Buy Trion or Carvex (yes another one of those questions)

[eddomak]

I am probably going to buy a jigsaw soon, and have been doing the research and watching all the videos etc. I have decided on barrel grip and corded, but now the choice is Trion or Carvex.

In the end I am a DIY'er and woodworking hobbyist, with an occasional use for a jigsaw. I like the increased visbility and the strobe of the Carvex, but the main reason I would hold back from just going with the Carvex is that to get a beveled/angled cut, I would need to spend even more money to buy the additional base. I can't see myself cutting enough circles to justify the new circle cutting device.

So in the end I think I am leaning to the Trion, but does the Trion offer a comparable quality of cut to the Carvex?

Is there anything else that should sway me massively towards the Carvex?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[shed9]

When I compared the two models prior to buying a Carvex, I honestly couldn't see what the Trion offers over any other decent branded jigsaw.

I have no doubt that the Trion is of superb quality and has a decent cut but I didn't see it having an edge, whereas the Carvex is clearly a step up.

 

[eddomak]

When I compared the two models prior to buying a Carvex, I honestly couldn't see what the Trion offers over any other decent branded jigsaw.

Yes, actually most of the Boschs are extremely similar in look and features, and some are half the RRP price:

 

[shed9]

One of the things that swung the Carvex for me was the ability to keep the blade straight. Sounds obvious but the guide on the Carvex makes a huge difference comparative to other jigsaws. Not sure if the Trion has anything similar but the Carvex certainly keeps a good line without the blade drifting below the cut line.

One thing to note though, the adjustable base of the Carvex tilts both sides of the centre line in the same direction, unlike the Trion which tilts the entire base to the left or right - if this makes sense - Google a video review if not.

Might be key if the tilting base is important to your required work.

 

[Kev]

On what the Trion offers over others ... you can slap it in a CMS module and you can run it along a track .. all with DC. That's what it offers (as does the CARVEX) ... shame CMS for the jigsaw is NAINA.

I have 2 x CARVEX (1 cordless, 1 mains) and a Trion ... I went with a D handle Trion for variety and it's the one that lives in the CMS mostly.

I've also got a quite good Hitachi barrel for mucky work and to have in reserve for the "... can I borrow your ..." situations.

Switching between the Hitachi and the Festool is like switching between an axe and a surgical instrument. [wink]

Trion v's CARVEX? ... don't ask me [big grin]

 

[eddomak]

I have 2 x CARVEX (1 cordless, 1 mains) and a Trion ... I went with a D handle Trion for variety and it's the one that lives in the CMS mostly.

Thanks Kev - what is your opinion of whether there is a difference in the quality of cut between your corded carvex vs corded Trion - just as straight, just as precise?

 

[VW mick]

I've had my trion for about 9 years ..it's never skipped a beat .done every thing I've asked it to .i don't really use it for bevel cuts .or circles or anything other than jigsawing

Have been thinking about swapping it for a carvex .but when I think About it probably only because the 9 year old classic SYS looks a bit tired

 

[Kev]

I have 2 x CARVEX (1 cordless, 1 mains) and a Trion ... I went with a D handle Trion for variety and it's the one that lives in the CMS mostly.

Thanks Kev - what is your opinion of whether there is a difference in the quality of cut between your corded carvex vs corded Trion - just as straight, just as precise?

I haven't noticed a significant difference in use to be honest, I like the Trion. My corded CARVEX gets very little use now too, I seem to alway be picking up the cordless CARVEX or using the Trion in the CMS.

 

[VW mick]

Kev does the trion work well in the cms never really thought about using it like that

 

[Kev]

Kev does the trion work well in the cms never really thought about using it like that

Absolutely - it's a real bonus if you have a Trion OR CARVEX and already have the CMS unit ... the CMS-PS gives you something that's "not quite and bandsaw and not quite a scroll saw" but is very useful for cutting out shapes. You just need to take it slow and pick the right blade for the thickness and the radius you're attempted.

If you're mobile it's probably an even bigger bonus!

I actually got the Trion specifically for the CMS in the first place - I was initially tempted by a really good promo price on a run out Protool jigsaw that also fits the CMS module, but managed to up sell myself on the day [embarassed]

 

[jamanjeval]

I know you asked about the Festools, but take a look at the Mafell P1cc just to see what other companies are offering. It has a much better tilting base (IMHO) and the blade can be reversed (put in backwards) so that the body of the saw stays on the material when cutting out notches. To be fair, it is a lot more expensive. I'd like to see Festool adopt some of these ideas and go even further by adding dust collection when cutting on an angle.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tool-reviews/mafell-p1cc-jigsaw/

 

[mrboult]

When I compared the two models prior to buying a Carvex, I honestly couldn't see what the Trion offers over any other decent branded jigsaw.

I wish the Trion had a light built into it.  Other than that it is by far the best jigsaw I have ever owned or used (not used Carvex).

It is solidly built, can be run on my guide rails, has a little jig to cut perfect small circles, has disposable splinter guards, pretty good Dust collection running through the base (not just straight out the back). . . . .  Also it does have the carbon guides like the Carvex so you can have your blades run wonderfully straight and true.

So yeah I would say there is something to it over and above any other decent jigsaw.