cordless carvex - barrel vs d handle

[wintu]

i'm about to pull the trigger so which way you guys would go?  until now i had d handle bosch  but i would like to know which is better balanced and other details that might have slip my mind
thanks

 

[Birdhunter]

Is there any way you can handle both before you buy? I did and liked the feel of the D handle better than the barrel. But, both feel balanced with very good ergonomics.

 

[wintu]

i already tried them both but still undecided so just want it to see long time use pros and cons sort of thing

 

[ifit]

D handle as it give you variable speed, and you can also barrel grip it

 

[Kev]

D handle has a speed control trigger, so if that's likely to be important, go with the D.

It's a very personal thing in terms of shape,

 

[PaulMarcel]

I'm a big barrel-grip fan so that's the Carvex I got.  The Carvex D-handle, though, is made to be gripped like a barrel-grip model or as a clothes iron so it seems to be both worlds.  Just a clarification on the variable speed: both models have a speed knob setting, but the D-handle lets you vary the speed up to the knob setting with the D-handle trigger.  The side triggers (same as the barrel-grip model) are strictly on-off to full speed of the knob setting.

 

[rst]

The barrel grip has a lower center of gravity that I find easier to guide and does not require my elbow to be elevated nearly as much.  If you use the jigsaw for extended periods, its much easier...especially on us old guys.

 

[jonny round boy]

I've always had D handles as long as I (and my Dad before me) had jigsaws - I'd never even seen a barrel grip in the flesh until a couple of years ago as they're not common in the UK.

Having said that, when I got a Carvex, I tried both and decided on the barrel grip. My mate has the D handle version, but I still prefer mine!

The only negative thing I can say about the barrel grip is it's considerably longer than the D due to the way the battery fits. It can sometimes restrict you when you're trying to cut in a very confined space.

Oh, and I now make almost ALL my cuts from below the workpiece now, which is something I'd never done before.

 

[SoonerFan]

I went with the barrel grip and I am glad I did.  I like being closer to the work piece.  For me I find it more accurate.  I did however go with the corded version.  When using mine I always want DE so figured if I had to plug in a hose why not a cord at the same time. 

 

[fshanno]

Seems like they could have made it convertible between the two configurations.

 

[wintu]

thanks guys i will goto my dealer today and check it out again and hopefully make decision

 

[MichaelTanner]

I used to prefer D handles, until I started cutting with the saw upside down (i.e., from the bottom). That was a game changer. Barrel handle for me.

 

[GPowers]

D handle as it give you variable speed, and you can also barrel grip it

Plus 1

 

[ccarrolladams]

I purchased my first electric jig saw in 1947. A woodworker I respected had owned one for several months and used in from beneath the work. I found that a very logical and natural method.

So all of the jig saws I have owned since then have had barrel grips. I am still using my barrel grip Trion. However, for my shop I bought one each barrel and D-Handle Carvex. The guys like them. Should my Trion wear out, I will replace it with a Carvex, but almost certainly the corded version.

 

[dltflt]

i bought barrel handle

 

[wow]

wintu, what did you decide on?

 

[paharding]

I find the barrel grip to be more stable and less tippy.

 

[wintu]

i went to my dealer to check it out again and i think  barrel handle is the winner but still have to sleep on it but i have to say that being able to control speed with the switch is something I'm going to miss on barrel handle set up wish they could somehow implement that one on both jig saws

 

[Samo]

I'm in the same pickle [smile]

For me...the D handles have a small circumference on the handle grip itself..and I can't get over it.

I guess I could order all of them and later return what I don't like?  

Just not that type.  [scratch chin]  

 

[shed9]

To jump in here with something not mentioned yet.

Whilst the barrel grip doesn't have a variable speed trigger, it does have an automatic speed setting which in my opinion achieves the same thing.

Another thing to note, if you get the barrel grip and find it awkward to access the power button, just revert to the other switch on the opposing side; I appreciate this sounds odd to some and obvious to others but it caught me out for a good few hours.