Consolidated Q&A for Carvex 420 Jigsaws

[Paul G]

Syslite!   [big grin]

It will be a little bulky duct taped to the front  [big grin]

 

[Birdhunter]

You mean I shouldn't be taping it to my forehead?

 

[jimbo51]

I was wondering about the rationale for placing the power switch so far forward on the jigsaw. It seems like it would be rather difficult to turn on and off while using it with one hand unless one had very long finger or large hands. Should this jigsaw only be used with two hands?

I also do not quite understand the push on and push off switch. While interesting, I cannot think of another tool that does it this way and do not see the advantage over a rocker switch.

The Carvex 420 I handled recently at Woodcrafters did not seem to sync the strobe at the 1 and 2 speed settings. Is this normal?

Thanks

 

[kcasser]

Where do you store your bits so that they don't dull themselves on each other?  I was a little surprised that there wasn't a spot for keeping more than one or two in the Systainer, and I was even more surprised that there wasn't storage for them in the accessory Systainer.

 

[barnowl]

Oftentimes, when I buy a tool that has a molded case, or molded insert, I'll cut out part of the plastic molding to fascilitate storing parts and accessories.

While not familiar with the Carvex systainer, if it was possible to do so, I wouldn't hesitate, in order to keep extra blades inside the case.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

The other issue I have had so far is setting the carbide blade holders. I think it's a fine line between too far apart and too close which causes considerable damage to a blade. There was enough heat generated from friction with the carbide edges to heat one of my blades and warp it. I've since backed off the carbide width a little more. I never had the blade wedged, just freely placed but quite close.

I can't stress this enough!!!!

All of the early reviews and details about the Carvex were so grossly over-emphasizing the blade guides that it has caused far too many people to over-adjust them.

Don't over think it!

For 99% of your cuts, you don't need to adjust the guides. Just leave them loose enough to not bind. The only time you need to tweak the adjustment is when you are making a critical cut through thick material. Anything other than a critical cut in thick material and the slight looseness of the guides is not going to play a role in the guidance.

Moreover, if you are using a trapezoidal blade (such as the FS blade or old Trion FSG blade), then setting the jaws too close will burn the blade if your orbit is set to one of the higher settings.

If you are seeing the blade heat up, then your jaws are set too close. It just isn't necessary for most cuts.

Oops!!! I didn't mean to make it sound like I was directing this at bnaboatbuilder. I was simply using his posting to bring up this very important topic.

 

[jimbo51]

Thanks for the replies BNA

 

[3PedalMINI]

AND...I ordered it  [big grin]

Going to hold off on the accessory kit just in case i dont like it (which i highly doubt lol ) [embarassed]

Cant Wait!

 

[MrToolJunkie]

AND...I ordered it  [big grin]

Going to hold off on the accessory kit just in case i dont like it (which i highly doubt lol ) [embarassed]

Cant Wait!

Yeah -- that was my approach too -- I bought the accessory kit being careful to use it and "see" before trying the other stuff out.  That lasted all of about 2 hours of cutting and testing.  For me, this new jigsaw is worth it along for the circle cutter...I think it is that good.  Each person's mileage may vary, but I am happy with the purchase.  Unlike Frank who sold one of his jigsaws, I am keep all three of mine for the time being...

Scot

 

[NJHW]

Waiting impatiently for the cordless version....

 

[houtvanpieter]

received mine PSB 420 EBQ just a few days ago.
I bought the set, so with the Accessories SYS
The 3 baseplates for steel and other material then wood i won't use them very often i think

Testing the machine now.  very nice.
the picture attached is MDF 18mm for testing round curved table top with bevel. The picture shows the table top testpiece up-side-down.
The bevel is 45 degrees and along the sides it is cut with the ts55 circular saw. Around the corners cut with ths carvex psb 420, by hand along a scribed line

Concerning the  Expandable circle cutter I wonder 2 things:

-why the manual states that with the Expandable circle cutter the material thickness should be max. 20mm, see picture attached, manual.

-why the manual states the min diameter to cut is 120mm but when completely rolled in the attachement measurement-tape shows radius 46 mm, so diameter 92 mm? see picture attached Expandable circle cutter completely rolled in.

 

[mastercabman]

OK so I have been looking at the Carvex to see what it's all about.
I tested it on august 31st(barrel model)
Seems to be a good saw but I don't think it's all of what people are raving about.
The saw can only do square cuts unless you buy the tilt base.Witch some people are saying that the tilt base doesn't give you much surface leverage.I can see what they talking about.
But the question I have is about those base insert.
Are they only used with the standard base?
Can you use them with the guide rail base?  tilting base?
Can you use the splinter guard with the tilting base?

 

[tbellemare]

OK so I have been looking at the Carvex to see what it's all about.
I tested it on august 31st(barrel model)
Seems to be a good saw but I don't think it's all of what people are raving about.
The saw can only do square cuts unless you buy the tilt base.Witch some people are saying that the tilt base doesn't give you much surface leverage.I can see what they talking about.
But the question I have is about those base insert.
Are they only used with the standard base?
Can you use them with the guide rail base?   tilting base?
Can you use the splinter guard with the tilting base?

The base inserts (dimpled, hard fiber, steel, and StickFix) are for use with the standard base that comes with the saw only.

Tom

 

[mastercabman]

OK so I have been looking at the Carvex to see what it's all about.
I tested it on august 31st(barrel model)
Seems to be a good saw but I don't think it's all of what people are raving about.
The saw can only do square cuts unless you buy the tilt base.Witch some people are saying that the tilt base doesn't give you much surface leverage.I can see what they talking about.
But the question I have is about those base insert.
Are they only used with the standard base?
Can you use them with the guide rail base?   tilting base?
Can you use the splinter guard with the tilting base?

The base inserts (dimpled, hard fiber, steel, and StickFix) are for use with the standard base that comes with the saw only.

Tom

Well  not really what i would call a smart system
Am I assuming that you can't use splinter guard on the tilting base?

 

[peter halle]

Your assumption is correct.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Cordless Carvex 420 hits the ground in the U.S. and Canada on December 1st.

There will be a Basic version which does not have the batteries or charger for those who already own a Festool cordless drill. Also available December 1st. The basic version of the Carvex does not have a space for a drill in the Systainer.

 

[NJHW]

Great news, Thanks!

 

[copcarcollector]

There will be a Basic version which does not have the batteries or charger for those who already own a Festool cordless drill. Also available December 1st. The basic version of the Carvex does not have a space for a drill in the Systainer.

Shane, can you please clarify for me - the $550.00 cordless saw, the additional $200 over the corded version gets the battery and charger, no additional parts, bases etc, correct?

You mentioned the "basic" version, is there pricing on that yet?

THANKS!

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

There will be a Basic version which does not have the batteries or charger for those who already own a Festool cordless drill. Also available December 1st. The basic version of the Carvex does not have a space for a drill in the Systainer.

Shane, can you please clarify for me - the $550.00 cordless saw, the additional $200 over the corded version gets the battery and charger, no additional parts, bases etc, correct?

You mentioned the "basic" version, is there pricing on that yet?

The Basic version is the same as the regular cordless Carvex, less the battery and charger. The charger and batteries are over $250 if purchased separately. The price is $350 USD for the Basic.

Note that the Carvex cordless (non-Basic) will come with a 18v, 4.2Ah Lithium Ion battery. It is backward compatible with all NiCd, NiMH, and LiIon flat pack batteries in 12v, 15v and 18v.

The 4.2Ah battery will extend battery life by about 40%. That means roughly 120 feet of cutting in 1-9/16" particle board from one battery.

 

[copcarcollector]

Thanks! Nice car.