i was at a local festool event at my local dealer today.

[Alan m]

he was showing me the cxs and driving 120mm (just shy of 5") screws into a big block of wood with the 90 degree head.  [blink]
he then got a 15 volt  drill out (not sure of name) and the longest screw i ever seen. it was easily 14-16 inchs long and 5-6mm thick[cool]. he said it was used by timber framers . the 15 volt drove that thing in like no ones business. perfectly in not slipping or slowing down etc. i was amazed. i dont know if my dewalt impact could do that.

i was using the carvex. it great [wink]. i like the way it starts off slow and speeds up as you get cutting.
very nearly bought a ro90.

 

[jmbfestool]

I use them long screws loads.  I'll see if i can find the link to the type I use

Jmb

 

[Kristian]

Alan, do you have to keep pressing the switch on the Carvex for it to run or can you lock it for easier handling?

- Kristian

 

[jmbfestool]

Alan, do you have to keep pressing the switch on the Carvex for it to run or can you lock it for easier handling?

- Kristian

The Carvex   Barrel grip can only be switched ON or OFF only but the Carvex D handle version  can be switched on with the trigger so you can control it more   but you can also have it ON constant just like the barrel grip version.

JMB

 

[jmbfestool]

Here is one of the big screws I use for roofing mainly

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[Kristian]

Sounds good. I would expect it to be easier to use the saw from underneath the workpiece if you didn't have to keep the switch pressed for it to run. I saw the barrel grip version at my local dealer yesterday and noticed that the switch didn't lock (like on my Bosch GST 85) and wondered how the switch would actually operate (couldn't test it 'cause the Carvex wasn't plugged in).

- Kristian

 

[Deansocial]

good length but lacking in girth

 

[jmbfestool]

Sounds good. I would expect it to be easier to use the saw from underneath the workpiece if you didn't have to keep the switch pressed for it to run. I saw the barrel grip version at my local dealer yesterday and noticed that the switch didn't lock (like on my Bosch GST 85) and wondered how the switch would actually operate (couldn't test it 'cause the Carvex wasn't plugged in).

- Kristian

Yeah the switches on both sides of the carvex on the D handle and Barrel dont lock  you push it foward once to switch it on and release and push it forward again and release to switch it off.  You can turn the carvex on from one side and turn it off on the other side or on the same side it does not mater!  If you remove the battery or the battery runs out the carvex turns off and you have to press thhe switch again to turn it on again

Jmb

 

[Kristian]

Cool. Thanks for clarifying.  [smile]

 

[Alan m]

thats very like the screw they had only it was a bigger diameter and trreaded the whole way
+1 for jmbs answer on the switch

 

[justinmcf]

wow!
what a big screw you have jmb!

how do you use these?

do you pre-drill the top of a rafter and then screw these through the top of the rafter into the top plate?

thanks, justin.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Justin,

Those are self-drilling so you shouldn't need to pre-drill, however you could use an electricians bit if you wanted.  This screw is a good example of what you'd use an impact driver for.

JMB,

You've been doing carpentry for what, 2 years now and you still don't have "man hands"?  [big grin]

 

[jmbfestool]

wow!
what a big screw you have jmb!

how do you use these?

do you pre-drill the top of a rafter and then screw these through the top of the rafter into the top plate?

thanks, justin.

These screws can be screwed into wood directly with out any need of pre drilling  even in hardwood.   

I have done it a few times but to save batterie life on my drill I do pre drill before  Screw them in  I have a 14inch  5 or 6 mm drill bit for drilling the hole.    Also with the larger rafter. Like the cedar gluelam I drill the holes before from the birds mouth so that the screw goes into the wall plate in the right place to make sure it pulls the rafter up to the ridge but down into the wall plate.

I love them brilliant screws.  They are structural screws so can be used for holding rafters and joists with out the need of hangers and/or joinery joint.

Jmb

 

[jmbfestool]

Justin,

Those are self-tapping so you shouldn't need to pre-drill, however you could use an electricians bit if you wanted.  This screw is a good example of what you'd use an impact driver for.

JMB,

You've been doing carpentry for what, 2 years now and you still don't have "man hands"?  [big grin]

Haahaa lol.  My missus hates when I have rough hands!  So I have to make sure they stay clean and soft for her  [wink]

Jmb