"A" speed on carvex

[mastercabman]

So I checked out the new carvex last weekend.
Seems to be a strong jigsaw.But I don't think i'm going to invest on it.
Have to spend more money for a tilting base,    still no dust blower!  [mad]
However i do like the led lights!
But I also noticed that on the speed dial their is a setting "A" for automatic speed?
When it is selected,the speed is in idle then speeds up when you start cutting.
I just would like to know who would benefit from this feature? 
What is it for? I was thinking that maybe it would help starting a cut but the saw speeds up as soon as it touches the wood.

 

[jmbfestool]

It speeds up only if their is resistance so if you are cutting a thin piece if timber it shouldnt speed up as much. 

But

Saying that I find it always speeds up to full speed no mater what you cut. Unless you are cutting something so thin you could use a Stanley knife to cut lol.

Only benefit I can see in AUTO mode is for cordless because at least when you turn it on you are not waisting as much battery having it running full power in thin air.  Which isn't alot if air time normally but it helps??

I find the max speed 5 is not as fast as auto mode either.

I like the jig saw I prefer it over my Bosch and defiantly feels and cuts better than my cordless milwuakee.

Yes the angle base is an issue and i am not sure why festool didnt think of something. 

Majority (UK) joiners use a jigsaw for scribing I would say 80% but yet festool have made a jigsaw which can't do that instead they have tried to make a jig saw do what a TS55 can do.

Jmb

 

[tbellemare]

My understanding is that auto mode is supposed to run at speed "6" or idle.

Tom

 

[mastercabman]

My understanding is that auto mode is supposed to run at speed "6" or idle.

Tom

OK but what is it designed to do?
Does it adjust itself for different hard/soft materials?  or is it just "6" or idle?

 

[rljatl]

Move the slider forward to about the 7:00 minute mark.  he does a good job of explaining how the 'A" setting works.

Festool Carvex PSC 420 Review and Demo

 

[tbellemare]

Tom my knowledge, it's just 6 or idle.

I can think of a few reasons why it was designed that way...

The primary reason that comes to mind is that you can turn on the tool and then approach the work without having the blade moving at speed 6. Additionally, when the saw exits the work piece, it should go back to idle.

It could have been designed to aid in power conservation, especially for the cordless, like JMB suggested.

Of course, that's all just speculation.

Tom

 

[mastercabman]

OK watched the video and that's what I guessed what it was for.Don't know if this feature is really necessary to start a cut.(for me at least)
I'm also assuming that the top handle version has a "real variable speed switch"?
Not like the trion where you select the speed on the wheel and the main switch is just on/off?

 

[MrToolJunkie]

OK watched the video and that's what I guessed what it was for.Don't know if this feature is really necessary to start a cut.(for me at least)
I'm also assuming that the top handle version has a "real variable speed switch"?
Not like the trion where you select the speed on the wheel and the main switch is just on/off?

I believe so, except the little button is a lock-off safety button that you have to depress to activate the trigger - someone correct me if I am wrong.  When I went to my dealer they did not have a model D handle to try, only the barrel.  I would like to hear a definitive answer on this as the D handle did have good clearance between the body and handle to give you some of the same handling as a barrel only.  The barrel I tested did have plenty of power to cut through 8/4 hardwood...cannot recall the species, but it was a nasty piece with splits, knots and wild grain and it was hard and splintery to boot.

Scot

 

[Davej]

OK watched the video and that's what I guessed what it was for.Don't know if this feature is really necessary to start a cut.(for me at least)
I'm also assuming that the top handle version has a "real variable speed switch"?
Not like the trion where you select the speed on the wheel and the main switch is just on/off?

I believe so, except the little button is a lock-off safety button that you have to depress to activate the trigger - someone correct me if I am wrong.  When I went to my dealer they did not have a model D handle to try, only the barrel.  I would like to hear a definitive answer on this as the D handle did have good clearance between the body and handle to give you some of the same handling as a barrel only.  The barrel I tested did have plenty of power to cut through 8/4 hardwood...cannot recall the species, but it was a nasty piece with splits, knots and wild grain and it was hard and splintery to boot.

You are correct , the D handle has a variable speed switch on the handle and a safety button you press to allow the switch to work. Switches on the body work same as the barrel grip saw.
Dave

Scot

 

[Michael Kellough]

I imagine the Auto speed would be good for using the saw with a guide rail.
If the blade is reciprocating full speed in the air it's going to wiggle side to side some.
Starting at a slow speed should reduce the wiggle. As soon as the blade starts cutting
it might as well go full speed since you don't need to monitor the saw's position.

The only thing I liked about my old-old Bosch top handle jigsaw was the variable speed trigger switch. With that you could align the blade with the mark and slowly start cutting to make sure you stayed on the line then gradually increase blade speed and your feed rate without moving fingers or eye.

I'd like to have a combination speed wheel/switch on the side of a barrel grip saw. There are some ergonomic considerations but it could be done.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I'd like to have a combination speed wheel/switch on the side of a barrel grip saw. There are some ergonomic considerations but it could be done.

Yep...I envision this being feasible with a dead man type switch found on grinders.  Still like the on/off for when you do not need it, but having the ability to control the speed manually is nice.

Scot

 

[Deansocial]

I found the d handle type tight to use a the barrel type.

 

[mastercabman]

I imagine the Auto speed would be good for using the saw with a guide rail.
If the blade is reciprocating full speed in the air it's going to wiggle side to side some.
Starting at a slow speed should reduce the wiggle. As soon as the blade starts cutting
it might as well go full speed since you don't need to monitor the saw's position.

The only thing I liked about my old-old Bosch top handle jigsaw was the variable speed trigger switch. With that you could align the blade with the mark and slowly start cutting to make sure you stayed on the line then gradually increase blade speed and your feed rate without moving fingers or eye.
I'd like to have a combination speed wheel/switch on the side of a barrel grip saw. There are some ergonomic considerations but it could be done.

I also loved that feature on my old Bosch

 

[AlexR]

I've got barrel 420 wish I'd gone d. So if there's anyone who wants to swop, I'd be willing.  [wink]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I imagine the Auto speed would be good for using the saw with a guide rail.
If the blade is reciprocating full speed in the air it's going to wiggle side to side some.

Michael nailed it. The primary reason that A speed idles is to prevent blade wobble before you start the cut. If you began the cut and the blade was less-than-perpendicular, then it would be likely to continue on a less-than-perpendicular path. Also, it doesn't save some battery life on the cordless models, although probably a negligible amount.

Shane