My Carvex 420 is now worse than ever

[Birdhunter]

I agree with Baremeg55. My shop is full of Gray boxes. I've never had an issue with any of the Festool products and I'm somewhat fussy about my tools. I know if I do have an issue, Festool will make me happy.

I did have to adjust the lasers on my Kapex. That took 10 minutes of reading the Supplemental Manual and 5 minutes of turning the screws. I did really hate to puncture the covers over those screws.

My only gripe with Festool is that the user manuals are darn near worthless.

One thing Festool could do as a buyer service is to provide prewritten justifications for buying the tools. I'm getting tired of inventing projects to justify a new tool.

 

[neeleman]

I did have to adjust the lasers on my Kapex. That took 10 minutes of reading the Supplemental Manual and 5 minutes of turning the screws. I did really hate to puncture the covers over those screws.

BTW. You can order a new label laser-adjustment #474253 at only $4.

 

[Holmz]

...

I think a lot of the negativity could be eliminated by the user that is having an issue with a tool simply contact Festool service and discuss the issue, or send it in for inspection and service, rather than voicing their issues here.

Once settled,and if still unresolved, bring it on, voice your complaint!

So was this forum one for voicing complains?
(As FT does support this forum, I kind of doubt it)

Of is the Forum about a variety of stuff about the tools and their that outside what can reasonable be put onto a manufacturers site?
The OP asking what he is doing wrong, and them telling him to call mother Festool, seems to be a somewhat old school parochial approach.

 

[tbellemare]

Sometimes it's the tool, sometimes it's the user.  Compare that to world wide sales of the Carvex, must be a lot of folks out there pleased with the tool (and not all tool owners are registered on the FOG). A few negative comments always, always, gets more exposure than xxxxx who are pleased with their Carvex and never voice how pleased they are with a tool. 

I think a lot of the negativity could be eliminated by the user that is having an issue with a tool simply contact Festool service and discuss the issue, or send it in for inspection and service, rather than voicing their issues here.

Once settled,and if still unresolved, bring it on, voice your complaint!

I have to agree with you, G.

Over the better part of ten years, I have had only a handful of tools returned under the 30-day policy. One of those immediately made it into my stable of demo' tools and is currently my wife's favorite sander. She likes it, (DTS), because it's kind of dainty, like her...

Everybody's different and nothing is ideal for all people.

Tom

 

[Gary in Texas]

...

I think a lot of the negativity could be eliminated by the user that is having an issue with a tool simply contact Festool service and discuss the issue, or send it in for inspection and service, rather than voicing their issues here.

Once settled,and if still unresolved, bring it on, voice your complaint!

So was this forum one for voicing complains?
(As FT does support this forum, I kind of doubt it)

Of is the Forum about a variety of stuff about the tools and their that outside what can reasonable be put onto a manufacturers site?
The OP asking what he is doing wrong, and them telling him to call mother Festool, seems to be a somewhat old school parochial approach.

[member=40772]Holmz[/member]

Perhaps you didnt notice, I had quoted [member=13058]Kev[/member] and was responding to his question, not the OP, with my reply.

However, I will address a few of your questions.

The forum in general is available for anyone, you can ask questions, offer advice, you can voice a complaint or give praise, own every tool or no tools.

Festool does not censor complaints, they will however step in once a thread goes political, religious, gets snippy, etc...  The forums rules are available if you need to review.

This forum is about many different topics, both Festool and non Festool related.  Can't really figure out the latter part of your third questions, however, just about any kind of question can be posted within one of the topic areas.

I disagree with your last point, however, I will state again I was not responding to the OPs post.  As far as calling the mothership, what is the issue with calling the "experts" and seeking advice.  They may get enough info in the exchange with the customer to either sort it right then and there, or request the tool be sent back to the mothership to undergo a probe......  An alternative to calling the mothership, you could kindly take on that role if you provide your telephone number and accept free international calls...... 

Time to eat!

 

[AlexThePalex]

The OP asking what he is doing wrong, and them telling him to call mother Festool, seems to be a somewhat old school parochial approach.

Every user of this forum has just a few tools and mostly just one of each of them, which don't necessarily need to ever have had the same problem as the OP.

Festool on the other hand, has sold hundreds of thousands of tools and has experience with servicing them by thousands, so who do you think is in the best position to help the OP?

So was this forum one for voicing complains?
(As FT does support this forum, I kind of doubt it)

Of is the Forum about a variety of stuff about the tools and their that outside what can reasonable be put onto a manufacturers site?

Not sure I understand all your language there, but I am SO TIRED of the fact that this forum seems to have changed into an extension of Festool customer service, PARTICULARLY their complaints department, instead of what it once was, a forum for people who actually enjoyed using their Festools.

 

[mastercabman]

I just need to make myself clear about what I have said in my replies on this subject
If you are using your Carvex free hand and your cut is not perpendicular (90°)
With the appropriate blade then I would say that there is something wrong with the tool
On the other hand if you are trying to get a straight cut by using a guide ...
Forget it!
It might happen but most likely you will get deflection on the blade
I have tried many times to get straight cuts with a guide but never been satisfy
So if you need a straight cut use the right tool
But don't blame the jigsaw because it was never meant to be an alternative to a table saw. Or a track saw

 

[Holmz]

[member=5277]Alex[/member]  [member=33908]Baremeg55[/member]
I think we are in general agreement.
Namely: The OP can either ask questions about the tool on the forum or go through a FT dealer or ask Festool directly.

My point was that he has options, and does not necessarily need to contact Festool, or take a different approach.
So it is not 'required' to contact Festool, unless there is a perceived issue with the tool that requires a return.
My point about parochial was that saying that he should contact Festool rather than complain on here may be counter productive.

Personally I have never found jig saws to be an enjoyable tool to use. They seem more complicated than what a first glance would indicate.
So anything I can glean about the usage of the tool is worthwhile to me.

[member=5277]Alex[/member] -

Of Or is the Forum about a variety of stuff about the tools and their that outside what can reasonable be put onto a manufacturers site?

Not sure I understand all your language there, but I am SO TIRED of the fact that this forum seems to have changed into an extension of Festool customer service, PARTICULARLY their complaints department, instead of what it once was, a forum for people who actually enjoyed using their Festools.

[member=5277]Alex[/member] - Exactly... Assuming that the tool is OK, then understanding any nuance is what I am referring to. This followed from FT (and other tool makers) manuals, which many people do not read in general... And the manuals do not usually cover things to the details required, nor should they.
Hence a forum to ask the questions seems worthwhile.

On the brighter side, I did a test tun on my DX700 a few days back.
I was happy, but the Mrs asked why there was a new tool toy ?

 

[Larso]

Kev,if possible could you put an angled base on and try a couple of mitre cuts on something like 140 by 45 treated pine and let me know if you have a usable mitre join at the end?

As for the FOG content on problems its you guys defending festool no matter what is posted that actually causes the threads you resent,read the problem and consider what is written and if possible offer a solution,mines perfect and you should contact festool is really a pretty lazy response so why not save even more trouble and dont reply.

Those responses to enquiries detailing experiences,methods and even making a few tests to clarify a problem and are valuable and should be what this is all about,and yes some of this will be negative feedback for festool and its users.

 

[Linbro]

The Carvex reminds me of an AEG jigsaw a workmate of mine had in the mid 90's (Back when AEG made quality tools) - looked and felt like a quality tool, but so hard to use. Constantly fighting against the blade, so it didn't wander.
Another co-worker, at the same time, had an early 90's Metabo, and it was an absolute tank. Best jigsaw I've ever used.
I have a PS 300 Trion, and I'm reasonably happy with it. Certainly better than the Carvex I've used, and $100 cheaper. If I have to replace it, or want to update it, it will be with the Mafell.

If Festool/Mods don't like complaints being aired, get rid of this part of the forum. Would be a shame though - there's a lot of good info here - you just have to get through the sarcastic/rude/offensive replies sometimes.

 

[joiner1970]

Not sure I understand all your language there, but I am SO TIRED of the fact that this forum seems to have changed into an extension of Festool customer service, PARTICULARLY their complaints department, instead of what it once was, a forum for people who actually enjoyed using their Festools.

Ive noticed that too

 

[Kev]

Kev,if possible could you put an angled base on and try a couple of mitre cuts on something like 140 by 45 treated pine and let me know if you have a usable mitre join at the end?

As for the FOG content on problems its you guys defending festool no matter what is posted that actually causes the threads you resent,read the problem and consider what is written and if possible offer a solution,mines perfect and you should contact festool is really a pretty lazy response so why not save even more trouble and dont reply.

Those responses to enquiries detailing experiences,methods and even making a few tests to clarify a problem and are valuable and should be what this is all about,and yes some of this will be negative feedback for festool and its users.

I've packed up for tonight .. but I'll see what I can do over the next few days. Week from hell starts tomorrow [sad]

 

[Larso]

Thanks Kev,i really am still hoping i am missing something or i have been unlucky enough to have a faulty tool (or two actually)and it will turn out ok.
Not confident but hopeful.

 

[tigger]

Just for the sake of adding my name to the list - I'm also not very happy with the Carvex 420. I had the Trion before and it was great. So when I started up in a new country and my collection of Festool began (yet again) I assumed the Carvex would be a step up. I was wrong.
I'm pretty proficient when it comes to using power tools, Festool always being my weapon of choice. The Carvex fails to deliver. Sorry guys but something has changed at Festool.

For the past 4 years (after having moved countries) I have been without my beloved Festool. I'm now back in the fold with a vengeance, and have encountered issues with my new Festools that I never had before. Not just with the Carvex.
Festools have always just "worked". The amazing thing about them was that they always did what Festool claimed they could do. For the first time in my 16 yrs of being an addict, I'm finding that I need to check what they claim. [sad]

Here's hoping for a better Festool future

Tigger

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

The Carvex reminds me of an AEG jigsaw a workmate of mine had in the mid 90's (Back when AEG made quality tools) - looked and felt like a quality tool, but so hard to use. Constantly fighting against the blade, so it didn't wander.
Another co-worker, at the same time, had an early 90's Metabo, and it was an absolute tank. Best jigsaw I've ever used.
I have a PS 300 Trion, and I'm reasonably happy with it. Certainly better than the Carvex I've used, and $100 cheaper. If I have to replace it, or want to update it, it will be with the Mafell.

If Festool/Mods don't like complaints being aired, get rid of this part of the forum. Would be a shame though - there's a lot of good info here - you just have to get through the sarcastic/rude/offensive replies sometimes.

Any chance the AEG jigsaw was one of the ones with the "quick" blade change lever? I believe the blade clamp mechanism on the quick change ones had issues locking the blade parallel to the side of the base.  [sad]

 

[Caly]

I posted a while ago about my Festool worktop jig; I, no matter what I do, I can not prevent lipping at the front scribe cut, persevered for 18 months, Festool even replaced it and still no luck.

Worlwide forum consensus.............it is a user issue, I go away and sulk,

Now I have worked with jigsaws most of my working life, maybe 40 years or so and I know a jig saw can only do so much, with the overall width of the blade of say 9mm how can it be expected to cut perfect square and straight.

The variables of material, saw blade type and user skill all add in to the final result.

Need a perfect square and straight line, use the right machine, use a  track saw, or to keep as near as possible to the line invert your saw.

Need to cut a radius............use the appropriate blade.

Never push or force the saw that just sends the blade off at an angle.

As my great woodwork teacher said " first my son; breath in and out......... and then become one with your saw"

I own the cordless, barrel grip and it does what I expect it to do, when it doesnt I change things.

I am persevering with my worktop jig and changing my approach to how I use it and eventually................I will learn.

 

[Larso]

Fair enough, sometimes we are the problem and sometimes we expect too much but i did buy my Carvex to do a specific task and was sold by the Festool rep on the jigsaws ability to complete the task i required it for.Unfortunately it doesnt perform as promoted and i have had Festool on site to confirm i am doing everything correctly.

 

[tigger]

Hi Caly

You have a valid point. Problem is though, that I think we all need the jigsaw to do what it was designed to do. The Carvex struggles to do just that. The cheaper, older Trion does a better job. Festool cannot expect newer, upgraded, more expensive models, to perform worse than their predecessors.
Why would anyone upgrade to a newer model if they are going to get less for it? It makes no sense on any level.
In my opinion, if Festool wants to keep loyalty, then all they need to do is say anything other than "user error".
I would not even expect anything back from them. A simple response of the fact that their next model released won't have these issues will do. I'd still go and buy the upgraded upgrade. Everyone can make a mistake. Just own it and people will continue to support you. Marfell is gaining a whole new client base from FOG!! That's just rediculous. How can they ignore this?

My  [2cents] anyway.

Tigger

 

[r cash]

I like some of the other posts have 4 Jig saws. one for metal. A festool Trion thats old but never in its life cut square always after using it would flush trim with router. A bosch top handle variable speed for cabinet installs it does not cut square  precise forget it. Than I bought the Mafell p1cc a few years ago. I have never trusted a jig saw until I got the Mafell first test was 2".5 thick  walnut 1.75 circle cut square edges. Anyone who owns this saw  knows the solid idustrial feel. You get what you pay for.
I can not speak to the Carvex have not even held one in my hand.
I am just sharing my own thoughts

 

[DB10]

Marfell is gaining a whole new client base from FOG!! That's just rediculous. How can they ignore this?

My  [2cents] anyway.

Tigger
[/quote]
Hey Tigger, You might be right about this in North America, but in our part of the world, I don't think Festool have anything to worry about.
From my experience it's really hard to get into Mafell down here. I've looked into purchasing from them in Aus and you will need to import the tool yourself from overseas, shame as I used Mafell when I worked in a boat yard in the UK a few years back now and it would have been nice to have had the option to purchase down here.
When it comes to buying a quality jigsaw we are a bit limited down here, I have the Carvex and it works fine for me but i'm only usually cutting material less than 20mm.