carvex question

[mike9]

Iam looking at buying a carvex but am torn between the d handle and the barrel grip. My worries on the barrel grip are no trigger so it's either on or off and the d handle looks too bulky compared to the barrel grip.

 

[Jak147]

Mike, like you I agonised over this decision before finally pulling the trigger (or not as I went for the barrel grip!) whilst I absolutely love it and am very happy with my choice, it may not be the same for you so I shall give the same advice that I recieved.
Just order the one that you think you like the most, if in fact you end up not liking it then take advantage of festools amazing service department and swap it for the other jigsaw.
And if you don't like either of them then I'm afraid there's no helping you as the only option left to you will be the Mafelle jigy and they make festool look cheap  [eek]

 

[mike9]

Thanks for twisting my arm  [big grin]. I just ordered the carvex barrel grip.

 

[Staniam]

I think you'll be happy with the barrel grip. I love it and could never go back to a d handle.

 

[jaymon5]

I have been using barrel grip jigsaws for years.  The barrel grip Carvex is a joy to use.  If you don't like it, then the 30 day return policy is available.

happy holidays

 

[ear3]

I guess you've already ordered, but just to let you know that the D-Handle can be used basically like a barrel grip -- instead of wrapping your fingers under the handle, you loop your thumb over the body and fingers underneath.

 

[rst]

I've used both types over the years, but I prefer the lower point of leverage the barrel grip gives.

 

[yansomeski]

I have used both over 32 yrs and still prefer the Dhandle and could nether get used to the barrel grip!! :

 

[WoodWhisperer]

I tried both at woodcraft. I really liked the barrel grip but not having the trigger where I could reach it was the deciding factor. Went with the d-handle. Love how it cuts a perfect 90. Never had a jigsaw that could cut 90 every time!!

Sean

 

[itchy]

I went with the barrel grip I find its lower center of gravity makes it more manoverable. Try before you buy or use the 30 day money back guarantee.

 

[Gwerner]

I tried both at woodcraft. I really liked the barrel grip but not having the trigger where I could reach it was the deciding factor. Went with the d-handle. Love how it cuts a perfect 90. Never had a jigsaw that could cut 90 every time!!

Sean

I haven't had the chance to actually use them, but I have held both. My concern too was the lack of the trigger, but after holding the d-handle and squeezing the trigger, I got the impression that there really wasn't much travel which I would assume means there's not a lot of speed control. Am I thinking straight or am I just used to sloppy triggers in other saws?

 

[WoodWhisperer]

I tried both at woodcraft. I really liked the barrel grip but not having the trigger where I could reach it was the deciding factor. Went with the d-handle. Love how it cuts a perfect 90. Never had a jigsaw that could cut 90 every time!!

Sean

I haven't had the chance to actually use them, but I have held both. My concern too was the lack of the trigger, but after holding the d-handle and squeezing the trigger, I got the impression that there really wasn't much travel which I would assume means there's not a lot of speed control. Am I thinking straight or am I just used to sloppy triggers in other saws?

With the variable speed control u don't have as much control with the trigger but I found the speed I like and left it there. U still have way more control than just ON like with the barrel grip. With what I do I need to be able to turn it off right away and not be looking for a trigger. Both are very nice jigsaws though. 

 

[Brent Taylor]

I also went with the D handle, use it mostly as a barrel grip, but with my bad hands it's nice to know that I won't drop the thing on the floor. [sad]

 

[wow]

I'd like to offer my reasoning on why *I* purchased a D-handle model.

But first, one reason to absolutely NOT to buy a D-handle - that's if the extra height of the handle/tool is a problem for you, i.e. won't fit where you need it to go. I might be stating the obvious, but it might be overlooked?

Now, reasons TO buy the D-handle:

• More versatile. In addition to using it as a D-handle, you can still use it with a barrel handle grip. It has the same two switches on the body that the barrel-handle version has, but ADDS a third switch - with speed control!!! - on the D-handle.

• Easier on small(er) hands. My wife can't comfortably hold the barrel version. The D-handle is MUCH smaller and easier to control. PLUS, the barrel on the D-handle SEEMS smaller than the barrel on the other version but it's probably the same? I didn't measure.

• Trigger speed control - this was the big one for me. I may be an 'old-fogey' but I like the option of controlling the speed myself with the trigger. For instance, slowing down where I exit a cut. You can't do that on the barrel-grip model. And you STILL have the 'A' (auto) setting available to you as well, just as you do on the barrel-grip.

All of these are what I call 'checkmark' items. I.e. either saw will perform the main functions that it is built to do. The checkmark items may have value to you, or they may not.

And THAT, boys and girls, is why Festool makes two models!

[big grin]

 

[Gwerner]

Well I guess that makes the decision for me, I hadn't thought to try using a barrel grip on the D-handle. Thanks!

 

[oradba69]

I have used both over 32 yrs and still prefer the Dhandle and could nether get used to the barrel grip!! :

Maybe try using your hand instead of your nether region  [wink]
Just kidding, also contemplating which one. Always used D-handles.