carvex 420 purchase

[mandatory66]

After checking reviews on the Carvex for two days I thought it would be an improvement over my Bosch 1590 so I made the purchase. Upon receiving the saw I spent about 6hrs. testing the saw and comparing it directly with my Bosch 1590. Unfortunately I decided to return the saw. Its ability to cut squarely was not any better than the Bosch and this was my main reason for looking for an upgrade. The Carvex vibrated more and did not have the feel of the build quality of my old Bosch. This may have been due to my comparing a the Bosch D handle to the Tube design of the Carvex. I also missed the variable speed trigger on the Bosch.The good features of the Carvex were the LED lights and the vacuum attachment using my CT26. I wanted to like this saw but could not do it. I also see that Bosch has changed the way they support the blade and are now just using two rollers to replace the pinchers on the side as they used to have,which is similar to the Carvex. Looks like I will be using my old 1590 for awhile longer.

 

[joiner1970]

I thought that when i first got my cordless carvex, it felt very rattly and I wasn't expecting that. After using it for a few months I think it's a great little saw. I've still got about 3 Bosch's and a Trion that I use for bevelled cuts , but the carvex is my  go to jigsaw

 

[Staniam]

Why don't you try the D-handle Carvex?

 

[peter halle]

Glad to see that you took the time to use the saw and see if it was for you.  Sorry to see that it wasn't but having the opportunity to try and return can be an advantage.

The D-handle version would have given you the variable speed trigger.

Peter

 

[mrboult]

I agree that the carvex feels and sounds a bit cheap. And I personally dislike the barel grip version.

My Trion feels like a better quality jigsaw, but the carvex is actually superior in most ways.

 

[Firestorm]

The Carvex 420 is still on my wish list. I also like all the optional bits and pieces as well as the dust collection. But I appreciate the review. It's got to be better than my old Black and Decker!  [eek]

 

[DB10]

As the dust collection on all jigsaws is pretty useless to start with. May I suggest you try out the cordless Carvex. By not having any leads or hoses to get in the way,
I find that the Carvex in the barrel shape design makes for a very agile and precise jig saw. once set up correctly it also cuts beautifully straight and parallel.

 

[Firestorm]

As the dust collection on all jigsaws is pretty useless to start with. May I suggest you try out the cordless Carvex. By not having any leads or hoses to get in the way,
I find that the Carvex in the barrel shape design makes for a very agile and precise jig saw. once set up correctly it also cuts beautifully straight and parallel.

Interesting! I have been looking at the D handle mainly because of the variable speed. Do you feel that variable speed in not really needed?

 

[Holmz]

The Carvex 420 is still on my wish list. I also like all the optional bits and pieces as well as the dust collection. But I appreciate the review. It's got to be better than my old Black and Decker!  [eek]

I can guarantee it will be better than the B&D, but chips are not "dust" and no jog saw does well gathering the chips.
If you are only getting it for dust collection then you will be disappointed.

 

[Firestorm]

The Carvex 420 is still on my wish list. I also like all the optional bits and pieces as well as the dust collection. But I appreciate the review. It's got to be better than my old Black and Decker!  [eek]

I can guarantee it will be better than the B&D, but chips are not "dust" and no jog saw does well gathering the chips.
If you are only getting it for dust collection then you will be disappointed.

No I'm not really interested in the dust collection as much as I am looking at all the attachments. You make a real good point though.

 

[DB10]

As the dust collection on all jigsaws is pretty useless to start with. May I suggest you try out the cordless Carvex. By not having any leads or hoses to get in the way,
I find that the Carvex in the barrel shape design makes for a very agile and precise jig saw. once set up correctly it also cuts beautifully straight and parallel.

Interesting! I have been looking at the D handle mainly because of the variable speed. Do you feel that variable speed in not really needed?

  As I'm mostly cutting wood, I tend to leave mine in A, auto mode, it has a soft start that ramps up nicely when the blade starts to get cutting.
If I was you I would check out both the barrel and D shapes in store to see which shape feels better for you, it comes down to personal preference I think. For me the barrel shape had the edge.

 

[Firestorm]

As the dust collection on all jigsaws is pretty useless to start with. May I suggest you try out the cordless Carvex. By not having any leads or hoses to get in the way,
I find that the Carvex in the barrel shape design makes for a very agile and precise jig saw. once set up correctly it also cuts beautifully straight and parallel.

Interesting! I have been looking at the D handle mainly because of the variable speed. Do you feel that variable speed in not really needed?

  As I'm mostly cutting wood, I tend to leave mine in A, auto mode, it has a soft start that ramps up nicely when the blade starts to get cutting.
If I was you I would check out both the barrel and D shapes in store to see which shape feels better for you, it comes down to personal preference I think. For me the barrel shape had the edge.

Thank you again. I will take your advice and see which one "feels" good. Again, its got to be better than my Black and Decker, and I have the Green and Dark Blue disease really bad. LOL. Best regards.

 

[Holmz]

I have an old black-n-decker along with a red jig saw.
The B&D acually seems to do pretty good. It is not great and it doesn't feel good, but it cuts OK. Just no circle attachments, no rail/track stuff etc. But for cutting MDF router templates it does fine.
The modern ones just have extras, but the action of the blade is unchanged.

 

[mandatory66]

I thought about trying the D grip saw but was  stopped by the seemingly poor build compared to the 1590. I'm seeing that many here are happy with the saw, maybe down the road another try. The newer saws have further support down the blade like my Bosch and the Festools this greatly helps stabilize the blade. As I mentioned above Bosch has now moved on to two wheels for stabilization since they should be improving their saws perhaps it is an improvement,I will be looking into it. Thanks for the comments.

 

[Steve-Rice]

I'm very happy with my Carvex.  I have the barrel grip (corded) version and I find the barrel grip gives me a lot more control than my D-handle DeWalt.  I'm especially pleased with the circle jig and the guide rail attachment. Must admit however, that the dust collection is very disappointing. I always leave it on the automatic speed setting and find that works very well for me. The LED lights really do make seeing the blade easier.  All in all, a great little jig saw for me.

 

[Staniam]

I have and love the Carvex (barrel grip) but have not had a real need for a jigsaw the last half of 2015. I have nearly all of its accessories and they truly are incredible. The saw cuts beautifully and hasnt given me any memorable trouble. Unfortunately I believe it's a luxury for me at this point so I've been thinking about "downgrading" to a Bosch, namely the JS120BN cordless 12v. That guy still has a dust collection attachment and has gotten fantastic reviews.

I love the Carvex, my work just hasn't required much jigsaw lately  [sad]

 

[MGB]

I agree it rattley, and the bosch has more of a quality feel. My 1590 served me well and is still a great saw. But its HEAVY, cutting upside down for 30min sessions wears on you.

I think the worst part about the carvex is you can grab the blade and there's alot of slop unless your pushing the saw into a workpeice. This leads to inaccurate starting cuts (on higher speeds). Plus messed up splinter guards.

The pinching style blade retention on the bosch is a great feature I'm sad they ditched. I would've bought the 572 over the carvex if it still had that system.

 

[mrboult]

there's alot of slop unless your pushing the saw into a workpeice. This leads to inaccurate starting cuts (on higher speeds).

With the guides adjusted properly for the blade in use I don't have any slop with my carvex.

 

[MGB]

there's alot of slop unless your pushing the saw into a workpeice. This leads to inaccurate starting cuts (on higher speeds).

With the guides adjusted properly for the blade in use I don't have any slop with my carvex.

Put it on high speed and you'll see the blade dance around. There's literally nothing holding the blade true unless you're cutting with the saw. Which is a minor issue, but it's glaringly obvious if your used to a jigsaw like the bosch which holds the blade firmly 100% of the time.

 

[WelshWood]

Dust extraction on any jigsaw isn't going to be all that great, just one of those things that can't be helped (prove me wrong please festool!)

I've had my Carvex for quite a few months now and it's paid for itself many times over, at first the barrel grip takes a bit of getting used to, but i'm more than happy with it now, and would definitely recommend one.

~WW