Carvex style choice, and tool ability questions

[EricT]

Hi all-

As the title suggests - I'm soon to pull the trigger on a new carvex.  However, I really want to talk to someone to make sure it will do what I need it to before I pick it up.

For work I end up trimming down a lot of laminate and melamine product, especially on site with installs.  I need something I can cut straight with that will have minimal - really preferably no tearout.  All of our current tools tear out horribly (cheapo bosch and ryobi stuff).  The other really nasty thing they do is blade dive - I want something that will cut 90 degrees to the base and not waver.

I know the cut type has to do with blades, so if someone could suggest what blades they like the best for straight cuts in laminated ply or particle core, I would love to hear that as well.

Lastly - I thought I would be happiest with a barrel grip, but I haven't tried one out just yet.  Would be nice to hear carvex owners preference of barrel over D handle, just to see if there are any limitations I may not be considering.  I'm leaning towards barrel as it feels like that would be easier to see the work while it's cut, vs a D handle. 

Thanks guys.  Much appreciated!

 

[Brent Taylor]

I went with the top handle because it felt the best in my hand and with the issues I have with holding on to things ( age sucks). The top handle can be used in much the same way as a barrel grip because of the controls are the same with the added bonus of a trigger control. I use mine mostly inverted ( below the finished surface ) and in a barrel grip with the top handle keeping the tool in my hand. The best thing to do is to find an outlet that carries both and get a feel for the tool for yourself. I like Bosch special laminate blade for the materials you were wanting to cut. Sorry I don't have the blade number. B

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I used to use top handle models, but switched to Barrel grips and really like them a lot for control and overall feel. Not sure I would ever go back to a top handle model. I would try them both out to get a feel for what you feel comfortable with. Take advantage of the 30 day policy and see if you like the barrel.

I would definitely use the splinter inserts on the saw to minimize chip out on the material you are cutting. The laminate blades will work well for laminate work, but not sure for Melamine as I do not use that material often and when I have I am using a circular saw blade. There is a blade chart that Shane put together to help you with your blade selection but I would probably opt for a blade that is fine and perpendicular -- so the S75/4 FS blade -- it does not have a set to the tooth making for a smoother tooth -- actually I think it is conically ground according to Festool's catalog.

 

[Throwback7r]

I have the D handle and enjoy it. I like that you can hold it like a barrel grip if you need/ want to and you can use the handle if you want that style.

 

[duburban]

It was hard to move from a bosch D handle to the Festool Trion because I lost the ability to control speed through the trigger.

I'm assuming that the Carvex fixed this and that would be enough for me to choose the D handle over the barrel. The D handle on the Carvex is also sized better to the hand.

 

[Rollin22Petes]

I bought the barrel grip and wound up returning it for the d handle not that it wasn't a great jigsaw but I like the trigger speed control a lot better specially if I'm sneaking  up on an inside corner. I would do what ScotF  suggested take advantage of the 30 day return to decide you may love a barrel grip a lot of people do. As far as blades Melamine can be a real PIA to cut clean even the new plywoods haven't gotten more difficult since they had to make them with formaldehyde free adhesives. I'm sure if festool makes one but I use a downcut blade from bosch (part #T101BR) basically the blades teeth are pointed down so they cut on the down stroke instead of the up stroke. They also make one to cut clean on both sides not sure of the part # as only need one side clean in my applications as usually the other side gets laminated. On a side note I find myself using my old trion more than my new carvex just because It's a little heavier fells better to me.   

 

[Dan94]

I think regarding grips it really comes down to personal preference. I own the barrel grip and i love it; the control your experience and the quality of the cut is brilliant even better with a splinter guard. Why not arrange with one of your local festool rep and get them to bring one out to your site and give you a demo or try the festool 30 day money back guarantee. Somethings with the carvex an angle base has to be purchased separately and for cutting scribes with an undercut its useless, but its still an awesome jigsaw with great dust extraction.

 

[EricT]

Thanks guys

I'm looking at picking up a used D handle, so the demo thing isn't quite what I can do.  Worst case is I can sell it again in the classifieds here if I don't like it.  I do like having the speed trigger feature - I'm only worried that my hand size (large, xxl glove size) wont be a good fit for the size of the tool.

I appreciate the blade suggestions, I will be referring back to that when I pick one up.

I will most likely be picking up the accessory/base kit as I want enough of the bases (circle, angle, laminate) to justify going whole hog on the accessories.

 

[morts10n]

I used Bosch D handle jigsaws for 20 yrs, then upgraded to Trion D-handle. I assumed that the lack of trigger speed control would be hard to get used to but it wasn't. Then I looked at the 2 versions of Carvex when I wanted to buy one of those. The first thing I tried with the demos was to invert it to cut, as that is how I use it 75% of the time. ( learned that from a formica installer) I wanted the D-handle Carvex with dual trigger options,but it was extremely uncomfortable in my hand ( the top of the d-handle is so much smaller than  that of the Trion) so I settled for the barrel grip.  The on/ off switch on the Carvex barrel grip is hard to get used to ( poor ergonomics most of the time, therefore disappointingly is a two-hand tool. ) I really enjoy its dust collection and led light though.

 

[ear3]

The Carvex does have an Automatic speed setting, so the trigger speed control is not as essential -- though when I'm cutting materials other than wood, or making beveled/curve cuts, I like that I still have the ability to do minute controls of the speed with my D-Handle.  As others have mentioned, you can basically use the D-Handle like a barrel grip by simply slipping your hand underneath the handle.  They designed it well for both holding styles.