Jigsaw and Dust Extractor Package Deal - UK

[Percy1]

Hello

I am a new person here so apologies if this topic has already been discussed.

I am in a bit of a quandry - the time has come when my old jigsaw has done its last work.  I am looking around for a new Jigsaw and I've been thinking about going for the Trion, but then after a lot of reading on the internet I convinced myself to go for a Carvex.  However since then I have started hearing negative feedback about the Carvex.

Can anyone allay my doubts and convince me either way - or do I just go and buy a Bosch or Makita Jigsaw?

I am also intending purchasing a dust extractor and was going to go for the CT Mini.  Does anyone have any feedback on this machine?  My other option seems to be the Protool 170 dust extractor which is cheaper, has bigger capacity but has less features.

If I was to go for the Festool Saw and the Festool Extractor does anyone know of any offers where I could make a good saving by buying both at the same time.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ajones]

Hello

I am a new person here so apologies if this topic has already been discussed.

I am in a bit of a quandry - the time has come when my old jigsaw has done its last work.  I am looking around for a new Jigsaw and I've been thinking about going for the Trion, but then after a lot of reading on the internet I convinced myself to go for a Carvex.  However since then I have started hearing negative feedback about the Carvex.

Can anyone allay my doubts and convince me either way - or do I just go and buy a Bosch or Makita Jigsaw?

I am also intending purchasing a dust extractor and was going to go for the CT Mini.  Does anyone have any feedback on this machine?  My other option seems to be the Protool 170 dust extractor which is cheaper, has bigger capacity but has less features.

If I was to go for the Festool Saw and the Festool Extractor does anyone know of any offers where I could make a good saving by buying both at the same time.

Thanks in advance.

Hello Percy welcome to the fog [welcome]

the carvex has had its issues so I would not buy one at the moment (just my opinion) as regards a dust extractor which one to buy will depend on what tools you want to use it with it may be worth going with the new ct26 or 36.
there have been package deals on the carvex and mini,s but if they are current I don't know.
a good dealer is fixy aka slingers I and many UK fog members have used them and found them v,good

happy shoping

 

[justinmcf]

hi percy and welcome to the forum!

i would buy the carvex today if i had the cash.

i would not worry to much about the criticism that has been given to it.
i believe these are teething issues are normal that any tool company has with a new product.

from what i have read here on the fog. these minor issues have already been addressed by festool.

with regards to the festool vac.
i am a firm believer that bigger is better.
i would recommend the ct-22 with the long life filter bag.

justin.

justin.

 

[ajones]

Hi .. but has the old stock worked its way though the system. from what I have read on here festool uk seems fairly ignorant to the problems.

 

[Percy1]

Thanks for your help.  I am still sceptical over the carvex.

Is it worth getting the Trion as that is tried and tested?  Or am I better with something like the Bosch.

I am a keen hobby woodworker and busy getting my workshop set up but at the same time I have taken on a huge project  renovating a house and building extensions etc.  I therefore want to buy the best tools I can so that I can get a lifetime of reliable service from them.

 

[Mac]

Hi Percy,

My circumstances sound similar to yours in terms of the sorts of projects I get involved in. I have the barrel grip Trion and love it...I'd have no problem in recommending it to you. Having said that, many here favour the Bosch and am sure they'll give their view...in the meantime, do a search for the Trion and you'll find lots of threads discussing its merits over other alternatives.

I also use a CT Midi (slightly larger than the mini but otherwise very similar) with all of my tools (including the Festool planer, plunge saw, router etc) and have been thrilled with it.  It's suited me just fine, and I find it a good balance between decent capacity and small enough to lug around as I work on my extensions as well as workshop use.

Hope this is useful.  Welcome to the forum.
Rick

 

[beerburper]

I just got a new Carvex shipped over from UK (because it's cheaper than in Norway were I live  ), and as far I can tell the problem with the wobbly base and loose dust extractor have been solved in the version I got.

I would have considered the CLT26 or 36 when it comes to dust extractors. Don't own one yet, just an old SR201 which by the way works great.

Norse

 

[DavidW]

If your trying to save money, go with the Bosch, I've had 2 of them in 25 yrs. with very few problems. I got the Trion when Festool came out with them 4 yrs ago and while its a bit nicer than the Bosch, I'm not sure it was worth twice the price of the Bosch. That said, I think the new Carvex will be the new standart (like the Bosch was 30 yrs. ago when I first got into the trade).
The interchangerable bases, circle cutting, improved dust control and quality build that Festool is known for (and Bosch use to be) is worth the money in the long run. As far as the problems with the bases being loose on some units, I would have on fear that Festool will make it right, as they did with the Kapex.

 

[Percy1]

Thanks to everyone for the input.

Can anyone tell me  if I was to buy the carvex does the standard base tilt as it does on a normal jigsaw or do I have to buy the accessory base to make bevel cuts?
If it needs the accessory then it makes it a ?400 Jigsaw instead of ?300 which is probably pushing me towards the Trion.  Having said that as I intend having it forever I am drawn to the versatility of the Carvex.

Its such a big decision to make.  I like the systainers etc and the integration of the Festool stuff.  I would probably buy a Rotex Sander as well eventually but I am just not sure which way to go with the Jigsaws and Extractors. 

Has anyone got any comments on the Protool Extractors?

 

[windmill man]

Percy,

DO NOT BUY THE CARVEX!

There are a lot of issues with the carvex ( a lot this forum is not aware of yet)and in my opinion some fundamental design flaws. Some minor issues may have been bodged together but there are still basic faults with this jigsaw that no amount of bodging will put right. I have a trion and a carvex. In the carvex`s present form it is a poor shadow of the trion. If you need a basic, bomb proof , high quality jigsaw get the Trion. It does the job , well, day after day.

John

 

[Percy1]

John
Many thanks for the warning - your post confirms what I have previously read and heard about the carvex.  The trion from your description sounds exactly what I need. So would you get the Trion over the Bosch GST135 BCE - as far as I can tell the only advantages of the Bosch are the quick release base and the dust blower (its debatable whether these are of any advantage to me). 

Would you buy new or second hand Trion? 
Cheers

 

[jonny round boy]

Would you buy new or second hand Trion? 
Cheers

I'm not John, but I'd say get a used one. since the Carvex was announced, the number of them on eBay has rocketed up, and the prices they go for has dropped considerably.

 

[windmill man]

Hi Percy

I agree with JRB get a used one off Ebay or an ex demo, from a dealer. The Bosch is a good machine and prior to the  Trion I had a Bosch Jigsaws(about 20years old) and was happy.

John

 

[Percy1]

Thanks JRB and Windmill Man.  Out of interest do you have any idea roughly what price I should be paying for a second hand Trion in decent condition or an ex demo one?

 

[jonny round boy]

I've just done a quick search on eBay UK for 'Festool Jigsaw' and 'completed listings'.

The full history of listings includes 12 Trion jigsaws, which sold for the following prices, in GBP:

166 (D-handle grip);
150 (barrel grip);
229 (D-handle, ex-display from a dealer);
180 (barrel);
185 (D-handle);
137 (barrel);
73 (D-handle);
129 (D-handle);
155 (D-handle, new & unused);
100 (D-handle);
142 (D-handle)
102.59 (barrel).

As you can see, there's a wide range of prices from 73GBP up to 229GBP. I'd keep an eye out, and you could probably pick up a decent used one for 100-150GBP.

 

[Percy1]

Thanks for that Johnny Round Boy - I have just been offered a deal - I will PM you the details see what you think.  Its probably not fair to post details on the open forum.

 

[jmbfestool]

I wouldnt get any smaller than the CT22 for Vacuum I personally think any smaller is useless.

I own the Carvex Cordless Version  their is some problems with it but I still think the jigsaw is still better than other jigsaws I have used!  Well it has more power than any other CORDLESS jigsaw I have used. I own the New Milwaukee Cordless M18 jigsaw and its definitely not as power full or as good as the carvex. I also own the BOSCH GST135BCE JIGSAW 720W 240V and I think the Carvex is nicer to use.  The bosch isnt perfect either it often sparks because when using the presision clamps it creates friction causing the blade to burn.  The Milwaukee is D handle and the Bosh is D handle  the Carvex is my first barrel grip. 

I do like the feel of the barrel grip but I think you have more control with a D-handle because the trigger allows you to control the speed of the jigsaw by slowly pulling the trigger aswell as a electronic speed control so you have alot of control but with a barrel grip you turn the jigsaw on and then it runs at the set speed you put it on. Also some times you hit something and the jigsaw bounces out with a D handle you simply let go of the trigger and no problem well with a barrel grip your like  [eek] dam dam trying to turn the jigsaw off while it bounces around.

JMB

 

[Michael_MA]

Thanks for that Johnny Round Boy - I have just been offered a deal - I will PM you the details see what you think.  Its probably not fair to post details on the open forum.

Hello,

if you want to make a fair decision, you should go to a stool store and compare the following models: Festool PS300/PS400 and the Bosch GST135. And please, before you go make sure you read my two post's thoroughly about the Carvex if not already done:
Review of the Festool Carvex PS400
Festool Carvex - Circle-cutting-jig de-mystified

kind regards, Mike