Michael_MA
Member
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2009
- Messages
- 203
HowardH said:
i will try to summarize my short experience with my new Carvex + set.
Just got it last week from my tool store, it is the corded one. For me this is the perfect solution i was waiting for. I was using a blue Bosch GST65 since the late 80's and wnet for the PS300 in 2008, but was not satisfied with the cut quality and the visability of the PS300. My old Bosch had much better results with ordinary blades and without splinter guard than the PS300.
But this has changed now.. the new CARVEX Jigsaw is an improvement in many ways.
Starting with the cut quality..
if you use the HS75/3 longlife blade, it cuts just like a knife.. on both sides, even without the splinter guard. This was a surprise to me, as my old Bosch couldn't do that.
So, comming to the visabilty of the cut line..
the PS300 had the problem, when using the dust extraction cap, you could hardly see where the saw was going.. this is now completly changed, not only by the LED lighting, but also by the integrated dust extraction sliding cap, which leaves very clear visibility of the complete operation of the saw, and the cut line as well. The LED lighting is something very special, consists of 4 bright white LED's and some sort of optical sensors built in the upper housing, which in conjunction with the electronic of the machine cann "see" where your workpeace is. If operated in automatic mode and once you get closer to your workpeace, the Jigsaw is accelerating the speed of the saw until maximum while the LED lighting is flashing with a stroboscopic effect showing the sawblade as it would stand still.. this gives you perfekt view on your cut line and progress.
Speaking about the handling..
The handling of the saw is also pretty much improved, as is has a very good soft rubber grip with ambidextreous on/off switch, is low in weight (my corded version has only 1,9 KG) and feels like grown into your hand. Changing the blade is now a much easier and quicker as there is a quick release and eject leaver, which allows to quickly eject the saw blade with one hand, while the other hand can prepare and hold the new sawblade. To change the blade, you dont have to leave the saw off your hand, just use the thumb to release and eject. ..works a little bit like a pump action gun ;D you'll love this feature.
Corded, or cordless ?
Well for me, this was a clear decision to go with the corded version, as i usually dont have the problem to work off site and since i'm always using dust extraction, it was an easy decision. Another neat feature of the corded version is.. it is much shorter than the cordless and some 400grams lighter.. (1,9 instead of 2,3 Kg) To make it even short, the corded version has a 90 degree bevelled plug-it connector, which can be put to the 90 degree position if required.
Talking about the Accessoires..
Before talking about the different bases, i must admit how positively surprised i am about the way this bases are changed. Festool has first time a tool-less quick release for the bases. For me a small sensation, as this is something, i've been really waiting for.
Talking about the bases..
Standard base: First to mention is the dust extraction port, which plugs into the standard base similar to the PS300. It has several protective covers for sensitive surfacem, which can be easily replaced.
Base for the guide rail: which is now symmetrical and allows the saw to ride in each direction on the rail, works with the dust extraction as well. However, there is no locking mechanism on the base, so it is wise to put some tape on the inner of the base to not loose the port when a extraction hose is connected. Something, Festool is hopefully taking care of soon, the base is very cheap (13?) so it's maybe a good idea to get a replacement.
Now drum roll please
the base for cutting angles: This the best, i've ever seen on a jigsaw.. it consists of two "flaps" which are operated by a gear with a know in the back. The flaps are bending to form an outside jig, when the knob is turned left, and they form an inside jig, when turned right. This is so easy going and precise, you'll find yourself asking, why nobody else braught this up earlier.
Another drum roll please,
The circular base: Imagine, you would have a robust 1-inch tape measure which connects to the base of your Jigsaw and allows an easy adjustment of the radius of the circle to be cut. Now imagine a combination of your base for the guide rail, which has some small noses that hook up to the circular base. Now, all there is to do, find the center of the circle to be cut, drill a 4mm center hole for the center pin.. put the pin through the sliding part of the base into the hole.. slide the tape measure to the desired radius and lock it with the locking screw. And off you go to cut the circle.. It's that easy - much easier as it sounds
Edit 04/07: After cutting some angles with very strange results i sent my PS400 to Festool to verify it's functionality and quality. I got it back without modification but with the recommendation to always use longer saw blades, as the saw would require to cut the material.. Confusing.. hmmm.. Ok, it simply means, when the saw blade is in the upper position, there should be enaugh saw blade below the base to cut the material. Just hold your material under the base and look for the saw blade.. if it is in the material, then you need to get a longer saw blade. Watch my Video in the How To section and in here to see the results in 38mm chip board material using a S105/4FSG saw blade.
Edit 05/07: Festool today confirmed the problem is known and is solved by reworking of the base, i will get a modified base in 2-3 weeks. I'll post the results then.
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Well, after all, i must admit to love this saw.. Haven't used the PS300 as much as i would have wanted, because of the above points.. it was simply not that much fun, but now the fun start all over. with this tool, alot of possible tasks can be accomplished, which i were using my plunge saw or router before.
Hopefully this helps a little to get a better idea of the features of the Carvex.
For me, the Carvex is a true innovation.. and it will certainly take some time for other manufacturers to step up.. Festool did it again
kind regards, Mike
(just to mention, i'm not working for Festool, or associated dealer, nor have i been paid (unfortunatly
to write this small review)Finally with a short Video introduction in two parts: (please excuse my unprofessional video skills) [thanks]
Part1:
Festool Carvex PS400 Intro 1
Part2:
Festool Carvex PS400 Intro 2
Circle Cutting Jig - de-mystified:
Festool Carvex Ps400 Circel Cutting Jig - de-mystified
You will notice after watching the video, that you now have the opportunity to cut perfect straight lines with the guide rail and cut perfect Arc's or Circle with the circel cutting jig. This is something, where you would have had to use a plunge router before. Remember to use a saw blade, which is long enaugh to safely protrude the material you'r cutting in each position of the saw blade.
...
Finally only 48 hours after i called up my Festool HQ contact, i got an early sample of the Adapter Base for the Circle Cutting Jig and the guide rail. Here's what i found:
Festool Carvex Ps400 - Cutting perfect straight lines
So.. this means.. they did a great job with this quick solution and solved all three probs (dust extraction port falling off, No straight line with guide rail, No precise curve cutting possible)
Just a small technical note about what i was using in the Video.
It was the corded CARVEX PS 400, with the ADT 400 Adapter Base installed, loaded with an S 105/4 FSG blade, riding on an FS/2 1400 Guide rail.
I was cutting the same material as in the upper Videos, some Melamin coated 1 1/2 inch chipboard. The ShopVac was an SRM45 (M-class) leaving only some falling debris on the floor
kind regards, Mike
