Trion V Carvex Cost Benefit Analysts

[DrDankDust]

Ok folks since my first purchase Rotex150 w/ct26, I must admit I was hooked I then bought a Domino a head of schedule (good tool but wrong decision), now I'm looking into jigsaws. The TS-75 was going to be next on the list but after doing a install scribing/jigsawing with my normal Bosch I noticed how much dust I was creating, I then had a thought. Hmmmm, I bet a festool JS would create less dust leading to less cleanup, and I was on my way looking at the Carvex & the Trion (my god spellcheck is no friend of Festool tool names)
After that long winded intro now onto my question are the features in the carvex worth the additional cost, I typically just bite the bullet and get the more expensive option, even when that doesn't always mean the better option, but before pulling the trigger I figured it be best to ask the community and see what you guys think. Ya'll sheared me rite the first time figured I'd give it another shot!

 

[peter halle]

The Trion is a solid jigsaw at a lessor Festool cost.  It's drive train is tough.  Doesn't have all the bells and whistles.

The Carvex offers some improvements and bells and whistles - and optional bells and whistles.  Many of those optional bells and whistles - like some of the different base plates will not be needed or wanted for the average user.

Dust collection on a jigsaw is honestly a hype in my mind.  Sure, hooking up a hose to a jig saw can reduce the amount of dust - and probably a high percentage of that superfine airborne dust, but if expectations are that there will be as little dust on the floor as when use a TS-55, then you will be disappointed.  The blade of any jigsaw - any trade - will drop sawdust below the work.

I have a Carvex.  I was one of the first in the country to get one.  I enjoy using mine but I have used very few of the accessories in the kit.  Yes I have used the angled base and personally am ok with it although others don't see that merit.  I do like that I can go from a bevel cut to a strict vertical just by flipping a lever and swapping bases.

I hope others will chime in and I warn you in advance that Mafell will be recommended.  I think that is a great tool, but the price is out of the world - IN MY OPINION - for a saw type that really relies on the skill and dexterity of the user to navigate turns and make free handed cuts.

Peter

 

[Doug S]

Never used Carvex but had a Trion for years, it is rock solid.

If you are cutting from above with dust shroud on you cannot see where you are cutting but I have the body grip version and cut from underneath whenever possible and this works well.

I don't use a jigsaw much so could not justify spending more than the Trion and then only went with it because the plug it lead and systainer fit in well with the rest of my Festool kit.

 

[Vondawg]

Sorry to report...carvex and I haven’t got along all that well, I keep going to other saws and I’ve had a hard time getting 90 degree cuts,w/ thicker material and it doesn’t start as slow as I’m used to...might just be mine....not my go to.
*I’ve found it very hard to not have sawdust with a jigsaw
And I agree with Peter about the Mafell

 

[jeh]

Sorry to report...carvex and I haven’t got along all that well, I keep going to other saws and I’ve had a hard time getting 90 degree cuts,w/ thicker material and it doesn’t start as slow as I’m used to...might just be mine....not my go to.
*I’ve found it very hard to not have sawdust with a jigsaw
And I agree with Peter about the Mafell

I have had the Trion and Carvex and now use the Mafell. If I were to rank them it would be Mafell->Trion->Carvex. The Carvex is not what it is hyped up to be. Go with the Trion or Mafell and you won't be disappointed.

I'll add that if money is a concern it might be best to avoid even looking at the Mafell as they have many other tools to tempt you with.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Sorry to report...carvex and I haven’t got along all that well, I keep going to other saws and I’ve had a hard time getting 90 degree cuts,w/ thicker material and it doesn’t start as slow as I’m used to...might just be mine....not my go to.
*I’ve found it very hard to not have sawdust with a jigsaw
And I agree with Peter about the Mafell

I have had the Trion and Carvex and now use the Mafell. If I were to rank them it would be Mafell->Trion->Carvex. The Carvex is not what it is hyped up to be. Go with the Trion or Mafell and you won't be disappointed.

I'll add that if money is a concern it might be best to avoid even looking at the Mafell as they have many other tools to tempt you with.

Same recommendation as Jim. I would throw in the Bosch JS572 model as another capable machine. I have owned and used all 4 of these extensively and now only have Mafell and Bosch. I liked the Trion lots - very smooth and capable. I would consider a battery Carvex, since this is a tool where battery makes sense and as others have said, dc is not as effective as with other tools. Good luck.

 

[DrDankDust]

This is exactly why I came here, solid advice all around! Sounds like I'll stick with my Bosch for now  & put that money to the TS-75. I would have likely been disappointed replacing my Bosch that does the job just fine.
Thanks for all the advice! Too bad I didn't follow Jim's & went a googled Mafell  [eek] I can only afford to buy into one expensive tool brand!

 

[mrboult]

I can't bear to fully repeate my self again on this subject (must have posted on this topic near 10 times) but u think the Trion us the most eerily accurate  Jigsaw I've ever used! It's solid, smooth and accurate. My 18v Carvex is close, but not as solid and smooth as the Trion, leading to a slightly less refined feel. Make sure to actually adjust the blade guides for the blade in use and the Trion will follow that line like a dream.

As for dust collection... It's great on the "0" pendulum setting when the dust is fine, the more aggressive cutting modes produce bigger chips that don't go through the base extraction ports so easily..

Trion = best value Jigsaw around in my opinion.

 

[Jmacpherson]

I own both the Trion and Carvex.
To get the best out of them in terms of cut quality and dust extraction you need to use the splinter guard and dust shroud.
That is the Achilles heel for the Trion because you cannot see your cut line/what you are cutting when you do that because it has no led light.
The Carvex does have a light with different settings and therefore you can see your line/what you are cutting perfectly.
I prefer using the Carvex to the Trion but it is a personal choice at the end of the day.

However the dust extraction is nowhere near a TS55 on either of them

 

[Paul G]

I bought a Carvex to replace my horrible dewalt jigsaw. It has been a major improvement, no regrets other than the funky angle base Peter mentioned. I’ve gotten nice perpendicular cuts in 4x4 lumber with a new blade. Some folks have had trouble with their Carvex but mine has served me well. I avoided the trion because of the lack of visibility relative to Carvex, a frequent suggestion was to get a barrel grip and use it from underneath for better visibility but that wasn’t gonna work for me. If you already have something that is working well enough for you then I don’t see a need to change unless there is an accessory that might make a difference for you. They all make a mess so not much improvement there.