Coming to Grips with Carvex

[Crox G]

Like many others, I believe that the Carvex is an incredible saw. Also, like many others, I  couldn't  made friends with the barrel grip and its switches, until this past weekend. I couldn't reach the on-off switch without looking for it, finding it, and maybe using my other hand to hit the switch, with the saw running and waving around the whole time. It felt clumsy and dangerous. Thanks to posts from Peter Halle, Paul-Marcel, and others, I think I have the hang of it now.

I was used to a Bosch D-handle that I have had for years. The grip was like picking up a suitcase handle: palm on top and facing down, fingers curled around underneath the handle, index finger on the trigger. That won't work on the Carvex, because the barrel is too fat, and your thumb and index finger are nowhere near the switches.

Slide your hand forward on the saw, so the web of your thumb and index finger are up against the forward post of the Carvex. When I do this, my index finger rests on the switch! My thumb is not far off the switch in the near side, either. Maybe imagine that you're on a fancy bicycle with your hands up on the brakes and not down gripping the handlebars. Rest the toe of the saw on the workpiece, lean over the top of the saw, press the switch with your index finger, and make the cut, leaving your index finger on the switch.  You are guiding the saw, not really supporting its weight. No death grip necessary. Maybe keep a light left hand at the rear of the saw for directional control.

At the end of the cut, don't swoop the saw up with the blade still running, but leave the saw on the workpiece. Maybe back the saw up a bit, as Peter H suggests. Calmly press the switch with your finger--which is still on the switch!--and let the blade stop. No fumbling, no danger.

Now I'm a believer. Of course, "your mileage may vary."

Crox

 

[peter halle]

Like many others, I believe that the Carvex is an incredible saw. Also, like many others, I  couldn't  made friends with the barrel grip and its switches, until this past weekend. I couldn't reach the on-off switch without looking for it, finding it, and maybe using my other hand to hit the switch, with the saw running and waving around the whole time. It felt clumsy and dangerous. Thanks to posts from Peter Halle, Paul-Marcel, and others, I think I have the hang of it now.

I was used to a Bosch D-handle that I have had for years. The grip was like picking up a suitcase handle: palm on top and facing down, fingers curled around underneath the handle, index finger on the trigger. That won't work on the Carvex, because the barrel is too fat, and your thumb and index finger are nowhere near the switches.

Slide your hand forward on the saw, so the web of your thumb and index finger are up against the forward post of the Carvex. When I do this, my index finger rests on the switch! My thumb is not far off the switch in the near side, either. Maybe imagine that you're on a fancy bicycle with your hands up on the brakes and not down gripping the handlebars. Rest the toe of the saw on the workpiece, lean over the top of the saw, press the switch with your index finger, and make the cut, leaving your index finger on the switch.  You are guiding the saw, not really supporting its weight. No death grip necessary. Maybe keep a light left hand at the rear of the saw for directional control.

At the end of the cut, don't swoop the saw up with the blade still running, but leave the saw on the workpiece. Maybe back the saw up a bit, as Peter H suggests. Calmly press the switch with your finger--which is still on the switch!--and let the blade stop. No fumbling, no danger.

Now I'm a believer. Of course, "your mileage may vary."

Crox

To tell a story on myself, in 2010 I went to Lebanon to attend 2 classes in the same week.  On the off day I was by special permission allowed to come and play with the tools soon expected to be coming to the US.  Shane escorted me into the classroom and I took each of the tools for a spin.  While using the barrel grip Carvex I had the moment of temporary dementia when wanting to stop the saw after being used to a D handle Bosch for years.  Not being able to reach the switch with my thumb (I have short fingers) I instinctively (translated to stupidly) resorted to pulling the saw from the cut.  The blade I was using was the longest Festool made.  Well, let's just say that the blade became a curved souvenir, Shane jumped of of the table, and I haven't been back for another class.

I own a Carvex barrel grip and every time I pick it up I remember that day.  I also remember that long blade and always check underneath the workpiece for plenty of clearance.

Peter