Carvex Jigsaw owners: can your jigsaw be twisted like this?

[yangwoodworking]

Hi,

I got a new Carvex 420 jigsaw. Comparing to my Bosch jigsaw, the carvex's footplate was very loose and can be twisted easily.

I took two videos to show the issue:

Video1

Can someone check your saw and see if this too loose? My Bosch is rock solid in this case.

Thanks!

 

[yangwoodworking]

Here is another video:

Video2

 

[mrboult]

Had my carvex years and I definitely do not need to check it to know it doesn’t wobble like that. Unless you’re just making it look easy whilst applying every ounce of your force to twist it. . But in day to day, no, it shouldn’t move like that. I assume you’ve removed the base and re-attached/checked that it’s all slotting together properly?

 

[FestitaMakool]

Mine is just the same, you can twist the base on mine, just as yours.
I too found it somewhat surprising but I don’t think it matters in use, except when using the standard base against ie a fence for “straight” cuts... Mine seems to be a little tighter though.
My other bases, angle base, rail adaptor etc. sits quite tight in comparison to the standard plate  [blink]

 

[peter halle]

My suggestion would be to contact Festool directly for a remedy.

Peter

 

[yangwoodworking]

Thanks everyone for the reply.

I indeed contacted Festool. Erik from Application department looked at the videos. He told me that this was normal, which was a big surprise to me. As FestitaMakool pointed out in the post, it will have problem when used on a straight edge to guide the cut. But this is normal!

Erik also indicated if "I" think this is not normal, I can send the tool to them. I am not sure if I want to send a brand new tool for repair.

Potential jigsaw buyer should be aware of this is the condition Festool thinks their tool was normal.

 

[yangwoodworking]

No, I do not have intention to damage my new tool by using big force. It was just that easy to twist.

Yes, I did remove and reattach. Nothing was changed.

Unless you’re just making it look easy whilst applying every ounce of your force to twist it. . But in day to day, no, it shouldn’t move like that. I assume you’ve removed the base and re-attached/checked that it’s all slotting together properly?

 

[threesixright]

Video links dont work....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[yangwoodworking]

Strange. Maybe you can paste those URLs in your browser:
paradise-fall.com/t/j.mp4
paradise-fall.com/t/q.mp4

Video links dont work....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[threesixright]

Strange. Maybe you can paste those URLs in your browser:
paradise-fall.com/t/j.mp4
paradise-fall.com/t/q.mp4

Video links dont work....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks these do work. To your question: The base for me doesn’t move at all. However there is a tiny bit of wiggle (not nearly as bad as yours) on te black plastic that you can remove from the metal foot. Guessing ½ mm max.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Michael Kellough]

I’d return the Carvex, even there wasn’t a problem with the base. In my experience the only real upgrade from a Bosch jigsaw is the Mafell jigsaw.

 

[Gregor]

Speaking of that device ...
View attachment 1
... the website update might take a while.

[blink]

 

[Cheese]

There should be no movement in the base. It’s held in position with 2 male wedges that get captured by 2 female wedges. Perhaps the locking lever isn’t fully in the locked position.

Like threesixright mentioned, there is a small amount of movement between the aluminum base and the plastic shoe.

If the locking lever is in position and the aluminum base moves rather than the shoe, I’d send the tool in to Festool.

 

[yangwoodworking]

Thanks you and everyone. This is what I figured also because my Bosch jigsaw was rock solid as well.

But guys, keep in mind, when Festool rep, Erik, looked at the video, he told me this was NORMAL. My dealer also talked to him and was told that if I made a replacement it will end up same quality. It was a big disappointment. If someone from Festool, please confirm, by looking at the video, if this is normal.

I will definitely return this thing and probably buy some other brand. Not worth the hassle like this.

There should be no movement in the base. It’s held in position with 2 male wedges that get captured by 2 female wedges. Perhaps the locking lever isn’t fully in the locked position.

Like threesixright mentioned, there is a small amount of movement between the aluminum base and the plastic shoe.

If the locking lever is in position and the aluminum base moves rather than the shoe, I’d send the tool in to Festool.

 

[Laminator]

I fixed mine with a shim on one of the mounting wedges and its solid as a rock now going on 5 years.  To say it being loose is "normal" is absurd.

 

[jcrowe1950]

There should be no movement in the base. It’s held in position with 2 male wedges that get captured by 2 female wedges. Perhaps the locking lever isn’t fully in the locked position.

Like threesixright mentioned, there is a small amount of movement between the aluminum base and the plastic shoe.

If the locking lever is in position and the aluminum base moves rather than the shoe, I’d send the tool in to Festool.

One more opinion. I own a Carvex and I can install the base so that it does the same thing as what you observe. However if I take the base off, and when installing it put the front way into position holding it firmly and then lock the lever into position with the only movement coming from the rear way locking the base into position, the movement is either completely or almost completely eliminated. The reason, IMO, that eliminating the play is important is that if one is using a splinter guard to minimize tearout, the base moving back and forth can cause premature wear of the splinterguard. Give us an update on whether that will help. The Carvex is a capable tool but not all of its capabilities are obvious. [doh]

 

[xedos]

I indeed contacted Festool. Erik from Application department looked at the videos. He told me that this was normal, which was a big surprise to me. As FestitaMakool pointed out in the post, it will have problem when used on a straight edge to guide the cut. But this is normal!

Erik also indicated if "I" think this is not normal, I can send the tool to them. I am not sure if I want to send a brand new tool for repair.

[eek]  [eek]  [eek]

Is it just me, or does anyone else find this answer BS and unacceptable ?  This arrogance and apathy makes their response to the  Kapex motor problems seem palatable.

Not even harbor freight and ryobi jigsaw bases wobble like that.

I'd return it under the (un)satisfaction guarantee and buy a Bosch or Mafell.

 

[Bob D.]

I just went and tried mine after reading this thread. I can't make it wobble like that no matter how hard I try. Only way mine will move that much is if the locking lever is not fully engaged/closed. I couldn't misposition the base and close the latch.

If your base is fully seated and the latch is closed I don't see how this could be considered 'normal'.

If it's new take it back and try another before you leave the store with it. If you're still not happy get your money back and stick with your Bosch saw or find something that makes you happy. If you start off unhappy with the tool you will always be blaming it for anything that goes wrong and I fear your opinion of that particular tool and all Festools will suffer.

 

[RKA]

Same result as Bob.  It looks like there is a similar amount of play if I leave the lever unlatched.  The base is then only captured by the ridges on the left and right side that meet with the saw.  As soon as a little tension is applied to the lever, the rear way moves forward and eliminates all play.  There is no external adjustment for this lever.  So I would guess it’s not working as designed (needing adjustment or replacement).  I wouldn’t accept a saw in this condition unless it was a $30 saw from harbor freight/princess auto or the like. 

 

[yangwoodworking]

Thanks everyone for the input. I have returned the Festool jigsaw and decided to keep my Bosch 570.