Tools for lefties

[Jasonj888]

This has probably been addressed in the past, but being a lefty is tough in the Festool world. I really like the products, but the Carvex my wife got me for Christmas is very difficult for a south paw to use, it is especially difficult to turn off for me. Festool industrial designers and engineers - please think about the "other hand" when you design as well.

 

[anthonyz]

This has probably been addressed in the past, but being a lefty is tough in the Festool world. I really like the products, but the Carvex my wife got me for Christmas is very difficult for a south paw to use, it is especially difficult to turn off for me. Festool industrial designers and engineers - please think about the "other hand" when you design as well.

The Carvex is difficult for a South Paw? The Barrel handle, which is my preference has the on switch on both sides of the jigsaw, so it can be used in either hand. And so does the D handle with another button centrally placed.

 

[peter halle]

Most of the Festool products are designed hand dominant neutral.  When using the Carvex barrel grip I had a hard time operating with my thumb.  Then I figured out that it was probably designed for operation with the longer pointer finger.  Problem solved for me over time (I needed to retrain myself).

Peter

 

[ajones]

Hammer and sickle ?

 

[chrisrosenb]

The D handle Carvex can be tricky for left hand users to turn on using the trigger switch. This is because trigger release button is only on the left side of the handle. Right handers just push the button with their thumb.

For left handers, the trigger release button is under their fingers. I had problems pushing the button when I first got the saw. I have learned to push the button with the ball of my finger & solved the problem.

 

[ear3]

Kapex is also left/right neutral, since the trigger sits directly above/in front of the the blade.

One could even say that the tracksaw favors lefties, since the normal body position when cutting places one to the right of the saw.

 

[frahengeo]

Kapex is also left/right neutral, since the trigger sits directly above/in front of the the blade.

One could even say that the tracksaw favors lefties, since the normal body position when cutting places one to the right of the saw.

Good point.  Only the left hand feels natural on the track saw handle/switch. 

 

[Svar]

Kapex is also left/right neutral, since the trigger sits directly above/in front of the the blade.

One could even say that the tracksaw favors lefties, since the normal body position when cutting places one to the right of the saw.

Good point.  Only the left hand feels natural on the track saw handle/switch.

I agree with that about track saw, but for a different reason. I wish the saw had left blade, so when you mount it into CMS it tilts right, away from the sliding table not towards it.

 

[bkharman]

Kapex is also left/right neutral, since the trigger sits directly above/in front of the the blade.

One could even say that the tracksaw favors lefties, since the normal body position when cutting places one to the right of the saw.

Good point.  Only the left hand feels natural on the track saw handle/switch.

I agree with that about track saw, but for a different reason. I wish the saw had left blade, so when you mount it into CMS it tilts right, away from the sliding table not towards it.

You can insert the CMS TS plate either direction. I have done it with my 75 many times for that very reason.  That and using it with my Incra fence feels better that direction. The power button would be on the wrong side but I have been meaning to move mine underneath the slider at least temporarily for some cuts.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Shane Holland]

At some point around 2008-09 time frame, it became a key design consideration for all new tools to be ambidextrous for Festool.

 

[yetihunter]

This has probably been addressed in the past, but being a lefty is tough in the Festool world. I really like the products, but the Carvex my wife got me for Christmas is very difficult for a south paw to use, it is especially difficult to turn off for me. Festool industrial designers and engineers - please think about the "other hand" when you design as well.

Here's the good news: the syslite is designed for left hand use. 

 

[Shane Holland]

And the Centrotec Hand Driver!  [thumbs up]

 

[bkharman]

And the Centrotec Hand Driver!  [thumbs up]

Are you sure?!?!  Every time I change hands it is upside down!!

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[DiscoStu]

Domino works well for lefties! I also have no issue with the TS55.

 

[Kev]

I've got most of the Festools and the only one that stands out to me is the EHL65 (early model). I'm tempted to sell mine to a righty and get the newer one.

Other than that I've got no real complaints.

 

[bkharman]

I've got most of the Festools and the only one that stands out to me is the EHL65 (early model). I'm tempted to sell mine to a righty and get the newer one.

Other than that I've got no real complaints.

I love that about my 850. Great that you can flip the gate and run it either way.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Kev]

I love that about my 850. Great that you can flip the gate and run it either way.

Cheers. Bryan.

[member=21412]bkharman[/member]

I do love the 850 .. I've been meaning to cut the different cutters. I'm very curious about the beam planers .. think I'd like one of those ...
http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/769532
http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/769533

 

[bkharman]

I love that about my 850. Great that you can flip the gate and run it either way.

Cheers. Bryan.

[member=21412]bkharman[/member]

I do love the 850 .. I've been meaning to cut the different cutters. I'm very curious about the beam planers .. think I'd like one of those ...
http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/769532
http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/769533

Woah Kev!  Those are so cheap!!  I was in NZ a month back and didn't get to do a lot of fun, but forgot how "not cheap" everything was!!!

Cheers. Bryan.