new to the green koolaid

Joined
Apr 26, 2014
Messages
9
i just bought a barrel carvex ps 420 ebq and the accessory kit.  also bought the quick clamp.
not sure what my next buy is but i am on my way to better wood working.
 
Congratulations, good purchase.

I avoided the Festool jigsaw until the Carvex, I didn't see what the Trion offered over other jigsaws. I was initially unsure of buying it as my Dewalt was perfectly adequate however the Dewalt is now retired as a metal-only saw. I was also a bit apprehensive about the barrel grip as all my previous saws were bow handle and on first using it I felt it was a little odd, now I didn't even think about it - it just feels right and the strobe thing is something I couldn't be with out now.

If you already have the accessory kit, you will have the guide rail adaptor. Get yourself a rail and a clamp set for it, you will be amazed how clean a cut you can get with a jigsaw with this setup.

Also the rail will be an easy argument for you to then get the tracksaw, routers, etc, etc, etc......

 
Hi Jessa and  [welcome] to the FOG!  Now that you have entered the Green Zone (where nothing else matters) it will be interesting to see your progression thru the various levels of Greenness and see how your work is influenced.  As you make your journey don't hesitate to ask for guidance from the group.

Safe travels.

Peter
 
If you don't have the TS55 yet, what length rail would you get now for the Carvex so you don't have a redundant rail when you get the track saw? Is there a preferred combination of rails lengths that would allow for ripping and cross cutting 4 x 8 sheets, using the LR 32 system, etc? Also, is it preferable to buy full length rails vs. joining them with connectors?
 
Welcome to the addiction. Now, watch your systainer count grow faster than the national debt!

[popcorn]
 
just received it today but the accessories are coming the next day.  I will be able to use it on my fence project.
 
shed9 said:
Congratulations, good purchase.

I avoided the Festool jigsaw until the Carvex, I didn't see what the Trion offered over other jigsaws. I was initially unsure of buying it as my Dewalt was perfectly adequate however the Dewalt is now retired as a metal-only saw. I was also a bit apprehensive about the barrel grip as all my previous saws were bow handle and on first using it I felt it was a little odd, now I didn't even think about it - it just feels right and the strobe thing is something I couldn't be with out now.

If you already have the accessory kit, you will have the guide rail adaptor. Get yourself a rail and a clamp set for it, you will be amazed how clean a cut you can get with a jigsaw with this setup.

Also the rail will be an easy argument for you to then get the tracksaw, routers, etc, etc, etc......

what is the strobe thing? ive often wondered what a barrel grip jigsaw would be like. never used one before or seen one in person either
 
fin said:
what is the strobe thing? ive often wondered what a barrel grip jigsaw would be like. never used one before or seen one in person either

The strobe aspect is a LED light that can be switched to synchronise with the stroke of the blade so when it's against the work piece it looks like its static and improves the ability to follow the line and see the cut as it progresses. Sounds simple but it's very effective.

As for the barrel grip design, it feels more intuitive the more you use it as your control of the machine is closer to the actual cut. My only criticism of the Carvex is the on/off switch is a little awkward to access when you have your hand around the barrel - this may be just my style of holding it though.
 
Regarding the barrel grip and the switch location.  I too found the switch location difficult to operate because I have shorter fingers and for some reason instinctly always tried to use my thumb.  With switches on both sides I found that it operated easily for me using either my pointer or index finger instead.  Took me a little while to get used to it, but you might want to give that a try if you don't already do so.

Works equally well for righties or lefties.  [big grin]

Peter
 
used the carvex today and it was weird at first but as i was going it became easier to use. I made a 2135 mm or 7' arch that was only 6mm tall or 1/4".  I was able to follow the line very well because of the strobe lights.  I just wish that I had more cash for green koolaid.
 
Back
Top