My jigsaw is worthless. What to do?

[Cochese]

I haven't had much use for mine lately, but I did get it out to cut a toekick notch on my latest project. I should have done a box on a box for this cabinet, and will most likely in the future. However, not everything can be done with an alternate tool.

This is a Craftsman barrel/D-handle convertible unit. I actually really like it, right up until I cut something. The issues are that I don't get a perpendicular cut, it is nearly impossible to get a straight cut because I cannot see the cutting line. More of an issue of where the blade is vs debris.

I need a good, solid replacement. I'm looking at the Bosch 470 barrel, but I'm also considering the Festool options. The jig isn't something I use a lot, so I'm hesitant of paying nearly four bills on the Carvex. Almost all of my use case will be 90° cuts, so adjusting the base or having different bases isn't the biggest deal for me.

 

[bobfog]

I trialled the Carvex and Bosch JS572EL side by side and found the Bosch to be superior. Sure some of the Carvex bases and accessories are nice, but in terms of core functionality (power and squareness of cut) the Bosch edged it.

 

[waho6o9]

I purchased a Hilti off of craigslist and it cuts great  and I like my Carvex as well.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[jeh]

Mafell P1cc

 

[GhostFist]

Quite the jump from Craftsman to Mafell
l prefer a barrel grip
The bosch is decent

 

[Cheese]

Try looking at the Festool Trion, I have one and I like it a lot. They're actually a good deal at $250, subtract the $70 Systainer price and the jigsaw is only $180.

 

[Cochese]

The Mafell is not in consideration.

I think right now the choice is between the 470EB and the Trion. The Festool obviously has advantages in dust hookup and storage.

 

[GhostFist]

The trion is good, took me some getting used to sighting the blade though. Forget it with the dust shield on

 

[Cochese]

The trion is good, took me some getting used to sighting the blade though. Forget it with the dust shield on

Hmm, that's concerning.

 

[Mort]

I'm going to get the Bosch as soon as I pay off the transmission parts on my truck (stupid old truck). I had a Carvex and the dust extraction wasn't much. The Bosch has a blower and a dust hookup, so it'll at least keep the dust of your cut line.

 

[Holmz]

Perhaps you could try both and make the decision based on that?

If none are close, then the Bosch has been making jigsaws at least as long as anyone else.

 

[mrboult]

I have the Trion and Carvex. And i have used the bosch quite a lot as there is one at a workshop im often in.

I like my Carvex because of the light and that mine is battery powered. But i continually find the Trion to be the most delightful Jigsaw i have ever used (as previous poster mentioned i don't use the dust shield). I don't really see how the basics of a Jigsaw can be any better than this...

Be sure you are aware of the blade guide adjustment requirements for the festool jigsaws! Some may find the need to regularly adjust for different blades a pain, but i find it well worth the resulting accuracy and square cuts.

Not used the Maffel P1, but at that price on not really interested, as i can't imagine it being notably better than what i have.

 

[Cochese]

Perhaps you could try both and make the decision based on that?

If none are close, then the Bosch has been making jigsaws at least as long as anyone else.

Unfortunately no store carries the Bosch locally. I'm leaning toward at least trying the Trion out first. I think today is going to be about watching some videos and looking at reviews, and perhaps taking a trip to Woodcraft or Highland.

 

[pixelated]

I have an older Bosch barrel grip jigsaw, it's been a great performer over the years, and I've cut everything from 1/8 inch plywood to 1.5 in brass bar with it. Maintenance-wise I had to replace the blade guide 8 or 9 years ago. (I am a "weekend warrior", not a pro).

BUT, I now have some arthritis problems in my right thumb, and operating the switch is a problem, and after some sampling, I've decided a Carvex is in my future.

If there is a Woodcraft within a reasonable distance you can try out both. I think they've stopped selling the barrel grip Trion, but they should have the top handle Trion, all Carvex's and Bosch on hand to compare. I don't know if it's true of all stores, but the one nearest me will let you make cuts with any of machines they have on display.

 

[Cochese]

Ordered the Trion barrel.

 

[Holmz]

I have the Trion and Carvex. And i have used the bosch quite a lot as there is one at a workshop im often in.

I like my Carvex because of the light and that mine is battery powered. But i continually find the Trion to be the most delightful Jigsaw i have ever used (as previous poster mentioned i don't use the dust shield). I don't really see how the basics of a Jigsaw can be any better than this...

Be sure you are aware of the blade guide adjustment requirements for the festool jigsaws! Some may find the need to regularly adjust for different blades a pain, but i find it well worth the resulting accuracy and square cuts.

Not used the Maffel P1, but at that price on not really interested, as i can't imagine it being notably better than what i have.

I respect people right to have an opinion. But an opinion based upon facts seem better.

The fact that it comes with everything except the angle base makes the price not a bad (i.e. circle attachment and Parallel. Once you add on all the extra bit-n-bobs the cost of some of the other jigsaws is a bit higher than the bare tool cost.

Carvex 665 $AU
Parallel Guide 56 $Au
Circle Cutter 56 $Au
Guide rail attachment 31 $Au
Angle base 179 $Au
Carvex 520 = 987 $Au (675Eu)

P1cc 542.55 (Eu)https://www.amazon.de/Mafell-P1-cc-MaxiMAX-Präzisionsstichsäge/dp/B004B3LFCY
Add in the shipping and the p1ccis still 10% less for me.

The fact in the US is somewhat different as teh Festool's are cheaper, and the Mafells are more.
But a Trion+Carvex, must cost more than a p1cc.  [wink]

Putting in the blade backwards and using the jigsaw upside down and backwards is nice.
I think to really see an advantage requires either wood that bends a normal blade, and then you use the double thickness blades... and/or really thick material.
The angle base is very nice...

So for just doing templates or countertops it is not like it does some magic, it basically just works well, as most of them do.
Just attacking the thick stuff is eye opening.

I would not have lost sleep getting a Bosch or perhaps a Trion.

 

[mrboult]

[member=40772]Holmz[/member] ^^^

Yes, the Maffe P1l is likely cheaper than both the Trion and Carvex together, but i bought my Trion about 8 years ago, and the Carvex about 18 months ago as i wanted a battery saw. Also bought it bare (£240) as i have plenty of batteries etc.

I've no doubt the Maffel is  a great saw, i certainly didn't intend to bash it. And stated clearly that I've never used it.

Thanks for letting me have an opinion. Sorry if you feel anything i said wasn't factual.

 

[Holmz]

[member=22067]mrB[/member] only the cost seems to be consistently misquoted by everyone.
...and then only misquoted if one needs or gets the accessories.

If one loads up the carvex, then they cost more without even getting the extra 100$ in bases. It is a fact that adding the accessories increases the cost by >50%

In any case, The OP has a lot of choices.

 

[Cochese]

I only found one site selling it stateside, and it was for near $800. That's more than a TS55. It wasn't an option to even consider.

I'd rather saw something by hand than spend that much on a jig.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

The Trion is a good saw - smooth and powerful. I recently sold mine to thin my herd of jisgsaws, but it did work great. I have the Carvex and like it for the circle cutter. It is an OK saw and cuts better than most. The Bosch is very powerful and a nice saw, but getting 100% accurate 90 degree cuts requires using a thick blade. I think of it more as a construction saw for rougher work, but it is a nice saw. The Mafell is spot-on the best jigsaw I have ever used. Perfect cuts regardless. It costs more than any other and is not worth it for many uses, but for me it is indispensable and the one saw I would not hesitate to replace if something happened to it.