Battery (18 Volt) Carvex 420 –Distance tests in many types of wood

[Frank Pellow]

I promised in the thread: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/festool-carvex-420-(both-mains-and-battery-powered)-comparisons/ to test just how far the Carvex 420 could cut with one charge.

During the last week I have run several tests and the results are shown in this table:

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I used two different fully charged 18 volt lithium ion batteries to run each test two times.  I averaged the results.

update: I used 2.6 and 3.0 amp batteries, not the new 4.2 amp batteries

Here are a couple of photos taken during the testing:

[attachthumb=#2]   [attachthumb=#3]  

All tests were run with A speed, pendulum setting 3, the light turned off, no dust collection, no splinter guard, and  following straight lines by eye.

Since (by education) I am a mathematician, I hasten to add that this limited number of tests with only two different batteries and using only one saw means that the results can not be regarded as definitive.  I do think that the results are approximately what one should expect using the saw.

I may or may not get around to running more tests and, if I do, I will update the table.

 

[Jeff Zanin]

Interesting, thanks for posting. 

Based on the capacity indicated the cordless version seems rather limited unless working primarily where it isn't feasible to provide AC power where you are making the cut.

For example, if you are building something using 4'x8' sheets of 18mm plywood it appears you would be able to be able to make 5 rips and 5 cross cuts on a charge.  So you would need something to plug the charger into and at least two batteries, possibly three, to be able to keep working.

Not being able to turn dust extraction on and off using the the tool is another limitation of cordless, although likely less of an issue when working where power isn't available.

Jeff

 

[Kev]

Cutting out a cook top and a sink in a thick solid bench top would seemingly be beyond one battery ... two batteries then!

 

[Frank Pellow]

Cutting out a cook top and a sink in a thick solid bench top would seemingly be beyond one battery ... two batteries then!

I highly recommend that anyone who wants to use this saw have at least two 18 volt batteries.  I am now seriously thinking about getting a third battery for mine.

 

[ScotF]

Thanks for posting this, Frank.  I am more happy that I bought the corded version...I do not need to work remote too often and the batteries would be an issue for me. 

Scot

 

[jonny round boy]

FWIW, I've just sold my 6-month old mains powered Carvex and replaced it with a cordless version. There were several reasons for this:

1. On the automatic speed setting, the initial low speed doesn't draw enough current to activate my CT26, so the vac doesn't kick in until you're well into the cut.
2. When the vac does kick in, it doesn't seem to make much difference to the amount of chips ejected. I just think a jigsaw, even a Festool jigsaw, isn't really the kind of tool where dust extraction really works.
3. It'll be great for cutting down sheets at the timber (lumber) yard to fit them in my car.
4. I've been working for another kitchen fitter the past few weeks, fitting several different kitchens, and I really like the freedom that comes with using his cordless carvex (no hose/cord to get in the way).
5. I sold my corded one for a good price, and got an amazing deal on the cordless one. Basically it cost me less than £70 (about $100) to change from one to the other!

With the 18V 3Ah battery that comes with it, and the 2x 18V 4.2Ah batteries from my PDC, I think I can cover most requirements!

Oh, and even with the 3Ah batteries, one battery is enough to do sink & hob cut-outs in a 40mm laminate worktop.

 

[Frank Pellow]

FWIW, I've just sold my 6-month old mains powered Carvex and replaced it with a cordless version. There were several reasons for this:

1. On the automatic speed setting, the initial low speed doesn't draw enough current to activate my CT26, so the vac doesn't kick in until you're well into the cut.

That does not appear to be the case with my CT Mini.

2. When the vac does kick in, it doesn't seem to make much difference to the amount of chips ejected. I just think a jigsaw, even a Festool jigsaw, isn't really the kind of tool where dust extraction really works.

I agree.  I only use dust control with my jigsaw when I am in a place where sawdust would mess things up (e.g. in a living room).   I almost never use it when working outside and seldom use it when working in my shed.

3. It'll be great for cutting down sheets at the timber (lumber) yard to fit them in my car.

Yep, I used my Carvex as recently as yesterday for that purpose (cutting with 5/4 oak timbers down to 120 cm lengths).

4. I've been working for another kitchen fitter the past few weeks, fitting several different kitchens, and I really like the freedom that comes with using his cordless carvex (no hose/cord to get in the way).

No cords provide real freedom.

5. I sold my corded one for a good price, and got an amazing deal on the cordless one. Basically it cost me less than £70 (about $100) to change from one to the other!

Congratulations.

With the 18V 3Ah battery that comes with it, and the 2x 18V 4.2Ah batteries from my PDC, I think I can cover most requirements!

I have found that my two 18 volt batteries cover most situations.  But, I will probably purchase a third on -there is room in the systainer for three of them.

Oh, and even with the 3Ah batteries, one battery is enough to do sink & hob cut-outs in a 40mm laminate worktop.

I agree.

 

[Frank Pellow]

I see that Festool now has 4.2 amp versions of their 18 volt batteries. 

My tests were run with the 2.6 amp battery that came with the saw and with the 3.0 amp "replacement" battery that I purchased shortly thereafter.

I do plan to purchase a 4.2 amp battery ASAP and will then run at least some of the tests again.