Carvex won't do square cuts

[A-Team]

I have a new Carvex PS 420 EBQ, and I cannot get square cuts. I tried both blades (S75/4 FSG & 75/4K) and followed directions to tighten guide (tighten then 1/4 turn loose). Pendulum on 3, speed automatic. The FSG blade is 10 degrees of, the K blade is a little better but still off. This is going through 1 1/2" pine 2x4.

I pulled out an old $29 Ryobi jigsaw and the cut quality was the same! Just as smooth (the splinter guard of course produced no chip out, the Ryobi doesn't have one), just as not square! I must be doing something wrong - this is supposed to be a "precision cutting machine" but cuts like a big box store special...

I have a Domino 700 and that is a great machine, very precise. I thought I would get the same quality but maybe I have a lemon...

 

[peter halle]

re you making straight cuts or curved cuts?

 

[mrboult]

If you managed to do the same cut fine with your old saw then that rules out user error, regardless of straight/curved cuts. .

The blade should be allowed to move freely left and right between the blade guides by at least 0.5mm In my experience.. .

Sound like you probably have a lemon. . but I can't imagine what could be wrong if nothing is visibly wrong. . i.e.: blade not at 90* to the saw base. .

Can you post a few pictures of the saw with blade in it from a few angles that show the blade protruding out of the saw?

 

[A-Team]

Here are some pics of the blade, which is not square. There is some play, so not sure if that's supposed to be. Also the thicker FSG blade is next to impossible to insert into the machine - thinner blades are OK. Do they all do that?

 

[Gregor]

I don't use my carvex that often, so I only vaguely remember the thicker blades being a bit harder - but not  'next to impossible' - to install. Seehttp://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/carvex-420-won't-take-s754-blade/ for this problem.

Regarding being not 90° I would suggest, especially if you havn't touched it out of the box yet, to remove the quick-attach base and reattach it, possibly it isn't seated correctly which would lead to it sitting on the machine at an off angle.

In case that dosn't fix it: A trip through Service all Included will fix it for free, or (if within the money back period and you want a quick outcome) return it and get another from the shelve (you can check in the shop if it is ok prior to taking it home)..

 

[mrboult]

Looking at the photos. . .

The first photo made me think that maybe the base isn't quite seated on the saw properly, as it looked like it wasn't quite in line with the blade.

BUT the second photo actually looks like the blade is not sitting centrally in the adjustable guide jaws?  Are your guide jaws wide enough for the back of the blade to be sitting on the metal roller? The back of the blade should be pressing on the metal roller.

If none of these things are an issue then maybe you should contact service or just exchange it at the store. .

 

[lwillis]

Do you have a local Festool dealer near you?  (Even one that doesn't do service)  I would go visit the store and see if they have a Carvex display model.  Insert your current FSG blade into the display model.  Does it sit differently in the display model vs your saw?  If so, then you have good evidence that there's some issue with your saw.

Otherwise, I'd ask on the forum (here) if there's anyone else in your area who has a Carvex that you can compare with.  What part of the country are you located?

 

[Cheese]

Here’s a photo of my PSB 420 with a S 105/4 FSG blade.

I’d say return it for two reasons. First an FSG blade should easily fit the saw and secondly for the blade perpendicularity issues.

 

[A-Team]

Thank you for the replies! I got it on Amazon, so not sure how the return policy is. I removed and replaced the base, the blade is touching the roller and guides properly, I set the guides per instructions, etc. There is still some play in the blade and the difficulty of inserting the FSG blade. Not how a premium tool should be, and definitely should cut better than a Ryobi!! (even though it had Bosch blades)

I'll call service next...

 

[Cheese]

There should be no play in the blade. It should be held in the Carvex in a very substantial manner, period. 

However, when held in a Mafell P1 cc, it has the ring of a tight piano wire. ...Sweet