Carvex PSB 420 EBQ review/thoughts (not impressed)

[BigfootBuilder]

Got one of these fangled Carvex jiggy's a couple of weeks ago and wanted to put my thoughts here and see what comes back in terms of others' experiences.

Overview:

Beats my old bosch in most regards. Cuts straighter, lighter, DE, strobes are cool, splinter guard is handy, release mechanism sucks, blade changing a pita, and see below.

The good:

DE
The sliding power buttons are handy so as not to hold the trigger the whole time.
Strobes
Attachments allowing for all of their this's and that's.

The bad and questionable: (I'm highly critical of tool design, and designs in general, but especially of a $400 jigsaw that I also have to spend another $230 on attachments for just to cut a darn angle, and for a $630 jigsaw, I'm left feeling very underwhelmed.)

-The d-handle is too thin for comfort. I have big hands but this had to be an issue for others.
-About 1/4 of the time when I press the trigger on the handle, NOTHING HAPPENS! It does not turn on. I can re-press it and it will come on, but a couple presses later and it won't. WTF??? Did I get a dud?
-The mechanism that senses forward movement to kick up the motor on "A" needs more sensitivity. Seems like I have to press a little too hard to get it to kick to full speed. Alongside that, there is no option for full speed without the auto start, I.e. you can't start at "6." WTF?
-Now this is major-while in the store the guy at the counter was having a hard time inserting a blade (he's a festool user himself), and I was thinking to myself "dude just lemme try," and he eventually got one in. I chalked it up to him not understanding the insertion mechanism. Now after using it for a couple of days I also am having an extremely challenging time getting blades in and out. Yes, they are brand new "carvex" blades and everything. Have the base off etc, and practically have to stand on the thing to get them to pop in. Bad batch of blades? Bad tool? Again, and for real, W.T.F???
-The blade stabilizing mechanism seems odd. Maybe I just don't understand it? The guy in the store showed me how to adjust it, and why, Festool, could you not have figured out a nook or cranny to store the allen key required to adjust that thing???
-The barrel handle version allows the cord attachment to 90 up, why not also on the d-handle? Sometimes (like a lot) you need to use these things in close quarters. Why not add that very small and very useful feature?
-re: the circle cutting jig-it needs to more securely key and lock into the base plate! It's probably great in most situations, but I was radiusing some lattice today and the slightest up/downwards pressure away from the plate pulls the saw out of the jig.aybe a non-traditional use, but still I feel like it should be a much more robust attachment.
-The angle base sure doesn't give you much fence to go on. Seems ridiculous that you only get half of the fence to ride on with the little butterfly wing design.
-I think there's more but I'll start there.

I bought this thing for a jigsaw-heavy job, and didn't even bring my old bosch, and now I wish I had. There are moments I think that it's nice, but overall I'm feeling foolish for spending this particular $630!!!

It feels like they maybe rushed through the design of the d-handle to satisfy the NA market, as from what I understand you folks on the other side of the pond use your jigsaws from below?

Did I get a dud re: the blade installation woes, or is this a theme? One thing I know is that I will be returning this one for a barrel grip and I'll just deal with the not having a trigger thing, which is my main complaint about those. Trigger control seems very necessary in a jiggy.

I know this is a very critical review but I feel kinda duped for the hefty price tag.

Festool reads this stuff right?

Thanks!  :-\

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

Return it if your still in the 30 day return period.  The Carvex is a tool that gets mixed reviews.  If you return it look at the Mafell PC11 or the Bosch JS572EBL. 

 

[mrboult]

I'll start by saying you're by no means the first person on here to criticise the Carvex. Lots of folks don't seem to get on with it.

I LOVE MY CARVEX - I own both the older Trion jigsaw and the 18v Carvex 420. In some respects the Trion is an even better jigsaw, but I appreciate the LED and battery in my Carvex.

To your point and questions. . . .

- I've never had issue with the jigsaw not starting when using the trigger on the handle. Seems like yours might have an issue there.
- Yes it is ridiculous that the Allen key to adjust the blade guide is not kept on the tool (like it is on the Trion jigsaw)
- Ive never had any issues inserting the blade on the two Carvex models I've owned. Just to be clear. . . After ejecting the previous blade the slot for the blade should remain at a slight angle off centre. . And you push the blade in at the angle and wait for it too snap straight as it locks the blade in place.
The blade eject mechanisme works well for me, just occasionally the pendulum barrel that hold the blade needs to be push upwards so that the blade ejecting lever properly engages. .
- The tilting base can be rubbish, but also awesome. . Cutting a bevel on the corner of your material for example. But a more standard bevel base should definitely be made available.

Overall I've never used a more accurate jigsaw than the festools (never tried the Maffel P1) with the blade guides adjusted correctly for the blade they are awesome! The trion is a more ergonomic and much smoother jigsaw in use, but as previously mentioned, I love the LED and the freedom of battery power. . .

 

[Holmz]

Return it if your still in the 30 day return period.  The Carvex is a tool that gets mixed reviews.  If you return it look at the Mafell PC11 or the Bosch JS572EBL.

The p1cc is great, and while the cost is high the only real extra is the angle food. Everything else came with mine, or maybe I got a bundle?
(And when you add in a black diamond headlamp then that adds some more $)

Depending on how old the "Ol Bosch" was, you may want to look at a newer version.

I have formerly used d handles occasionally in the past, and the barrel seemed pretty easy to get use to.

At this price point you may want to spend up, or be happy with a Bosch.
I make cogent arguements both ways, and maybe I could do so for the Carvex as well if I emphasised the strobe... But I already have a black diamond head lamp and used it tonight in the back yard haunched over 'the Barbie'.

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

I love Festool but the Carvex 420 jigsaw was a disappointment. I bought a Mafell P1cc which is hassle free with no guides to adjust, a great cut, 900w motor, a 27mm extraction hose fits to it, it's in a Classic Systainer and is a much better jigsaw that I've never had any problems with. The Carvex was sold on via eBay, but the Mafell I'll have until I kick the bucket, it's that good...

 

[BJM9818]

I have owned the Carvex corded D handle for about 45 days. I also think the handle is way to thin and agree with many of your negative points. It's starting to grow on me but I may be buying a new Bosch jigsaw in the near future and throwing this one up for sale. 

I also have a huge PITA removing and installing blades. Glad I'm not the only one.

 

[BigfootBuilder]

Great, after spending all of that money for which there should be not a single issue with this tool, I find that there's an even better tool that does work for even more money?

Just found this summary on the mafell users forum by Jonathan that sums up more of my thoughts very well,  seems a useful comparison, and draws some likely conclusions:

"As a disclaimer, the following are my personal opinions.
I used to own a Carvex 400 and TS55 among others, before I traded up for Mafell.
I'm not a Festool hater. In fact I have several thousand euros invested in Festool gear. I just call it as I see it.

In my opinion the Carvex is a gimmick tool. They try to sell people on all kinds of bells and whistles but the basic core of the tool isn't solid.

Firstly, you need to buy and lug around a second systainer for accessories, whereas on the Mafell it all comes in a single one. I've always said this, Festool is best suited in the shop, Mafell at the jobsite. This becomes very clear after just a few months of jobsite use side by side. In most cases, the Mafell systainer will be more compact and the attachments will fit with the tool, not an additional systainer.

I'll start off with the strobe light gimmick. A LED light is a welcome addition to any tool. Unfortunately the visibility on the Carvex is poor by design. It gets completely frustrating when you pull the dust shroud down. In contrast the P1cc has better visibility and dust collection (for a jigsaw...) from the start. There's even far less dust inhibiting your view when used without a vaccuum.

The guide brackets/brushes prematurely burn your up your blades. If you want to change to a different kind of blade you need an allen key which will get lost in no time as it can't be stored on the tool itself.

To add insult to injury, as Shane from Festool USA has stated, the Carvex needs the blade at the top of its stroke for the ejection mechanism to work. In some instances, the blade does not return to this position and thus the ejection button doesn't work. This most commonly would happen if the Carvex is turned off mid-cut. The blade hangs on the material, preventing it from completely the stroke and returning to the top (home) position. It can then take up to 20 to 30 seconds to get your blade out.

The Trion blades won't even eject from the much touted blade ejecting system at all. The shaft on these is thicker than the new Carvex blades. And you can't change any blade without taking out the splinter guard first.

The ejecting mechanism to shoot blades out is obviously there because the blades run so damn hot you won't want to touch them. When I need to change to a different kind of blade, I just might want to still use the one I was just using and not go pick it off the floor.

Using the Carvex on a guide rail means you have to first switch baseplates first. The P1cc just has the grooves on each baseplate as is.

And then there's the other advantages the P1cc has over the Carvex like stability, durability, depth of cut, the option to reversible blades, ...

The Carvex probably isn't a bad saw, in fact it might be a very good one compared to everything else out there. But it's finicky.

In operation, it just seems like a lot of faffing about with this and that to (hopefully) get it set up just right. Because it is finicky that way. And then, eventually, you can make a cut. I can't be bothered with all that, when I'm using my tools, I'm trying to get stuff done.

I call that a tool that's not designed properly at the core and they threw in a whole bunch of extra items to try and fix it/make up for it.
Now, is it all that dramatic, of course not. And the tool has it's merits, like the lighter weight, plug-it cord, additional bases.

But, when I'm working I don't need a finicky tool to struggle with. I know it's fun for a lot of guys to manipulate their tool. Switch a base here, attach this there, etc. It's fun for me too, In the weekend, at home.
When I'm working I just want to get stuff done and get a move on. The P1cc just gets my stuff done a lot faster, easier and smarter

Opinions will vary"

 

[BigfootBuilder]

You're about 4 years late to the party.

Story of my life.

Well at this point I'm considering 2 things:

-Return it (no matter what) and get the barrel grip version, but now I'm torn between battery operated and corded. I've poured through the +'s and -'s and can't wrap my head around a decision. Thoughts?

-If that doesn't pan out, I may opt for that nice bosch one mentioned above by [member=40343]T. Ernsberger[/member]

The reviews on the bosch one are all pretty solid, and maybe I was remiss in falling for the the DC benefits of the carvex, as I still have to constantly blow off the cut line every breath I take. In this case, I'd take blow over suck....

 

[SS Teach]

The Bosch JS572EBL is one of my two non Festools. For its cost there were too many iffy reviews concerning the Carvex. Some folks loved it others not so much. I have no regrets at all concerning the Bosch.

 

[BigfootBuilder]

Sweet, just finally got a blade to go in and now it won't turn to lock, AND I can't get it back out. If this thing weren't so damn expensive I would literally run it over right now.

Think I'm going to have to go and buy a Bosch right now so I can finish my job...

 

[rdr]

This thread has caught my attention as was about to purchase a 18v Carvex. I had a handle of one in my dealers and it felt pretty good (barrel grip) but I didn't actually try the blade swap or cutting with it. Are the cordless and corded versions pretty much the same mechanically?

I'm wanting to replace my dying 18v Dewalt with another cordless and was automatically heading toward Festool as I already have batteries and charger plus the UK free battery promotion is still on but this feedback has got me a bit worried now, may have to do some more research!

 

[andyman]

I bought the D handle basic with free battery about 6 weeks ago.
I agree the allen key issue is daft as well as adjusting the guides.
I keep meaning to read the destructions regarding the top button as I have issue with it, but the side ones are great.
Dust extraction not bad.
Strobe light ok but would prefer a fixed light.
BUT all in all I am more than happy I have started using it where I would never have used my old Makita, through thick material I haven't really tried (personally I don't think jigsaws were designed for thick stuff)
Do I regret buying?
No I love it

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi,

[member=15141]andyman[/member] You can switch setting (strobe, solid/constant, off) for the LED on the Carvex.

Take a look at the great video here:https://www.instagram.com/p/BR-erUsDYCo/?taken-by=festoolsedge

(It's also described in the manual)

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[andyman]

Great
Like I said I should have read the manual [big grin]

 

[andyman]

Great just watched thanks

 

[BigfootBuilder]

Here's an example of how 1 out of whatever amount of times the tool will not engage with a trigger press.


I will definitely be sending this thing back, and I'll give a barrel grip a chance, but feeling real let down with this whole jigsaw shenanigan. I've spent more time hassling with this thing than actually producing with it.

I'll also note here for anyone considering between barrel and d, not only is the handle on the d small, but the trigger mechanism - aside from not working part of the time on my current one - has a very weak action, and way too short of a pull to comfortably change speeds on a saw that is also bouncing around. On top of that, the way that it is located makes it very uncomfortable to depress, and to get it to highest speed you have to squeeze so tight that it hinders the finesse one is usually going for when working with a jigsaw.

All in all, I'd give this thing like 2/5 stars, 4/10 trees, 1 thumb sideways, whatever. Back to the drawing board in my critical but user-focused opinion...

 

[GarryMartin]

Marmitehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmite

"The British version of the product is a sticky, dark brown food paste with a distinctive, powerful flavour, which is extremely salty. This distinctive taste is reflected in the British company's marketing slogan: "Love it or hate it." Such is its prominence in British popular culture that the product's name has entered British English as a metaphor for something that is an acquired taste or tends to polarise opinions"

I have a PS 420 and have had zero of the issues often mentioned. I've just bought a PSC 420.

For those mentioning issues changing blades, I was reminded of a recent post on Instagram by Sedge.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTjfJiRF3ri/?taken-by=festoolsedge&hl=en

 

[mrboult]

Battery powered is just so handy.... I know i suddenly started grabbing my Jigsaw for many purposes i wouldn't have considered before, simply because it's suddenly so handy to grab and make a quick cut or two..

As to what brand... Well for me it was a no brainer as i only have festool cordless these days...

I also really have to stress that i just don't comprehend people's comments complaining about festool Jigsaw cut quality/accuracy... Maybe in 18mm ply sheets other (or rather cheaper) brands are just add good... But in 40mm timber I've not yet used a makita or bosch that compares. No I've not used all the Jigsaws. But when I'm not making furniture in my own shop i work as head of set for a theatre company, and we employ many freelance carpenters who turn up with all their own gear.... And i would say that the tool i lend out most often is one of my festool jigsaws, after seeing a carpenters first attempt with his own makita/dewalt/etc they are always impressed with the festool Jigsaw (I've always personally set the blade guides for the blade in use)

I don't want to bang on about this, and I'm really not a festool pusher, why would i care that much? I'm just continually impressed and overjoyed with my two festool jigsaws, and can only sit there scratching my head when others tell of their bad experiences...

 

[Svar]

For those mentioning issues changing blades, I was reminded of a recent post on Instagram by Sedge.https://www.instagram.com/p/BTjfJiRF3ri/?taken-by=festoolsedge&hl=en

Wouldn't it be easier to just enable blade change in any position, just like any other jigsaw? They add a constraint (blade release only in far down position) which serves no purpose, then add some electronic reset feature to overcome the constraint. OK, rant is over.

 

[Holmz]

...

-...but now I'm torn between battery operated and corded. I've poured through the +'s and -'s and can't wrap my head around a decision. Thoughts?
...

The following makes it easy:

Do you have a power lead? => corded
Do tyou prefer plugging in a cord rather than waiting for the battery to charge? => corded
Does the extra expense of batteries vex you? => corded

Are you on a roof? => cordless
Do you aready have batteries? => maybe then cordless
Are you away from mains power => cordless

However In the end it is a personal choice and many like cordless.