Of1400 or carvex

[Monk]

Hi guys, since the start of this year I've been replacing my tools mainly makita and dewalt over to festool. Best decision I have made as I love the new tools. So far I've the domino 500, 150 orbital sander and the ts55. Next up is a jigsaw or router. My current ones are makita which I am selling. Can't afford to get both right now unfort . I'm leaning towards the router as it look the real deal. Just wanted to hear anyone's experience on using both tools
Cheers
David

 

[Wuffles]

Router.

 

[Monk]

Have you got both tools??

 

[Ed Bray]

I've got both and also have 2 other jigsaws and 4 other routers. I bought the Router first and have been very pleased with it, I have not had the Carvex long but quite enjoy using that too although I haven't plunged its depths yet.

If you are eventually going to get both then it probably doesn't matter which comes first, but what you are most likely to use the most would probably be my answer.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have both.

I'd buy the 1400 router. It's an outstanding tool. The ergonomics are excellent. Dust collection is excellent. Takes 1/4 and 1/2 shaft bits. It's as powerful as I need for 90% of my router needs. The 2200 and the 1010 are both great as well, but the 1400 is an all around router.

The Festool jigsaw is also a nice tool, but isn't that much better than an older Bosch jigsaw in my opinion. The best feature, to me, is the battery operation. I can take the jigsaw anywhere without needing an outlet.

 

[Monk]

Great stuff , cheers for the comments. It's an expensive job changing all my tools over but sure I can't stop now. Bloody addictive stuff

 

[ear3]

I'd probably go router first -- though it depends obviously on what your current router setup is (note that it would be a hassle to mount the 1400 in anything other than a Festool table, so keep that in mind).  And IMHO (though anyone is welcome to disagree), the 1400 represents a bigger step up over other premium routers than the Carvex does over, say, the Bosch jigsaw.

If I were to get a Carvex now, I would probably go for the cordless version, since that would give me more versatility over the corded one, and I've already bought into the battery platform with the T18.  Cordless means one less thing to get in the way as you're making curved or circle cuts, and from what I've heard, functionality is the same as the corded version.

 

[Vanquish]

Another vote for the router especially if you already have a jig saw. I'm sure the Carver is great, and I've been tempted to get one on several occasions, but haven't been able to justify the cost yet since I own a bosch and dewalt already.

The 1400 however is amazing, and it's the best router I've used. Definitely worth the money in my opinion.

 

[SS Teach]

The OF 1400 is great, the Carvex which I do not have has very mixed reviews.

 

[Holmz]

How much do you use a jig saw?
How much o you use the router?

 

[Monk]

Make kitchens for a living. So both tools used everyday. Think I have a buyer for makita router so it's decision made. Thanks for all the comments

 

[rst]

Buy the 1400.  I have 9 PC and Bosch routers...The Festools are great.  I have two PC 7518s, one in a self built table and that one will probably stay.  The other I use to edge route 3/8" acrylic and polycarbonates, this one I want to replace with the 2200 just to reduce the snowfall amounts of shavings produced by edging 100 pieces of 3/8" acrylic.  I have a Bosch barrel grip jigsaw but have just pulled the trigger on a Carvex for the simple reason that all my other Festools have been to much better than my existing tools.  If I had to decide between the 1400 and my jigsaw, I'd buy the router just because my Bosch worked well and I have all the bells and whistles for it...still now I have the Carvex as well and probably will keep the Bosch too.

 

[dltflt]

Router first.

 

[waho6o9]

Router first.

 

[Holmz]

Make kitchens for a living. So both tools used everyday. Think I have a buyer for makita router so it's decision made. Thanks for all the comments

I assume then that you have all the bits.
I found it was still easy to have a 'spend up' on collets, and accessories.

 

[DB10]

I've got the OF1400 and its been a great router, I do occasional kitchens but if I was fitting kitchens all the time and doing a lot of worktops, I wouldn't bother with the OF1400 as my first Festool router I would go straight for the OF2200, just my thought.

 

[yetihunter]

Go to your local dealer and touch the tools.
If I had to use a jigsaw, and it had to be Festool,
it would be a barrel grip Trion.  Ergonomics win the battle
and I have smallish dainty hands.

I hate Jigsaws though, so, of course, get the router.

The 1400 is ergonomically weird.  That said, every other router is ergonomically
horrid.  Thus, you'll get over it.  Just be prepared.

If I buy another router, it will be a 1400.  I live in the land of infinitely cheaper routers, and it still will be the Festool or none.  The accessories aren't cheap, but you will want them.  Be prepared for that too.

 

[aas]

Get the OF1400, when you have the money for a jigsaw, get a Mafell P1CC. If you really want to stick with Festool for the Jigsaw, heed the advice above and go for the Trion, the Carvex has more bad comments on this site than any other Festool, and not without reason.

 

[WelshWood]

Definately Router first, it's unlike anything else you have ever used before. Absolutely brilliant bit of kit.

Jigsaw is very situational, however, a router can do a multitude of tasks, therefore more value for money.

~WW

 

[mo siopa]

Another vote for the router for the same reasons as already stated.  I have used a Bosch jig saw (JS470 I think) and it is a nice tool.  The Carvex, which I do own, is capable of a cleaner cut but really (IMHO) differentiates itself when you add the various bases- which Bosch does not have.  However, you won't appreciate the Carvex as much as the OF1400 unless you have a much greater need for the various Carvex bases than the rest of us.

From my view, the first time you really find a need for one of the Carvex bases, it will offset the price difference; but the reality is that you will probably be saving more time with the OF 1400 immediately upon purchase.