Carvex Jigsaw Honest Opinion?

[SHJ NH]

A couple weeks ago, I worked with a Carvex barrel grip. In my opinion this Festool machine works smoother than my Metabo jigsaw (also barrel grip). Only thing for me was to switch the Carvex on/off. Or the button are too low or my fingers are too short.

I think to buy a Festool jigsaw, but I can't deside which one. Should a D grip a better choice for me?

In the meanwhile I've purchased a Carvex with barrel grip. In practice I have my hand more to the side so I can handle with the buttons. I like the stroboscoop function so you can see where blade is.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have both the corded and cordless Carvex saws as well as the Bosch corded saw. I reach for the cordless Carvex 90% of the time. If I use it inside, I use the dust collector attachment. Outside, no dust collection. Dust collection with the attachment and the vac turned up high is about 50%.

I learned to store the battery detached from the saw. It's very easy to grab the saw out of the Sustainer and trigger the power switch. I put the battery on just before I am read to cut. When the cutting is over, the battery comes off.

I prefer the blade position on the Bosch to that of the Festool. It seems to be easier to see and, thus, guide.

I had trouble with the Festool blade guides at first getting too tight. After some experimenting, they work fine. My cuts are true 90 degree in up to 2" hardwood. To be honest, I use my Sawstop for the finish cuts, not the jigsaw.

I'm intrigued by the Mafell, but no one in my area carries them and I hate to buy an expensive tool without handling it.

 

[SS Teach]

When it came time to replace my 25 year old jig saw I spent a lot of time on FOG reading the reviews and opinions concerning the Carvex. For my usage It would have been cost effective to purchase both the saw and the accessory kit. Since the Carvex has been somewhat problematic I went with the Bosch JS 572 in the L Boxx. It's great.

 

[nickao]

I have both the corded and cordless Carvex saws as well as the Bosch corded saw. I reach for the cordless Carvex 90% of the time. If I use it inside, I use the dust collector attachment. Outside, no dust collection. Dust collection with the attachment and the vac turned up high is about 50%.

I learned to store the battery detached from the saw. It's very easy to grab the saw out of the Systainer and trigger the power switch. I put the battery on just before I am read to cut. When the cutting is over, the battery comes off.

I prefer the blade position on the Bosch to that of the Festool. It seems to be easier to see and, thus, guide.

I had trouble with the Festool blade guides at first getting too tight. After some experimenting, they work fine. My cuts are true 90 degree in up to 2" hardwood. To be honest, I use my Sawstop for the finish cuts, not the jigsaw.

I'm intrigued by the Mafell, but no one in my area carries them and I hate to buy an expensive tool without handling it.

I am struggling to go cordless on the jig an track saws. Since I use a dust collection hose 100% of the time and all my hoses have a plug it in the sleeve of the hose I just dont see the need for the Cordless. I would just have a plug it flopping around the end of the hose anyhow.

My question is why do you grab the Carvex cordless the times you are inside when you are attaching a hose?

 

[Holmz]

Probably because the dust collection is only 50% anyhow (from para 1)...

So once it is 1/2 a pig sty, then committing to a mess "all the way" is easy.

 

[Mort]

Since my first post I did indeed sell my Carvex. I replaced it with a Bosch JS470EB, which I haven't used yet. The dust blower sold me, I don't much care how much of a mess it makes as long as I can see my cut line.

I'll miss the strobe lights and the lightness of the Carvex (Bosch is noticeably heavier), and the blade break.

If I can manage to talk myself into Festool's 18v platform I might get a cordless one.

 

[nickao]

Probably because the dust collection is only 50% anyhow (from para 1)...

So once it is 1/2 a pig sty, then committing to a mess "all the way" is easy.

He is saying he USES the dust collection on the cordless. That's what I dont get, may as well use  a corded tool if a hose is connected to the tool.

 

[Holmz]

After another cup of coffee, and I now am with you on understanding your question.

 

[Picktool]

It's ok... dont care too much for it though. At the same token
not enough time to get know it better. Maybe. No Mafell for me.

Aside from that, what is that metal wire for behind the clear shield?
Can it be removed? Blocks cutline/view sometimes.

I just turned on the jiggie before and I must have spun
the speed down to 2 and the CT26 was going on/off. Pulsing.
Practically off at speed 1. Almost the same for setting A until
cut started. 3 to 5 works fine. This is normal no? Other than that
runs fine.

Ronnie

 

[Birdhunter]

I use my cordless Carvex and not the corded model because I just don't like to keep track of where the cord is re the cut. The cord is a nuisance. I use dust collection inside with the Carvex because it seems to capture the airborne dust. The heavier dust seems to fall off the underside of the cut. If I'm cutting outside with the Carvex or TS55, I rarely use the dust collection system.

 

[Laminator]

The metal wire is a safety thing i think, if you are using the saw with the shield up. I never use the saw with the shield up so the "guard wire" is somewhere collecting dust. Its very easy to remove. I refuse to saw mdf or birch plywood without dust collection as I despise breathing the dust.

 

[nickao]

I use my cordless Carvex and not the corded model because I just don't like to keep track of where the cord is re the cut. The cord is a nuisance. I use dust collection inside with the Carvex because it seems to capture the airborne dust. The heavier dust seems to fall off the underside of the cut. If I'm cutting outside with the Carvex or TS55, I rarely use the dust collection system.

I see, I wasn't thinking your  extension cord was something separate from the dust collection hose.

I think  most guys here long ago have attached their cords to their hoses with a sock and shrink (or just zip ties) as one unit. If people haven't they should do that, especially if they are in the Festool system already. That's why I said in my case I would just have a plug it hanging off the dust collection hose flopping around. All my hoses and extensions are one single unit and it just didn't sink in to me your issue. I get it, all your hoses and extension two separate entities.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I still loathe my Carvex 420 (cordless). Blade change is a nuisance. It sometimes does not eject the blade. It sometimes does not retract the head so that the blade release can be engaged. And when I have switched it on/off a few times to have it return to the proper position it still often fails to eject the blade.

After a blade release, if I can manage without a pair of pliers, fitting a blade sometimes takes a while and that pair of pliers still come in handy. "Quick release" - I don't think so.  BTW this is my second Carvex, I thought my first was a lemon but it seems they all stem from the lemon tree.

It cuts well enough, but not in thicker materials - regardless of blade brand.

My Carvex now resides in the woodworking shop, relegated to chopping down scraps. It does not even to a proper job cutting down thicker scraps.  I resisted the urge to throw it into the bin.

It has been replaced by a Metabo STA 18 LTX, barrelgrip. Since I run a Mafell KS40/18V it made sense. 
It is nice to have a "simple" jigsaw that is powerful and which does not require a separate base to cut angled cuts.
The Metabo has a proper blade release which works a charm. It is a really good jig saw, arguably better than the Carvex though it does not feel as refined as the Carvex.

I also have the corded Mafell P1cc and in my opinion it is the best jigsaw out there.

 

[ScotF]

I still loathe my Carvex 420 (cordless). Blade change is a nuisance. It sometimes does not eject the blade. It sometimes does not retract the head so that the blade release can be engaged. And when I have switched it on/off a few times to have it return to the proper position it still often fails to eject the blade.

After a blade release, if I can manage without a pair of pliers, fitting a blade sometimes takes a while and that pair of pliers still come in handy. "Quick release" - I don't think so.  BTW this is my second Carvex, I thought my first was a lemon but it seems they all stem from the lemon tree.

It cuts well enough, but not in thicker materials - regardless of blade brand.

My Carvex now resides in the woodworking shop, relegated to chopping down scraps. It does not even to a proper job cutting down thicker scraps.  I resisted the urge to throw it into the bin.

It has been replaced by a Metabo STA 18 LTX, barrelgrip. Since I run a Mafell KS40/18V it made sense. 
It is nice to have a "simple" jigsaw that is powerful and which does not require a separate base to cut angled cuts.
The Metabo has a proper blade release which works a charm. It is a really good jig saw, arguably better than the Carvex though it does not feel as refined as the Carvex.

I also have the corded Mafell P1cc and in my opinion it is the best jigsaw out there.

Agree about the Mafell. No question and worth every penny in my opinion.

 

[Papajoe]

i have a carved, barrel grip. used it once having blade load and un load problems. once going it had plenty of power, except the blade holding broke and the small parts fell into the water. used it once, in storage and bought a dewalt. im unsatisfied with the carvex quality. i was cutting tough material, but the dewalt cuts the same material.

 

[c_dwyer]

Similar to the others, I've been having problems with the retraction that allows the blade to be ejected, and the cut not being 90 degrees - even in 1.75" thick stock. Use has been minimal and I treat my stuff well, so I can't understand why the issues. I've changed the blades (manually rotate to get 'em to eject...), checked the table for square with the longest blade I have, but no cigar. It's enough for me to want to send it back to have it looked at, but I can't recall my purchase date and don't want to poke the tool registration bear again.

I'm okay with the Carvex for non-critical cuts, but definitely feeling like I'm not getting the quality that I paid for.

 

[Trevin]

Hi All,
I have the same issues but I must say I do not you a jigsaw a lot.  I would love to use mine like som guy I saw in a video.  the saw is very capable in watching that video.  Does anyone live near San Jose who can show me the finer points on how to use it?  or does anyone live in SJ just want to hook up?  I have a nice shop, little crowded but FUN?
Trevin

 

[jeh]

The non-carved jigsaws are better and the Mafell P1cc is the best (though pricey). I have had/have all (3). Moving from the PS series to the Carvex was a let down so much so that I moved to the Mafell and have not looked back.

Don't be sucked into the Carvex because of the accessory kit, stick the PS series or look at other jigsaws.

 

[Cheese]

Here's another thread from a few months ago.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/other...ing-to-purchase-a-jigsaw/msg532638/#msg532638