Looking to buy a barrel jigsaw need help

[tsiawdt]

I am looking at both festool jigsaws and other brands. Is the carvex worth the extra money, I've read alot of bad reviews on it but most of them were 2 years old or older. I will be useing this for hobby not a job but am not afraid to spend a little more to get more, just not as much as a mafell.

 

[antss]

What do you anticipate cutting with it ?

Will you change blades often for different material ?  If so, you might find having to reset the blade guide each time a pain.

 

[Holmz]

A Bosch is a good alternative, and I found no evidence that the Carvex was better unless you want cordless and an LED strobe.
And Bosch have likely been making jigsaws as long as anyone else

I did get a Mafell as there was evidence that that jigsaw was better, and I have no way to compare personally with a Carvex. I probably need only 70% of the capability of the Mafell... Not sure exactly, but it is a controlled and gentle beast.

 

[Stowe Boy]

Very happy with my Bosch.

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[antss]

Holmz, Bosch claims to have invented the jigsaw.

Though it was really invented by a Swiss Co. - Scintillia that Bosch bought in the 50's.

 

[Holmz]

Yeah [member=727]antss[/member] and I am sure Kaufmann's wife was understanding when he canabilzed his wife's sewing machine. He was a brave man and we are indebted to him.
He died mysteriously.

 

[tsiawdt]

Ive read reviews on the bosch getting very Hot. I like the bosch brand but was looking to try something festool but again Im open to any brand.

 

[kevinculle]

I've had a Bosch barrel grip for over 15 years...very controllable, easy blade changes and no issues with it getting hot that I've ever noticed.

 

[ear3]

If you go Carvex, I think it's worth it to go cordless.  The dust collection is mediocre, and so you are not really sacrificing all that much by ditching the vac hose -- you gain a lot though, since the vac and cord get in the way, especially if you're doing scroll cuts.  I have the corded version, but I rarely hook up the vac, and if I had to do it all over again, I would have purchased the cordless. 

 

[Goneshootin88]

I have a Carvex and like it. It's a nice upgrade from my old Makita. That being said, if you don't plan on getting all of the accessories, look at the Trion. I used a friend's yesterday and really liked it. I would say it was more comfortable than the Carvex and the switch is better placed. As others have said, if you do get the Carvex, consider the cordless one. If I could do it again, that's what I would have done.

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[mlfaber]

I have a Carvex and like it. It's a nice upgrade from my old Makita. That being said, if you don't plan on getting all of the accessories, look at the Trion. I used a friend's yesterday and really liked it. I would say it was more comfortable than the Carvex and the switch is better placed. As others have said, if you do get the Carvex, consider the cordless one. If I could do it again, that's what I would have done.

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I totally agree with this post!  I had the Carvex and acccessory kit.  What I found was the only accessory I used was the bevel base and truly found it to be a downgrade from the Trion (bevel base built into the Trion).  Also, a pain to constantly have to remove and change the base.  I also found the ergonomics and switch location to be a real PIA.  I sold it and stayed with the Trion.  It is not perfect but for my use it is great.

 

[pixelated]

My Bosch has been very good, approximately 35 years old now, parts are still available (as of the last time I had reason to look). I've never had heat issues with it, I've cut thick and thin wood, 1 inch brass bar, steel, aluminum, plastic with no problems.

I've been considering a Carvex because I have some joint issues now that make the Bosch's switch hard to operate, but not because there is any performance problem with the Bosch. I'm not sure that the Carvex would be enough of an improvement to justify the cost, however.

 

[jeh]

Forget the Carvex and get the Trion or step up to the Mafell.

 

[DrD]

I have a Trion D Handle, and am generally well pleased; I think I would prefer the Barrel Grip over the D Handle.  If I were going to buy something new, I'd go Mafell.

 

[nickao]

Don't get a barrel if you have smaller hands, a grip that isn't strong, want variable on the fly speed control or want the blade to stop for stop cuts without turning the tool off. In those instances the barrel type just aren't as good. And yes I know guys with barrels do stop cuts all the time, doesn't mean they are as good though. I want that saw blade to stop moving when I stop the saw and the barrel grips just dont. If you are going to do more angled cuts than anything else get the Mafell, I only wish Mafell made a D handle with variable trigger, I would purchase it in a heartbeat.

Anyone that suggests a Trion simply never used a Bosch, its a joke really. I have both sitting here on my table, the Trion is no better than the 160.00 Bosch  JS470EB. The better 240.00 Bosch JS572 is very near the saw the Mafell is for over 400 less money. So just buy Bosch or Mafell when it come to jigsaws, nothing else comes close, IMHO.

I will say I almost favor my older Bosch verse the newer Bosch 572.

 

[RussellS]

Don't get a barrel if you have smaller hands, a grip that isn't strong, want variable on the fly speed control or want the blade to stop for stop cuts without turning the tool off. In those instances the barrel type just aren't as good. I want that saw blade to stop moving when I stop the saw and the barrel grips just dont.

Hallelujah.  Exactly my thoughts.  I hate the barrel grip because the blade does not stop when I stop.  And it has no variable speed when I am cutting.  You adjust the speed once with a separate button.  No in action speed change.  And no stopping the blade.  Much prefer my D handle Bosch over the barrel grip Festool I own.

 

[Holmz]

Also the p1cc comes with all the accessories except for the bevel base.
When one adds the costs up then the p1cc is a lot closer.
At least in Australian prices the loaded carvex and p1cc were.

But the [member=3373]Dovetail65[/member] points in the Bosch are noteworthy.

 

[NHSP759]

I love my Carvex but I also picked up a Makita 18v brushless barrel grip DJV181 and it is awesome! It's not available yet here but I bought one through Canada.

 

[curt boyer]

Chris could you tell me where you purchased the Makita jigsaw from.
Thanks
Curt

 

[Jak147]

I have more Festool's than you can shake a stick at and the barrel grip carvex is my least favourite but it's still way better than my old Makita and I would buy it again a 2nd time. Once you get used to cutting with the machine beneath the part, using the protruding tip of the blade to follow the cut you will wonder how you managed before. The biggest bug I have with MY carvex is if a tight clockwise turn is made a little too quick the blade ejects and then requires pliers to remove it from the cut. (Not using pliers results in burnt and/or cut fingers.) I'm not saying it's a carvex fault just what I have experienced with mine. My buddy hasn't had it happen to him with his, so probably just me being a little to aggressive.
Another great feature is the blade break, flick the power button and it stops dead.
Not sure if I've been any help but thought I'd throw my 2cents into the ring