Carvex PS400 - Cutting Circle Jig - de-mystified

[Michael_MA]

Hi All,

Here is a video explanation, which shows some small problems with the Carvex Circle cutting Jig and how to cut curves into thicker material.
After cutting some angles with very strange results i sent my PS400 to Festool to verify it's functionality and quality. I got it back without modification but with the recommendation to always use longer saw blades, as the saw would require to cut the material.. Confusing.. hmmm.. Ok, it simply means, when the saw blade is in the upper position, there should be enaugh saw blade below the base to cut the material. Just hold your material under the base and look for the saw blade.. if it is in the material, then you need to get a longer saw blade. Watch my Video to see the results in 38mm chip board material using a S105/4FSG saw blade.

Festool Carvex Ps400 Circel Cutting Jig - de-mystified

Kind regards, Mike

 

[ajones]

Very suprised by that video, tell me its not true.  the base and dust port appears to be very shody more like first generation chinese than a offering from festool when a user is putting screws in a brand new machine so it will function correctly is bizare I will not be buying one anytime soon based on that video.....

 

[Brice Burrell]

Very nice job with the video, thanks for sharing. [thumbs up]

 

[justinmcf]

thanks for taking the time to make the video mike.

it seems there is a few teething problems to be fixed with this first edition......

i still want one!

justin.

 

[Michael_MA]

Very suprised by that video, tell me its not true.  the base and dust port appears to be very shody more like first generation chinese than a offering from festool when a user is putting screws in a brand new machine so it will function correctly is bizare I will not be buying one anytime soon based on that video.....

Well, to be honest, this is exactly not what i wanted my Video to cause...  it should rather be a helpfull information for those already owning a Carvex !
If you consider Festool a trusted tool provider, then you can simply lean back and you will see things get solved quickly.. Every manufacturer has some problems, when new product are braught to market..  they need some ramp up time for production lines, getting the quality dialed in which they are known for.

Those in doubt, if they should buy it, i would certainly recommend to fairly compare the PS400  to other products on the market and then decide on what suits their needs best.
My opinion on the Carvex..  it's simply the best, lightest and most precise Jigsaw out there. (even though i had to tweak it a little..  [smile]

As i already mentioned in the Video, Festool is working on a solution, and be sure since they dont want customers start complaining about their quality of a 15$ plastic piece.. they will most probably provide replacement in the Set as quick as possible.. and for those already owning the Carvex, i'm sure they will get a replacement as well.
I'll let you all know, when i get a newer version of the base.

kind regards, Mike

 

[Michael_MA]

thanks for taking the time to make the video mike.

it seems there is a few teething problems to be fixed with this first edition......

i still want one!

justin.

Thanks Justin, i think this would be a great decision !

 

[Michael_MA]

Very nice job with the video, thanks for sharing. [thumbs up]

Thanks Brice !

 

[Rob-GB]

Cool video, Mike. ;D
I only recently got the PSB300, which is seeing more use than any other jigsaw I have ever owned, due to it's quality of cut. Clean and square.
The Carvex is certainly on my list of 'would like', just a bit lower on the list right now.

Great tip on making sure that the blade is always protruding through the material being cut during the stroke length. It is something I 'just do' but may not be obvious straight away to new users.

Rob.

 

[Michael_MA]

Cool video, Mike. ;D
I only recently got the PSB300, which is seeing more use than any other jigsaw I have ever owned, due to it's quality of cut. Clean and square.
The Carvex is certainly on my list of 'would like', just a bit lower on the list right now.

Great tip on making sure that the blade is always protruding through the material being cut during the stroke length. It is something I 'just do' but may not be obvious straight away to new users.

Rob.

Hi Rob,

Thanks for your thoughts and comments,
as for the PS300 speaking, this machine is really something similar like my old Bosch GST, robust and very sturdy.. and it has one Advantage over the Carvex..
The protrusion of the sawblade in the upper position allows you to cut thicker materials with shorter saw blades.

Enjoy your PS300..  and who knows.. eventually you may get your hands on the Carvex.. which maybe.. could change your mind [smile]

Kind regards, Mike

 

[marrt]

Thanks Michael for the excellent video.  I also recently bought a PS 300 but haven't used it yet.  I know I will "have to have" the Carvex when it get's here.  Consequently, I'm thinking of selling the 300 while it's still in unused condition.  Your videos have convinced me to wait.  Cheers.

 

[Anthony]

Great series of videos.

I thought I would mention that the version we have received here must have a fixed base because the guide rail / circle cutter base has no slack or wobble when fitted to the CARVEX. Also, the dust port fits the new base just fine, but it is a friction hold, not using the retaining clip on the dust port tube. Although just friction fit, it does not pull out during use.

One thing i picked up from this video is using thick blades does insure a 90 degree cut. we got some deviation from 90 when using thin blades.

 

[Michael_MA]

Great series of videos.

I thought I would mention that the version we have received here must have a fixed base because the guide rail / circle cutter base has no slack or wobble when fitted to the CARVEX. Also, the dust port fits the new base just fine, but it is a friction hold, not using the retaining clip on the dust port tube. Although just friction fit, it does not pull out during use.

One thing i picked up from this video is using thick blades does insure a 90 degree cut. we got some deviation from 90 when using thin blades.

Thanks Anthony, this is great Feedback !

Good to hear, the modified bases already made it to "down under"  [wink] and are in good quality. I need to replace my video though with my modified base.

kind regards, Mike

 

[beerburper]

Is it possible to see which version you get, there is no serial number or product number? I just ordered a PS400 set from the UK and are curious to see if the problem is resolved.

Norse

 

[Michael_MA]

Is it possible to see which version you get, there is no serial number or product number? I just ordered a PS400 set from the UK and are curious to see if the problem is resolved.

Norse

Well to be honest, there is no way to verify a serial number or production lot. You have to verify by using the base when your set has arrived. The standard base and Adapter base for the guide rail and circle cutting jig have been modified to eliminate the play in the movement of the base to the saw itself.
When you use the adapter base with the guide rail, you may want to add some blue tape on the inside of the groove's, to give it a smoother ride on the rail and more wear-off protection as Festool has removed the adjusting screw, which was found on the adapter table of the PS300.  In my video this base was shown and how straight the cut is..  you can almost compare it to a cut with a circular saw.

kind regards, Mike

 

[Anthony]

Interestingly the bases and the circle device have serial numbers, unlike most Festool accessories which do not have a SN.

 

[Michael_MA]

Interestingly the bases and the circle device have serial numbers, unlike most Festool accessories which do not have a SN.

Yeah, thats right, but unfortunately, its not a real serial number, more likely a model number, because it does not change.
I have three different bases, which carry all the same "model number"

kind regards, Mike

 

[Eli]

Hey Anthony, did you sell all the Carvex you got already? Also what comes with for the initial product offer? I would call you but all the girls you're hanging out with have turned your head and I know I won't get a call back!  ;D

Anybody in Aus in the market for a lovingly and lightly used PS300? I'll throw in rail base and circle cutter for the right price.

 

[beerburper]

Well to be honest, there is no way to verify a serial number or production lot. You have to verify by using the base when your set has arrived. The standard base and Adapter base for the guide rail and circle cutting jig have been modified to eliminate the play in the movement of the base to the saw itself.
When you use the adapter base with the guide rail, you may want to add some blue tape on the inside of the groove's, to give it a smoother ride on the rail and more wear-off protection as Festool has removed the adjusting screw, which was found on the adapter table of the PS300.  In my video this base was shown and how straight the cut is..  you can almost compare it to a cut with a circular saw.

Thanks for the reply. The saw arrived today (together with a Domino), and of course I had to test it by cutting a circle  ;D It worked great, didn't seem to be any play at all in the base. I'm a lucky man today. Christmas came early this year 

Norse

 

[Anthony]

Hey Anthony, did you sell all the Carvex you got already? Also what comes with for the initial product offer? I would call you but all the girls you're hanging out with have turned your head and I know I won't get a call back!  ;D

Anybody in Aus in the market for a lovingly and lightly used PS300? I'll throw in rail base and circle cutter for the right price.

Don't worry Eli - we have more.