Carvex with barrel grip..

[Woodhack]

I am going to buy a Carvex and was leaning heavily to the barrel grip. While at the local woodcraft store I noticed the on/off switch is rather hard to reach (and I have big hands). So I have been watching tons of videos and reading tons of posts/reviews and such. Nobody mentions this. I do see everyone running them with the switch locked on and doing nice work and it appears there is no hassle.

Has anybody using this saw had any regrets going with it due to switch location? Am I thinking too much? : After all I am new to woodworking in general.

 

[Walk On Wood]

I have the barrel grip and love it.  The most important thing to know is that the switch is an on/off switch, not a trigger like on the d-handle.  It is not difficult at all to turn on and off, and speed can still be varied with the speed adjuster dial.  Also, the "a" setting on the dial keeps the blade speed very slow until you get into the material, then speeds up.  Nice feature.

 

[jeep jake]

I'am also curious about which people prefer

 

[nclemmons]

I have the barrel grip Carvex and like it a lot.  Debated the D-handle but prefer the control I get with my hands closer to the work.  I also liked the close cutting rear cord fold-up option on the barrel grip that is not an option on the D-handle.

Took me about three cuts to get used to where the switch was on the barrel grip.

neil

 

[peter halle]

When I started using my barrel grip Carvex i noticed that I had a tendency when making a stopped cut to overshoot the ending point because of the forward movement I was causing when using the switches to turn it off.  Not the tool's issue - mine.  In critical cuts I will back the saw away from the end of the cut to turn it off.  Other than that small issue I have loved my Carvex.

Peter

 

[Nick C]

I also vote for the barrel grip. Better control. If I were doing a lot of work on ceilings, with the saw held upside down, I might prefer the D-handle.

 

[cnewport]

forward movement I was causing when using the switches to turn it off.  

I hold the barrel with my right hand, and shut the tool off with my left thumb. I use the left hand to hold the tool still and flick the switch with my thumb. Mainly because my right thumb can't reach the switch but that's beside the point...

 

[Colonel Panic]

I bought the D-handle and use it a lot by gripping the barrel. That gives me the best of both worlds. I haven't tun into a situation were the flip up cord was needed.  8)

 

[dltflt]

I have the barrel grip and love.  It is comfortable and I feel I have better control.

 

[sessler2013]

you can call me a barrel grip convert [cool], I first purchased the D-handle since that was what I have always been used to and after using it awhile I decided to return it and get the barrel grip, the amount of control you get with the barrel grip is pretty significant over the D-H, the barrel grip has a lower center of gravity which gives you more control over the cut. Also in my opinion the barrel grip is more comfortable to hold after you have been using it for long periods of time. 

 

[epicxt]

I'll echo Colonel Panic. I've got the d-handle and use it in barrel grip almost exclusively. I occasionally use the handle but it seems a bit small for my hands. It's nice to have the variable speed trigger though.

 

[hemlock]

+1 barrel grip.  Tried both on at store; although DH can be held as barrel it did not seem as comfortable/controllable for my hands.  Personal pref.  Once u get the switch is an on/off its fine.  Like others said either way a great tool.  [big grin]

 

[Throwback7r]

I got the D-handle and enjoy it. I have small hands and did not like the barrel only grip. I do like the carvex a lot.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Barrel grip all the way. I find them a lot more comfortable to hold, with the lower center of gravity, and more controlable when making corners or in situtations where you have to reach.

 

[Mahomo59]

+1 for barrel grip. Had 3 D handles previously. Much prefer the barrel grip, more control and good upside down when cutting underneath. Great jigsaw.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

My first Trion was a D handle...now, I have a barrel grip which I now prefer. For me, it's easier on the wrist.

 

[gdjenkins10]

I enjoyed my barrel grip Trion but struggle with way I work using barrel grip Carvex. Start is farther away on Carvex than I prefer.  Love all the attachments and strobe just need to change my working habits

 

[BMH]

+ 1 Barrel grip, ergonomics makes more sense. I have small hands and didn't find it to be a problem.

 

[wrightwoodwork]

Barrel grip. For years I used a D handle, then when I changed I got a barrel grip, just today had to use a D handle felt like I didn't have the same control and the jigsaw was separate from my hand. Where a barrel grip the jigsaw feels part of your hand

 

[Kev]

A D handle jigsaw makes me feel like I'm holding my wife's purse for her - the barrel grip CARVEX works best for me - my most recent non Festool jigsaw was a barrel grip Hitachi ... no complaints there either.

In terms of on/off control - issues have never seemed to enter my mind when using it.