Carvex. How tough is it?

[Staniam]

Here are a few photos of what I've done with the Carvex.

 

[peter halle]

I was lucky enough to have the original carvex and now the latest version.  The tool does what it is said about it.  It will do what you want it to do - dependably.

I am not going to debate this, but the recent comments about Carvex versus screw doesn't match my personal experience.  A non hardened blade versus a hardened screw usually means a dull blade quickly.  Just a fact of my personal life.

Peter

 

[SittingElf]

Peter,

I wasn't aware that there was an "earlier" version of the Carvex.  What's new in the "latest" version?

Frank

 

[tjbnwi]

Peter,

I wasn't aware that there was an "earlier" version of the Carvex.  What's new in the "latest" version?

Frank

There was a 400, current is the 420.

I have the 420, went from cutting 10 ga steel to 3/4" oak veneer plywood to cutting 3/4" solid oak within minutes the other day. Blade change was quick, saw did not skip a beat in any of the material.

Tom

 

[erock]

Peter,

I wasn't aware that there was an "earlier" version of the Carvex.  What's new in the "latest" version?

Frank

There was a 400, current is the 420.

I have the 420, went from cutting 10 ga steel to 3/4" oak veneer plywood to cutting 3/4" solid oak within minutes the other day. Blade change was quick, saw did not skip a beat in any of the material.

Tom

Tom,  Video or some people  OR "members" won't believe you......LOL!

Eric

 

[SoonerFan]

Carvex is tough enough for me.  I use the saw often but do not abuse the tool.  It helps on everything I need.  Pick the right balde and the right base and it just cuts and cuts and cuts.  I have heard great things about the Mafell but the Carvex was a better choice  for me......use mainly Festools these days.

 

[tjbnwi]

Peter,

I wasn't aware that there was an "earlier" version of the Carvex.  What's new in the "latest" version?

Frank

There was a 400, current is the 420.

I have the 420, went from cutting 10 ga steel to 3/4" oak veneer plywood to cutting 3/4" solid oak within minutes the other day. Blade change was quick, saw did not skip a beat in any of the material.

Tom

Tom,  Video or some people  OR "members" won't believe you......LOL!

Eric

Next time I have to cut a Wolf vent carriage, cabinet intermediate panel and finished end panel I'll make sure someone videos it.

It won't be as polished as yours, but not many are. (This is a compliment, no sarcasm on this one).

Tom

 

[Cheese]

Wow...was I out long?
It seems like the last 4-5 threads about this subject have been about damage control, and it's massive damage control at that.
In my simple mind, Festool will continue to:
1. Churn out great equipment
2. Continue to warranty their products as long as you don't include the offending competitors accessories when you return the tool for warranty.
3. Hopefully, continue to reinvent the way we use our tools so that what was not possible yesterday, is possible today. That is my fervent wish.
As I have said previously, Festool missed an opportunity. I'm willing to forgive...but not forget.

 

[shaun.mcc]

That is one of the reasons this forum is one of the few that many of us visit...it doesn't allow the drama and bickering that most turn into.

Right on...life/work is too stressful...for many of us this forum is calming therapy...

 

[Laminator]

I like my carvex much more than my trion mainly because of blade visibility.  Secondly is the weight ( carvex is very light), and its almost like it has a blade brake when you let off the trigger.
The trion feels more solid as it is much heavier.  It would be the perfect saw for me if the blade was more visible at the cut line, something that would be greatly helped by the addition of a light such as the carvex has.
  The carvex has the most uncomfortable trigger I have ever used on a power tool.  It is a flat square block with square edges.  I will modify this one day but it really is a minor irritation on a very nice jig saw.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=14pt]
As I type I notice three Auusies are following this thread.

Come on guys follow me down to my/your shop and have some fun using our tools, and leave this FOG politics to the 'Northern' members.  [smile]

How dare you insinuate that we "Notherners" are political!  This from folks who have to deal with the water spinning down the drain backwards, along with their routers and orbital sanders going the wrong way... and cars that have the steering wheel on the WRONG side!!

Pfft! [big grin]

Frank

[member=20326]SittingElf[/member]

[size=14pt]G'Day Frank,

Some great European Car Manufacturers appear to think it is OK to have Right Hand Stearing!  [big grin]

[attachimg=1]

In reality in my adult life time, after approx. 30,000km driving in Europe and North Africa, and around 3,000 miles in Canada and the US, I do not mind driving Left Hand Drive. Quite like it actually!

Just checked my ROTEX, seams Festool have changed the direction of rotation for us 'Southerners'  [eek] [Not].

As to FOG politics -
Had a great time with my Domino this morning, and glue up: sanding this afternoon.  [big grin]

 

[Mort]

I have a Carvex. A little background, it's the first Festool I've bought, and the first decent jigsaw also. I'm a hobbyist woodworker, newish to the hobby.

I've used other jigsaws before, and I almost wrote off the tool as a rough demolition tool akin to a Sawzall. Unrefined, inaccurate, a necessary evil.

Then I saved up for a Carvex because I thought if this doesn't change my mind nothing will. It did.

It is precise, lightweight (in my opinion, Festool is missing the boat by not emphasizing how light it is, even compared to the Trion), dust collection is superb, the strobe light thing is just as cool as they say it is. I have nothing but good things to say about it.

Is it worth three times the money of the DeWalt I used before? Without a doubt. Is a Mafell worth twice the money of a Festool? I can't imagine it would be.

 

[woodtradesman]

I'll be looking into the Mafell.

 

[DB10]

Listen boys no arguing, a Mclaren each should settle it. I'm sure Frank could stretch to one of these.

 

[Stephen B]

Listen boys no arguing, a Mclaren each should settle it. I'm sure Frank could stretch to one of these.

[size=14pt]
Not quite settled DB as I note that the gear lever is on
the driver's right!  [eek]  [big grin]

[member=42735]DB10[/member]

 

[Phil Beckley]

The threads regarding that video are here on the forum if you wish to search.  If you don't, then come to whatever conclusions you wish but your term "censorship" is without merit without you taking any time since my last post to research it.

If you wish to continue this conversation then I am available via PM (said for the second time).

Peter Halle - Moderator

The censorship was deleting the video in the first place. Why do so if the information already exists on the forum?  That's a little contradictory, surely?

I'd rather keep this discussion public, where it originated (said for the second time).

Peter is 100% correct to remove the video. Sure it is available to watch on other sites i guess, but other than that it is a rehash of historical issues.
  If your not sure about the 420 then go try at a demo event - we have several coming up. If you are close to our office then contact me and i will go through the benefits of owning the 420.
rg
Phil

 

[Michael1960]

Peter - keep up the good work moderating this forum. 

 

[Phil Beckley]

Peter - keep up the good work moderating this forum.

A diplomatic touch is required and both moderators hit the mark - well done Peter and Seth.
rg
Phil

 

[Michael1960]

Yes - totally agree.  Keep up the good work Seth!
Just thought Peter deserved some 'special attention' with this thread.

 

[glass1]

I have the trion. It's a good jig saw on the same level as the current best Bosch. The sight line is not so good. As to blade deflection I think people's expectations are too high. The screw thing: aren't jig saws designed to cut metal?  I mean just because one is using a wood blade and tried to cut metal should one expect catastrophic failure ? If Festool advertises as the toughest tools made designed for professionals and have add campaigns like biscuits are for gravy ( I like both my lamello and domino by the way) than they are inviting criticism when folks think things are not up to snuff. Listen, I like the fact that Festool is a company not trying to race to the bottom, but as a carpenter in the USA my tools are precious and yes important to me and if they fail I cannot do my job. No free passes to Festool. I like the vacuums, sanders, domino, the planer(most of the time), and of course my track saw. But I find that many of the other tools(in my opinion) are not quite as good. It's a tool forum so expect some posts to be negative. I do appreciate this forum but some of the folks on here take it too personal when someone does not like a festool. It's like on the job site when someone is blasting their radio listening to a favorite jingle and someone makes up some joke lyrics and first person gets offended that someone is making fun of the song. Lighten up, none of you own stock in the company and not everybody is going to get a festool and like it or have it last perfectly forever.