Trion vs Carvex?

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onocoffee

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Apologies if my continuous questions remain elementary, I'm still new to the Festool-iverse. Was headed up to Philly today and swung by Woodcraft of Wilmington where they had a number of older tools on discount. They had the Trion PS300 EQ-Plus USA and a Carvex PS420 EBQ-Plus USA for ten percent off. I'm guessing both were older models since they're both corded and are in T-Loc Systainers.

My understanding is that Trion is the generation before Carvex - how much difference is there between these models (and perhaps the newer PSC)?

Thanks!
 
The general consensus among Festoolians for corded jigsaws is
1. Mafell P1cc
2. PS 300 Trion
3. PS 420 Carvex

The Trion is a rock solid design that's been proven time and time again and just works.

The Carvex is generally a decent jigsaw as well but it has its quirks (do a forum search) and needs some RTFM as well as diligent setup. If you checked those boxes it creates some excellent results. The biggest issue that most of those who complained encountered was a pin bearing that came lose, creating tremendous slop (if ever affected it's an simple 80 Cent / 5 minute fix but will void warranty).
 
onocoffee said:
...
My understanding is that Trion is the generation before Carvex - how much difference is there between these models (and perhaps the newer PSC)?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Festool does not, ever, manufacture multiple "generations" of same tool in parallel.

The TRION is not a "prior" generation to anything. It is the current (3rd or 4th) generaton of the "standard" jigsaw by Festool.
The main design objectives of it are "traditional": performance (700W motor) and ability to cut as straight as feasible, "Trion" comes from the tripple blade guidance allowing for some pretty straight cutting. At this it is really bested only by the P1CC from Maffel.

The CARVEX, while newer by date, is the first generation of a "light & flexible" jigsaw, and comes with some "1st gen" issues. The Corded version is now out of production, without a replacement, hence the discount.
The main design objectives of it are "usability": lightness and dexterity at the cost of performance and the straight cutting ability (only 400W motor, dual-guidance of blade).

Some say the weight savings and the flexibility of the Carvex are worth it, most over here do not mind the weight of the Trion in exchange of the better performance and blade stability it has.

For a starting/hobby user the Trion is the tool to get. Do make sure to get the rail accessory for it. With a rail one can say it is possible to get by with just the Trion in many cases. And it has the power to use long blades for cutting beams etc.
 
When I was shopping for a jigsaw, my beloved Festool distributor recommended the Mafell P1cc, since they were also a Mafell distributor.  However, since they didn't have one in stock and didn't know when any would arrive, they recommended the Trion.  The sales manager would not sell me a Carvex because it was the most returned tool they sold.  He would rather me walk away without a jigsaw rather than buy the Carvex.  I bought the Trion PS 300, the one with the barrel body, and have been very happy with it.
 
Trion was my second Festool tool, back in the early 2000's when it was first released, and was a great performer. It was stolen, so I replaced with a Mafell, about 8 years ago. I recently added a cordless Carvex, for convenience. It's...ok, I guess.
I'd rate them:
1: Mafell
2: Trion
3: daylight
4: Carvex
The Trion is still a great jigsaw and would still be a great choice, even 20 odd years after it was first released.
As an aside, my first 'Festo' tool was a 12v C drill/driver, the one with the 'vertical' battery. Was bought for me by my first employer, when I was an apprentice. Where has the time gone?!?! 
 
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