real benefit to the end user. It's the same with the strobe light. What real benefit does it give to the end user that a permanent light doesn't?
All I want from a jigsaw is to cut a 90 degree cut in worktop, and for me to be easily able to follow any given line. I made the mistake of buying the carvex without trying it and in all honestly there was a certain appeal in owning a complete set of Festool. That was a mistake, and as I've said in previous posts, as the inventor of the jigsaw I think it's one tool that Bosch consistently makes better, or almost as good, as anyone else. And at a cost considerably less than Festool. Yes I know I still bought the Festool, I let my heart rule my head!
As an aside, is the Mafell's jigsaw up to the mark when using standard blades, as against the expensive special blades designed specifically for the Mafell?
Troll
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Festoolfootstool
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Location: uk Member Since: Mar 2010
Posts: 1557
The trouble with Bob is its all about Bob
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« Reply #10 on: January 11, 2012, 04:43 PM » |
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I agree about the bases, I really can't see that there can be anyone who has a real purpose / use for all the various base configurations. Sometimes I think tool designers / engineers can lose sight of the real world of work and design features because they can and not because they have any real benefit to the end user. It's the same with the strobe light. What real benefit does it give to the end user that a permanent light doesn't?
All I want from a jigsaw is to cut a 90 degree cut in worktop, and for me to be easily able to follow any given line. I made the mistake of buying the carvex without trying it and in all honestly there was a certain appeal in owning a complete set of Festool. That was a mistake, and as I've said in previous posts, as the inventor of the jigsaw I think it's one tool that Bosch consistently makes better, or almost as good, as anyone else. And at a cost considerably less than Festool. Yes I know I still bought the Festool, I let my heart rule my head!
As an aside, is the Mafell's jigsaw up to the mark when using standard blades, as against the expensive special blades designed specifically for the Mafell?
Troll
I have used the mafell with a festool normal blade for curved cuts it cuts as fast and as tightly as you like with a perpendicular cut no downside at all go find somewhere to check one out <<Edited to remove response from quote for readability - P.Halle>> |
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« Last Edit: January 11, 2012, 04:57 PM by Peter Halle »
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If the milk turns out to be sour, I ain't the kind of **** to drink it.......
Why do Festool accessories only have a two month guarantee here in the UK ?
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windmill man
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Location: Lancashire UK Member Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 545
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« Reply #11 on: January 11, 2012, 06:08 PM » |
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Chaps,
A properly re- built and upgraded Carvex is a top drawer jigsaw.
If you are unhappy with your saw get it back to TTS ,get them to sort it. When it comes back still not up to scratch , go through the process of listening to their lies and excuses and send it back again. When it comes back, still a load of rubbish, Get on to Festool Germany and kick up heck.
I have an early Carvex that I eventually sent to the guy that designed the thing. He over saw a complete re build and upgrade of the machine did the QC and test cuts himself and couriered it back to me. It was like a different machine just brilliant
TTS UK are ( cant type what i think here). You will have to fight to get it sorted and unfortunately the TTS UK repair shop just cant do it , you need to get it to TTS Germany and their technicians can.
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neth27
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Location: uk Member Since: Oct 2010
Posts: 433
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« Reply #12 on: January 27, 2012, 02:08 PM » |
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I used the carvex for the first time today... whose idea was it to put them stupid lights on the front??? trying to follow a line on a worktop and couldn't see a thing... Can you turn them off  John... |
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Festoolfootstool
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Location: uk Member Since: Mar 2010
Posts: 1557
The trouble with Bob is its all about Bob
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« Reply #13 on: January 27, 2012, 02:30 PM » |
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Hi John
I thought they were supposed to improve vision by making the blade appear still do you find it of no help? it sounded like a great idea
is it a late model? because I thought the user could turn the light off on later the versions
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If the milk turns out to be sour, I ain't the kind of **** to drink it.......
Why do Festool accessories only have a two month guarantee here in the UK ?
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neth27
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Location: uk Member Since: Oct 2010
Posts: 433
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« Reply #14 on: January 27, 2012, 02:54 PM » |
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The light seemed to reflect of the worktop so the line disappeared .....I have no idea if its a new model, its the 14v version.. It looks like the blu-tack will be coming out to cover the lights Also when notching the back of the cabinets (chipboard) it looks as though you are throwing glitter in front of the saw...... John.. |
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« Last Edit: January 27, 2012, 02:58 PM by neth27 »
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luke1984
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Location: west midlands, uk Member Since: Feb 2011
Posts: 81
my festool
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« Reply #15 on: January 27, 2012, 02:57 PM » |
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Hi foggers I've got the body grip type. First one I had broke 3 time so when festool sent me a new one I wasnt expecting any change. But was I wrong it's a great jigsaw best I've ever had and I've had a few.
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ts-55, ehl 65e, ctl mini, t18+3 set, carvex, kapex 120 with ug stand and both wings, mft3, of1400, c15,cms with ts-55 module lr32 and lots of systainers,sortainers and accessories.
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EWTHeckman
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Location: USA Member Since: Aug 2011
Posts: 288
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« Reply #16 on: January 27, 2012, 03:12 PM » |
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Hi foggers I've got the body grip type. First one I had broke 3 time so when festool sent me a new one I wasnt expecting any change. But was I wrong it's a great jigsaw best I've ever had and I've had a few.
I sounds like they're getting the issues worked out, which is promising! |
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Ed "What the" Heckman
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Djuro
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Location: Croatia Member Since: Feb 2011
Posts: 10
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« Reply #17 on: January 27, 2012, 04:43 PM » |
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I've had this saw for a couple of weeks and have done some cutting with it, only curves and cut outs. This is one example http://tinyurl.com/6wogqjp not complicated and it didn't matter to be precise but it served as a "testing ground" for Carvex. So let me skip to the point  Before Carvex i had Bosch 1591 D handle. I am reading that a lot of people are complaining about their tool this is my experience with it: A) about ejecting the blade - didn't have any problems with it. The rod was always at top so no problem there B) strobe light - ok my old bosch didn't have any light and when i turn normal (not strobe) light on carvex it is extremely difficult to concentrate on the cutting line because everything is flashing and can not follow nothing. Strobe light on and  how could i ever cut anything with the old jigsaw. For me it is the best feature on this saw and gives a perfect view of the cutting line. Festool  for this C) i do have some questions for the repair service and soon as I finish the things i have started it is going to the dealer for inspection - if it is a feature you must know about it because it is well not very good. Auto mode. I am cutting something thin that doesn't require a lot of power and my carvex starts slow than speed up and then slows down again and then after a few second speeds up again. That is not good and is more annoying that a real problem Oh yea and a question for festool. Why didn't yout put green color on the leaver that is ejecting the blade So all in all for now my jig saw is very good for me and I am among small group of people on this forum that actually loves his saw  |
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windmill man
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Location: Lancashire UK Member Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 545
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« Reply #18 on: January 27, 2012, 04:52 PM » |
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Neth ,
I have a Festool PDF that gives instructions on how to turn the lights on and off, have no clue how to post it on the forum, will try to pm it.
John
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atomicmike
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Location: Cincinnati, OH, USA Member Since: Apr 2010
Posts: 147
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« Reply #19 on: January 28, 2012, 04:35 AM » |
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neth27
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Location: uk Member Since: Oct 2010
Posts: 433
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« Reply #20 on: February 13, 2012, 08:39 AM » |
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Here is the reply I got from Festool (as mine is before they made the changes) We can confirm that Germany have made some modifications to this machine for all serial numbers after 10485132 so that the strobe light could be programmed by the user to have the light permanently on, strobe or permanently off. The Service Department can modify your machine with the relevant parts at a cost of £93.75 for the new electronics, £5.50 for the switch and £17.40 labour + VAT. We have attached our repair form should you wish to send the tool back to us for modification. TAKING THE P*** or what? ?? John.... |
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neth27
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Location: uk Member Since: Oct 2010
Posts: 433
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« Reply #21 on: February 13, 2012, 08:46 AM » |
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My nice reply to them  So basically the saw was pretty useless so you changed the design.. Now you want to charge me over £100 to make it usable? I would rather stick it on eBay and buy another manufacturers jigsaw. John |
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RL
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Location: Canada Member Since: Feb 2010
Posts: 2155
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« Reply #22 on: February 13, 2012, 09:04 AM » |
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Ebay it and get a Trion. The cost of the modification is outrageous.
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I like green.
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woodguy7
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Location: wick, scotland Member Since: Apr 2009
Posts: 2406
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« Reply #23 on: February 13, 2012, 09:36 AM » |
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John, that is unreal ! Your reply pretty much sums it up & it will be interesting to see what they say. Mine got picked up today to go back for the second time. I don't have a problem with the strobe light, quite like it. But if they could stop the blade jumping around I will be happy. Time will tell.
Woodguy.
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If its made of wood, i can make it smaller.
Shirt size medium
p.s- ive started reading these too
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Alex
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Location: The Netherlands Member Since: Nov 2008
Posts: 2875
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« Reply #24 on: February 13, 2012, 09:48 AM » |
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So basically the saw was pretty useless so you changed the design.. Now you want to charge me over £100 to make it usable?
I would rather stick it on eBay and buy another manufacturers jigsaw.
The saw wasn't useless. But if Festool decided to change this feature so quickly after it's initial release then you could expect them to be a little bit more forthcomming with people who bought it before the update. But yeah, that's Festool in Europe for ya ........ the real Festool. Not this American fairy tale we keep hearing. |
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Troll
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Location: UNITED KINGDOM (UK) Member Since: May 2007
Posts: 77
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« Reply #25 on: February 13, 2012, 09:53 AM » |
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As part of the repair / fault list I submitted with my Carvex (D handle) I asked TTS (Festool UK) to alter the strobe light so that it would stay on permanent. The reason I did this was that I genuinely found that the strobe light upset my vision after only a short-time looking at it. Credit where credit is due they fitted new electronics to the Carvex so it's the same as the latest type. And fitted various other new parts including a new sole plate(!). And all return within a few days at no cost.
I certainly wouldn't have paid for any modification to the strobe light.
With the light on permanent it really makes such a difference. I've been using the repaired Carvex for the last few weeks doing some pattern making and using my Trion along side it for the angle cuts as I don't have the separate tilt base for the Carvex. I must admit the Carvex cuts have been super square and it's ability to cut really tight curves (using a standard Bosch T144DP blade) on maximum pendulum setting(!) is amazing.
I still think the handle is too slim (others passed the same comment when using it) and I'm not too sure about this Automatic 'A' setting, but perhaps that's a learning curve as it's just strange for the jigsaw to speed up and slow down when cutting. The additional switches on the side are excellent for upside down use. There's no doubt that getting the best from the Carvex, as with other Festool equipment, requires some practice.
So things are on the up where my Carvex is concerned. I will say this though to others in need of a new jigsaw, that if money's tight then buy the Bosch premium model and use the considerable saving for some other tool you need. However, If you're a Festoolholic then I think the Carvex will now fit your bill.
Troll
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BBuild
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Location: Quincy,Massachusetts Member Since: Sep 2011
Posts: 36
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« Reply #26 on: February 13, 2012, 09:56 AM » |
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Wow!  I'd be fuming if I was you. Wouldn't you think if you bought a saw before they made the changes then they would take care of your saw free of charge? Almost like a recall |
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Kapex w/MFT-k & crown stops, TS 55, MFT-3, MFT-800, CT 26 w/ rrp HEPA, CT 22 w/ LL bag, CT Midi, CXS, RAS 115 w/ plug it, RO 90, ETS 150/5, ETS 125, RS 400, EHL 65 w/ plug it, HL 850 w/ bench unit, OF 1010 w/LR32
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windmill man
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Location: Lancashire UK Member Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 545
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« Reply #27 on: February 13, 2012, 04:28 PM » |
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Nice to see TTS are working consistently below par on the customer service side . At least you can rely on them being () (insert appropriate word). Troll you must be a blip in their system. I am sure at some future date they will live up to their usual sub standard and completely you off. Alex , love the "American fairy tale" comment. I am just jealous of it John |
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neth27
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Location: uk Member Since: Oct 2010
Posts: 433
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« Reply #28 on: February 13, 2012, 04:42 PM » |
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The worst part is i only bought it 7 weeks ago......... They have not replied to my email yet and I'm guessing they won't bother... One thing i do know i will not buy another Festool product.. Overly fixed priced plastic c**p.. John.. |
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woodguy7
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Location: wick, scotland Member Since: Apr 2009
Posts: 2406
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« Reply #29 on: February 13, 2012, 05:31 PM » |
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Ouch John, that's a bit rash . I'm not happy with my Carvex but there are so many Gems in the Festool lineup. Don't know if you have either of the Dominoes ? I have both & they are fantastic. Never say never  |
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If its made of wood, i can make it smaller.
Shirt size medium
p.s- ive started reading these too
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