Festool PS300 v PS420

[Grakat]

Hello everybody,

I have been searching through the forum, and have seen that the 400 series Carvex jigsaws have not been performing as well as could be expected given that they are a premium brand. I am looking at getting a Jigsaw as the next purchase. Down under the PS300 Trion is still listed as being available for purchase.

As it stands today, which would be the better purchase, the PS300 or the PS420?

Regards
Graham

 

[blaszcsj]

I received a 420 Carvex from my lovely lady for Christmas. I have had none of the issues people have with perpendicularly other people have. I was using the thicker Carvex blade. I found it to be very accurate. Dust collection is ok but is understandable being a jigsaw. I liked the strobe light but did have some issues getting used to the looking through the dust cover and sighting my line thru the zero clearance insert.

The phenolic badges slides the best on wood out UF the various bases and the circle jig is pretty cool and straight forward to use.

 

[Kev]

I have a 300, 400 and 420. I don't have issues with any.

The 300 lives in a CMS module. I got the 420 because I wanted a cordless jigsaw, consequently I really just don't use the 400 any more ... could've relegated it to the CMS instead I suppose.

I do feel the "issues" relative to the number of units in circulation creates an overly negative impression. BUT you do need to understand how to correctly adjust the blade guide!! Best results are achieved with the right Festool blades too.

Before others jump in ... if you want to pony up a lot of cash you could look at a Mafell, though I'm not into the risk of buying tools that'll require shipping overseas for repair if needed (not saying it's likely you'd need to).

 

[SoonerFan]

I have a Carvex 420 and have had it a couple years now.  Now issues at all.  if it was lost I would buy another.

 

[Cheese]

I purchased a 300 and have had no issues with it. When the 420 came out I purchased one of them because I wanted the LEDs. So, two Festool jigsaws and they are both great. The Trion feels a little bit better in the hands, but the Carvex incorporates a few more modern baubles. I'm keeping both of them until the 500 series debuts, at which time......................who knows.

 

[mrboult]

I have PSB300 & PSB420 18v

LOVE the 300, but if I lost it tomorrow that would be that. If I lost the 420, I'd get another immediately. Just a more versatile machine.

 

[Holmz]

.... Down under the PS300 Trion is still listed...

Graham, Where down under are you?

Whether one needs a strobe or cordless may be a decision driver.
I use a head lamp to get around the need for a strobe or saw light.

 

[Grakat]

I'm in Western Sydney.

Looks like the PS420 is all good then. I like the look of the 420 so am happy at the outcome. Time to go buy it soon then.

Thank you all for your help.

Regards
Graham

 

[fin]

im looking forward to trying out the ps420 and comparing it to my old makita.

having said that the makita was a bit more limited. i couldnt scribe with it really with it being a top handle jigsaw.