Trion- Barrel 0r D handle

[nate858]

Going to get one, can't  figure out  which one to get the Barrel or the D handle.  Any advice.

    nate

 

[Scott W.]

I purchased the barrel style and am very happy with it. It seems to be easier to control than my "other" D-handle type. I've never tried the FESTOOL D-handle though.

Scott W.

 

[Steve Jones]

My vote is for the barrel too, (the one I have) I don't think the handle adds anything, i've used both kinds (other brands) in the past and always seem to have better control with the barrel style.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Excellent question Nate!! I bought a Makita 4340 D-handle two years ago, and went through the same dilemma.  I ended up buying the d-handle over the barrel grip because I was informed that the barrel grip was more for industrial use (was not explained why though), and because I read that the d-handle was supposed to be more comfortable (which seems to clash with the explanation that the barrel grip was for industrial applications where you would use the tool all day). I've noticed very few manufacturers produce the barrel-grip style, but the ones that are produced tend to be the top-of-the-line model, and those are in addition to an otherwise identical top-handle version. I'm aware that Makita, Bosch, Metabo, and Festool make barrel grips. Someone also said something about barrel grips being easier to maneuver....

What kind of jigsaw are you using right now? What have your previous jigsaw experiences been?

By the way, I'm VERY pleased with the Makita 4340 design, and if Festool was NAINA, I'd recommend it in a heartbeat over the Bosch 1590. I have used both pretty extensively, and the Makita seems smaller and more nimble, less cumbersome, has the VERY handy LED light that illuminates the cut line, and has exceptionally low vibration. I would be comfortable using it all day if I had to. That's just my opinion though, everybody is going to interact with their tools slightly differently..... My only complaint would be lack of provision for dust extraction, and Plug-It cord, which could be said about most non-Festool saws....

 

[nate858]

Tom, 

    I have always used a D handle.  I have used the bosch barrel once.  I liked the way it cut  true and straight lines,  but the afterthought chip  removal was no good.  In my work chip removal is a must.

nate

 

[Daviddubya]

It's a matter of personal choice.  I prefer the barrel grip.  The only downside is that when using the jig saw for an especially long time, the barrel grip can get warm.  Not a big deal to me, since I seldom use it long enough for it to heat up.

 

[Dan Clark]

I tried out both before buying.  I walked in firmly convinced that I wanted the barrel model.  I walked out with the D-handle.

The problem is that I have smaller hands.  The barrel model was just plain uncomfortable.  The D-handle felt much better.  YMMV.

Dan.

 

[bruegf]

I bought the barrel handle.  I felt I had better control with it, but if you need to cut w/ one hand I'd go w/ the d-handle

Fred

 

[nate858]

  Thanks guys, I think I am going with the barrel handle.

        nate

 

[Dan Clermont]

I don't own the Trion but do have an opinion.

I like the barrel grip. It comes down to how it feels in my hand when trying to turn it. The D-handle just feels all wrong to me.

Dan Clermont

 

[Mirko]

Another vote for the barrel.

Mirko

 

[Eli]

Barrel Trion. But the Hilti I had before this one was a D, and was really great.

 

[honeydoman]

with smaller hands the d handle is better as mentioned before

 

[ken257]

I like the barrel grip better. I quite often use the saw upside down to cut to a scribe line that is on the face. This always leaves a splinter free edge. I don't know if anyone else here uses a saw this way, it is an old habbit from my boat building days.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  I have the D handle Trion. I generally end up holding it more ike a barrle grip anyway. If I start to use it more I may end up switcing to the barrel style.

Seth

 

[PaulW]

Last weekend I bought the barrel grip  ;D
So far I love it. I had no problem seeing the cut line (I did the fabric softener wipe first).
I also have plans for a jig to really expand its use. I plan to use my webcam to demo the saw and jig once the weather gets better.
Can we post YouTube movies or links on here?

 

[AHoman]

Barrel grip.  I find it easier to control.
-Andy

 

[Brice Burrell]

Can we post YouTube movies or links on here?

Yes, you can post a link or click on the "YouTube" or "Google" icon in your reply to add a video.

 

[PaulW]

Thanks Brice, I think I will try it. I was watching a fellow woodworker on YouTube do a compairison test between several cordless drills, One being the C 12.  I think I will put the link in the Reviews section.
I think we all know the outcome though  ;D