Carvex Jigsaw Honest Opinion?

[bobfog]

I am in the market for a new jigsaw and I've narrowed it down to either the Bosch BCE 160 or the Carvex.

Whilst I would like the Carvex as a first option, I've read a lot of noise regarding blade wander and out of square cutting with the Carvex 420. The Bosch on the other hand doesn't seem to have such complaints, however it also doesn't seem to have quite the same level of accessories.

I know there might be some bias, but if possible I'd be hugely appreciative of some honest opinions on the issues with the Carvex and also opinions from those who have used both saws.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[TheSergeant]

Have you considered the Trion?  When I got into Festool I bought a package deal from a retiring finish contractor.  Included with it was a 13 year old Trion as well as other tools.  I used it, and was really impressed with it but when the opportunity arose to purchase a barely used 420 Carvex with the accessory systainer I couldn't pass it up.  I mean, come on, all those sexy interchangeable bases, photostrobic LEDs, and super cool circle cutter, how could I pass it up?  I didn't. 

So I started cleaning up my Trion in preparation of selling it but before I did I thought I'd cute both jig saws, back to back with the same blade and see 'how much better' the Carvex was.  Well.... it wasn't.  The Carvex doesn't feel as smooth as the Trion, just a greater amount of vibration.  The cuts on the Trion were dead square for the most part, the Carvex -- not so much.  The Trion also has a much better grab on the blade and there's a strong spring forcing the blade/shaft backwards.  There's basically no spring pressure on the blade/shaft on the Carvex and I think it's what contributes to the blade wander. 

Not only that but the freaking blade on the Carvex literally dislodged two separate times (???!!!) and got stuck in the wood.  Literally the blade came out of the saw, and just was stuck in the wood.  Happened twice, both on slight curves.  Not cool and not safe. 

So now I'm questioning whether or not I want to keep the Carvex.  For the price of the jig saw + accessories you're $560 deep.  That's a lot of money, twice that of the Trion.  Is it twice as good as the Trion?  No way. 

The Bosch looks pretty good but I've heard mixed reviews about it. 

 

[Nat X]

If you use the extra-thick FSG blades and adjust it correctly I think you'll have a very difficult time producing a non-square cut with the Carvex. If you use other blades, then they can and will flex, but this is hardly a Festool specific problem. I've never had one fall out or get stuck in anything, and I've made some pretty long cuts.

My biggest complaint from the past year of using the thing is the angled base plate (which doesn't actually come with the saw). There's no way to lock the angle down, so it tends to drift in use, there's not enough surface area to the thing to get a really stable purchase on anything, so I always wind up ATG-ing some phenolic or sheet HDPE to it, and it doesn't let you connect any dust extraction at all.

That said, I've still been able to cut nearly perfect 10 degree chamfers in 6/4 walnut freehand with the thing thanks to the strobe light, so I've never actually regretted the purchase. That particular Bosch does not appear to be sold here, so I can't comment on how it compares in use. Looks nice in pictures.

 

[unityroad]

Hi, For what its worth to you.  I own the Bosch and the Carvex. Simply put I strongly suggest you buy the offering from Mafell. It is the most simple cut thick thin material dead on jig saw you could own. By far my favorite of the 3 mentioned above. I own most of everything Festool offers. I also own a lot of Mafell tools. I own a lot of different tools. If Mafell made a toaster I would buy it. Good luck in your decision.

 

[tjbnwi]

I have the corded and cordless Carvex. The cordless outperforms the corded. I should send the corded in to be checked but I know I'll never get around to it.

The cordless is a very nice saw.

Tom

 

[TheSergeant]

If you use the extra-thick FSG blades and adjust it correctly I think you'll have a very difficult time producing a non-square cut with the Carvex. If you use other blades, then they can and will flex, but this is hardly a Festool specific problem. I've never had one fall out or get stuck in anything, and I've made some pretty long cuts.

Just to add an extra data point here.  The cuts that I were making were with Festool's FSG blades.  Both the Carvex and the Trion were properly adjusted using the same method to tension the carbide guides.  I let wasn't rushing the cuts,  both were on "3" pendulum setting, same blades, etc.  Material was 1.5" plywood lamination.  Trion came out perfect, Carvex was out of square in several places.  Visibility is better on the Carvex but the Trion feels smoother.  Obviously I really want to like the Carvex, especially after spending the money on it, but I'm uncertain.  I'm going to put it to use on some more projects and see how it preforms.  Fingers crossed.

 

[blaszcsj]

I have had the Carvex for a few months now. I have had zero issues making 90 deg cuts with the fsg blades. I have found making the blade adjustments fairly easy.  Overall I am very pleased with it. The strobe light is nice. Only thing I'm still getting used to is looking thru splinter guard and chip shield to see the cut line.

Big thing is to make sure the blade matches the application in my opinion.

 

[Staniam]

The Carvex was my very first Festool (I now own 6 and counting) and with that, my longest tenured. I just sold it a few weeks ago to purchase the Bosch JS572EBL jigsaw. I really, really liked the Carvex but I'm absolutely, head over heels in love with the Bosch. No need to adjust the blade guard for each new blade, no need for a separate tilt/beveling base and the blade insertion is far easier.

The JS572EBL has an LED light, 4 pendulum/orbital settings, a blower on/off function, FAR FAR FAR better dust collection capabilities complete with a rotating dust spout to keep the hose from stiffening up the saw. It has a 7.2amp motor that I just used to scroll cut through a three month old 4×6 that's been laying outside in the rain, like butter (with a Festool blade). The on/off switch is also far easier to use on the Bosch but it's only on the left side of the saw which isn't kind to lefties.

As far as accessories, the dust extraction kit supplied with the Bosch JS572EBL allows the saw to simply trump the extraction capabilities of the Carvex. It comes with a steel base overshoe for heavy duty use and just as with the Carvex, you can purchase a guide rail base adapter (works on Bosch rails and Festool rails) and a circle cutting accessory which is very similar to the Carvex accessory.

The Bosch guide rail adapter base and circle cutting accessory are sold together as the KS 3000 kit. I just imported mine, should be here in a couple weeks  [big grin]

I love Festool and I love Bosch. I love both equally but in my first hand experience the Bosch JS572EBL jigsaw is superior to the Carvex. Since you aren't in North America you can also purchase the cordless version of the Bosch.

That's my opinion from first hand experience. Btw I still use Festool blades, they are incredible. I also use Bosch but 90% of the time I use Festool even though Bosch makes great blades too.

 

[Holmz]

Hi, For what its worth to you.  I own the Bosch and the Carvex. Simply put I strongly suggest you buy the offering from Mafell. It is the most simple cut thick thin material dead on jig saw you could own. By far my favorite of the 3 mentioned above. I own most of everything Festool offers. I also own a lot of Mafell tools. I own a lot of different tools. If Mafell made a toaster I would buy it. Good luck in your decision.

8)

 

[bobfog]

Thanks for the feedback! Really appreciate the honesty and views.

To go over a few points:

1) For some reason I ruled the Trion out early on. I think it might have been to do with it not being compatible with the tape measure style circle guide.

2) I didn't realise Bosch did a similar tape measure style circle cutting guide, this makes the Bosch more appealing.

3) I looked long and hard at the Mafell and wanted to like it, but unfortunately I just don't get on with barrel grip jigsaws and from what I can see Mafell don't do a D handle version.

I think what is most often the hardest thing when listening to opinions on the internet is often those who haven't bought a product will "hate on it" the most and those who have bought a product will defend it to the hilt. Therefore what speaks most loudly to me about the Carvex is people who have actually bought it with their own hard-earned cash are saying they've sold it because they thought it wasn't a good tool.

I currently own about half a dozen Festool tools and about 10 Bosch blue tools; but I think on this particular occasion, it's going to be a blue L-Boxx that gets added to my collection, not a green and white Systainer, which is a shame as my slight OCD side would have liked to see a bit of symmetry between the quantity of the two brands in my collection [big grin]

 

[rst]

I own a Bosch 1582 barrel grip seemingly forever and it has always worked well for me, even cutting glass and tile.  I recently bought the Carvex and have cut plastic, wood, aluminum and steel with it.  There was an initial learning curve with the soft start that took some getting used to, but as long as the jaw was adjusted properly I have had no issues to make me regret my purchase.

 

[chrisrosenb]

Thanks for the feedback! Really appreciate the honesty and views.

To go over a few points:

2) I didn't realise Bosch did a similar tape measure style circle cutting guide, this makes the Bosch more appealing.

I currently own about half a dozen Festool tools and about 10 Bosch blue tools; but I think on this particular occasion, it's going to be a blue L-Boxx that gets added to my collection, not a green and white Systainer, which is a shame as my slight OCD side would have liked to see a bit of symmetry between the quantity of the two brands in my collection [big grin]

Make sure you can buy the tape measure circle guide before buying the a Bosch saw. One of the problems I have had with Bosch over the years is that all of their accessories are not readily available. I have never run into that with Festool.

 

[Kev]

I have no problem with the CARVEX, but I haven't used it heavily.

The 30 day trial option is something I'd take up if I was in the US and I had a doubt.

 

[Jamestoolie]

Thanks for the feedback! Really appreciate the honesty and views.

To go over a few points:

1) For some reason I ruled the Trion out early on. I think it might have been to do with it not being compatible with the tape measure style circle guide.

2) I didn't realise Bosch did a similar tape measure style circle cutting guide, this makes the Bosch more appealing.

3) I looked long and hard at the Mafell and wanted to like it, but unfortunately I just don't get on with barrel grip jigsaws and from what I can see Mafell don't do a D handle version.

I think what is most often the hardest thing when listening to opinions on the internet is often those who haven't bought a product will "hate on it" the most and those who have bought a product will defend it to the hilt. Therefore what speaks most loudly to me about the Carvex is people who have actually bought it with their own hard-earned cash are saying they've sold it because they thought it wasn't a good tool.

I currently own about half a dozen Festool tools and about 10 Bosch blue tools; but I think on this particular occasion, it's going to be a blue L-Boxx that gets added to my collection, not a green and white Systainer, which is a shame as my slight OCD side would have liked to see a bit of symmetry between the quantity of the two brands in my collection [big grin]

If you are a heavy jig saw user it might help to buy the carvex and use it heavily within the 30 day return policy.  I had a carvex and accessory kit that i used and sold.  I was seduced by the sexy features and accessories available.  I enjoyed the saw and the accessories but i did not use the saw as often to rationalize the 567 bucks i dropped for the saw and accessory kit. 

 

[Mort]

I dunno, if I had it to do over again I'd probably get something else. For me it was between a Carvex and something more utilitarian like a DeWalt or Milwaukee.

All the whiz-bang features were what sold me, but I find I either don't use them or they aren't enough to justify the extra cost. The strobe lights are cool, but only work on the highest speed. I don't use the zero clearance inserts because, at least for me, you have to take them out every time you change blades. Dust collection isn't that great, except cutting insulation.

I didn't get the accessory kit because I thought $350 was plenty, thank you. But I don't have any guide rails, so that base wouldn't be needed. The other ones I might use but not that much, so I'd be paying $200 for a bevel base, which is enough to buy a DeWalt saw that has one already.

Adjusting the blade guide all the time is annoying, you have to take the base off to do it.

Mine cuts fairly square if you enter the cut at something close to perpendicular, I've had it drift a little when trying to make curvy cuts.

I'd probably sell it if I could find one cheaper that cuts through a 4x4.

 

[bobfog]

So, I bought the Bosch. Handled both and in addition to my previous reservations I just didn't like the feel of the Carved D handle in the hand.

Not truly put it through its paces in any proper manner, but cut some 4x4 pressure treated posts, as well as some curves in a piece of 40mm worktop off cut.

In short based on initial impressions from half an hour playing about with it, I think I'm going to be very pleased with the saw. Also did a few 45 degree cuts in 18mm ply and they were bang on.

Oh and I bought some Carvex FSG blades just to restore the balance a little.  [big grin]

 

[JonSchuck]

Have you considered the Trion?  When I got into Festool I bought a package deal from a retiring finish contractor.  Included with it was a 13 year old Trion as well as other tools.  I used it, and was really impressed with it but when the opportunity arose to purchase a barely used 420 Carvex with the accessory systainer I couldn't pass it up.  I mean, come on, all those sexy interchangeable bases, photostrobic LEDs, and super cool circle cutter, how could I pass it up?  I didn't. 

So I started cleaning up my Trion in preparation of selling it but before I did I thought I'd cute both jig saws, back to back with the same blade and see 'how much better' the Carvex was.  Well.... it wasn't.  The Carvex doesn't feel as smooth as the Trion, just a greater amount of vibration.  The cuts on the Trion were dead square for the most part, the Carvex -- not so much.  The Trion also has a much better grab on the blade and there's a strong spring forcing the blade/shaft backwards.  There's basically no spring pressure on the blade/shaft on the Carvex and I think it's what contributes to the blade wander. 

Not only that but the freaking blade on the Carvex literally dislodged two separate times (???!!!) and got stuck in the wood.  Literally the blade came out of the saw, and just was stuck in the wood.  Happened twice, both on slight curves.  Not cool and not safe. 

So now I'm questioning whether or not I want to keep the Carvex.  For the price of the jig saw + accessories you're $560 deep.  That's a lot of money, twice that of the Trion.  Is it twice as good as the Trion?  No way. 
The Bosch looks pretty good but I've heard mixed reviews about it.

It sounds like somebody bought a Carvex that was a lemon and instead of working with Festool to fix it they pawned it off on you.  That is why I don't buy used, especially Festool, since you don't really save much.  I think the warranty transfers.  You should call Festool.

 

[bobfog]

Have you considered the Trion?  When I got into Festool I bought a package deal from a retiring finish contractor.  Included with it was a 13 year old Trion as well as other tools.  I used it, and was really impressed with it but when the opportunity arose to purchase a barely used 420 Carvex with the accessory systainer I couldn't pass it up.  I mean, come on, all those sexy interchangeable bases, photostrobic LEDs, and super cool circle cutter, how could I pass it up?  I didn't. 

So I started cleaning up my Trion in preparation of selling it but before I did I thought I'd cute both jig saws, back to back with the same blade and see 'how much better' the Carvex was.  Well.... it wasn't.  The Carvex doesn't feel as smooth as the Trion, just a greater amount of vibration.  The cuts on the Trion were dead square for the most part, the Carvex -- not so much.  The Trion also has a much better grab on the blade and there's a strong spring forcing the blade/shaft backwards.  There's basically no spring pressure on the blade/shaft on the Carvex and I think it's what contributes to the blade wander. 

Not only that but the freaking blade on the Carvex literally dislodged two separate times (???!!!) and got stuck in the wood.  Literally the blade came out of the saw, and just was stuck in the wood.  Happened twice, both on slight curves.  Not cool and not safe. 

So now I'm questioning whether or not I want to keep the Carvex.  For the price of the jig saw + accessories you're $560 deep.  That's a lot of money, twice that of the Trion.  Is it twice as good as the Trion?  No way. 
The Bosch looks pretty good but I've heard mixed reviews about it.

It sounds like somebody bought a Carvex that was a lemon and instead of working with Festool to fix it they pawned it off on you.  That is why I don't buy used, especially Festool, since you don't really save much.  I think the warranty transfers.  You should call Festool.

According to the sales guy in th tool shop, it's a case of the Carvex is just flawed. Apparently the 420 is a redesign of an earlier model without blade roller which was added as a quick fix to blade wander, that only reduced but didn't solve the problem. In his opinion the Carvex 420 is a flawed design that is due for replacement.

 

[peter halle]

Bob,

Glad to see you made a decision and I honestly hope you love your new saw and that it meets your needs and expectations.

That being said jigsaws are definitely a tool that people need to learn, learn how to push thru curves, and dealers need to do the same.  People who sell tools also need to do the same.

Peter

 

[MGB]

I think a high end bosch jigsaw is never a bad choice. I've had a 1590 barrel grip for a decade, it runs as smooth as the day I bought it. Not one single issue either, more powerful than the carvex and smoother.

The reason I retired it, is because the thing is a beast. I practically always cut upside down, and after I handled the 5.5 lbs carvex I was instantly sold.

Would I buy another? Yes, but I will say I don't like the lack of pressure on the pendulum shaft. You can grab the blade and flop it around too much for a high end jigsaw. I've learned to deal with it.