Carvex vs. Trion

[mlfaber]

I currently own the Trion and have for a few years.  I must say that of all of my Festools this is the one I like the least.  The things I dislike are the inability to see the line you are cutting, the circle cutter, and at least 50% of the time my cuts are less than square.  I have tried to set it up and have fine tuned it many times but at the end of the day it just isn't what I would call precise.  I know it is a jigsaw and not a band saw but I don't have space for a band saw so I need a precise jig.  My question is for those that have owned the Trion and switched to the Carvex.  Was it a worthy switch?  Did Festool address, what I would call the short comings of the Trion? If you own the attachments, specifically the circle cutter and bevel base, what are your thoughts?

Thank you,

Marc

 

[leakyroof]

I can answer half, as I tried the Trion, but own a Carvex and the accessory kit as well for it.
I'm still getting used to the On-Off switch of my Barrel Version. I always seem to have my hand further back on the Carvex when I pick it up or start cutting, so when compared to my older Bosch Jigsaw, it's never where I expect it to be.
Might still swap it out for a D handle unit someday if it bothers me in the future.
I like the circle cutting jig, I've heard both good and bad things about it from other users about the jig, but I don't have much to compare it to except ones that people have made for themselves.
Bandsaw circle jigs seem to be way more common.
 The Angle base, okay, THAT one stirs up lots of feelings. Search for the threads/posts on that one.   [blink]
I haven't used mine yet as I've only been cutting 90 degree blade cuts for now.
  I like the lighting, it really aids in following a cut line.
Blade Eject seems to work pretty well, changing bases is very easy and tool free since you're just moving a green level back and forth and swapping out what ever base you need.
  I have tried using the Guide Rail base just once so far. That was a nice feature that I never had the ability to do with my Bosch unless I was just holding it against a clamping rail like a Bora system or something similar.
  I already own lots of Guide Rails for my older ATF55 saw and my 2 Festool routers, so it's a natural thing to want to use your next saw with the existing system.

 

[Kev]

What blades have you been using with the Trion? They can have a big impact on the result.

Here's an irony ... I've just ordered a Trion to stick in my CMS module (NANIA) ... I did this to free up a corded CARVEX. I've also got a cordless CARVEX and I really think there's nothing between the two in terms of power.

The specific applications the angled CARVEX base introduces can be addressed, but it is a bit of an oversight in reality by Festool!

I think the circle cutter is of a good enough quality to give you an accurate arc, but cutting circles with a jigsaw is all about blades, pendulum settings and technique ... being slightly off or incorrect with any of those and results can suffer.

The Trion is a much better jigsaw than my old barrel Hitachi and I could achieve good arcs with the Hitachi (say less than 9" diameter in 3/4" MDF) quite cleanly with a good blade.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I have them both.  I think that the guide rail base on the Trion is better since you can adjust for slop and it is easy to line up the cut.  It is heavier than the Carvex.  However, in most every other area the Carvex is an improvement -- lighter weight, great circle cutter, bases to suite application, light, better visibility.  The blade adjust works the same way so that is going to be similar. 

 

[mlfaber]

Thanks for the replies.  Over the weekend I gave the Carvex a try and was very impressed with the visibility of the cut line, HUGE improvement over the Trion.  The ergonomics are better and you would be hard-pressed to not get a square cut out of it.  So...I bought it and figured I would sell the Trion and with that money pick up the accessory kit.  After some considerable play time I am not sure I want to do that just yet.  I like the bevel base of the Trion way better than the bevel base I played with for the Carvex, as well as the guide rail adapter and there is no parallel guide for it.  With the exception of the circle cutter, which I can buy separately it seems the two together work out well.  Plus I want to learn how to use the coping foot and may put that on the Trion. I need to sort out the usefulness of the other bases before I decide.  Also, I realized that all this time my method of putting my splinter guard on has been skewing my blade creating deflection!  Anyone else using both for different purposes outside of the CMS?

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I like the Trion for guide rail cuts since you have adjust the base to the rail and take out any slop.  I also use a parallel guide from time to time and so I use that as well - not sure why this is not available for the Carvex.  The circle cutter is the best one out there for a jigsaw.  I like a couple of the other bases that come with the kit like the metal one or the phenolic one, but if you do not see yourself using them, then it is probably better to add the one or two you will use and forego the rest.  There is room in the Systainer for a few accessories too. 

 

[vkumar]

Scott,

Your comment about the best circle cutter applies to the Trion or the Carvex?  And the kit you are talking about is it the Carvex or trion?

Thanks

Vijay

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Scott,

Your comment about the best circle cutter applies to the Trion or the Carvex?  And the kit you are talking about is it the Carvex or trion?

Thanks

Vijay

The circle cutter on the Carvex is awesome...you can cut some really big circles with it and it rolls up to fit in the Systainer.  The Carvex accessory kit has all the bases and some splinter inserts in a Systainer and is a good value if you need some of the other bases.  It is cheaper than buying everything separately.  But, if you do not need all the bases then you need to see if it is worth it -- some of the extra bases would fit in the Carvex Systainer without an issue -- in fact there is a space intended for the angle base, I believe...have to check because it might fit the circle cutter base as well or in lieu of the angle base...not at the shop at the moment, but someone else might be able to confirm sooner.

 

[curt boyer]

Scot, does the Carvex have tooless bevel change? The Tritons bevel setup is the most time consuming and idiotic design! I basically use the Triton for 90* cuts and an old Bosch for bevels. I've always used d handle jigsaws, but I'd like to try the Carvex in a Barrel grip as I'm using the jigsaw more and more inverted. How do you like the light?
Thanks
Curt

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Scot, does the Carvex have tooless bevel change? The Tritons bevel setup is the most time consuming and idiotic design! I basically use the Triton for 90* cuts and an old Bosch for bevels. I've always used d handle jigsaws, but I'd like to try the Carvex in a Barrel grip as I'm using the jigsaw more and more inverted. How do you like the light?
Thanks
Curt

The bevel is a different design on the Carvex -- it is a piano hinge that opens and closes on its center.  So, it is really good for some applications like cutting a bevel on say a table edge or something.  I find it to be stable using just half the base too.  BUT you have to have a work around if you use your saw for scribing cuts -- because in the normal configuration the base would only be supported on the off-cut side UNLESS you are able to cut from underneath (which likely will be an issue for a typical cabinet as the back would be in the way).  If you search the forum there has been discussion on this point.  It is tool-free - flip a lever and pop one base off and the new base on.  I like the light and use it -- the strobe actually helps line the cut up to the mark.  But, a light is not a deal-maker or breaker for me.  Other features are more important like cut quality and power, etc...  Everyone's needs will vary a little here.  One other thing that I do like is that the Carvex is pretty light weight -- this would be good if cutting upside down.

Scot

 

[curt boyer]

Scot, do you have a d handle or a barrel grip Carvex? I'm leaning towards the barrel grip. Thanks for the info
Curt

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Barrel grip for me...I made the switch a few years ago and love it.

 

[mlfaber]

I had a chance to play with my Carvex this weekend scribing a handful of window sills in an older house for my brother-in-law.  It worked great, the ability to follow my line perfectly was in my opinion, worth every penny.  Also, to note, I used it without dust extraction and just when you think the dust extraction is just ok, try not having it!  It really captures the better part of 85% of the mess.  At this point I think I am going to sell the Trion and buy the base kit.