What are the pro's and cons between the different handles of the Carvex?

[RC]

I'm considering on adding a cordless jigsaw to my cutting tools and since you can get either handle type cordless I'm interrested if there is a specific application that is easier to do with a D-handled carvex vs. the barrel-handled one? I have a corded Makita barrel-handle one at the moment and I'm considering if I should get the cordless one with the D-handle just to have both bases covered?

 

[VictorL]

It's personal preference. Some people can't decide so they do have both. I had PSB-300 for few month, then tried PS-300, and decided to keep barrel grip model. The biggest advantage of barrel grip that you can cut material with saw under nice.  Some times I miss D-handle. I think most people prefer barrel grip. Usually sales information is classified, but Shane or some dealers can provide you which model is more popular without numbers. Why you just don't come to your dealer and try both?

VictorL 

 

[jmbfestool]

Barrel grip is handy for working from    under neath/the back.  Also your closer to your piece your cutting so you feel like you have more control! 

Down side to barrel grip is either ON or OFF and it can be a little dangerous if you hit something it bounces you about you struggle to find the off switch and by the time you have while its bouncing around your work piece is damaged.

This leads me to say that the advantage to the D handle is it has both functions either Permanent ON or you just pulling the trigger to hold it on.  I dont know about the carvex but most Jigsaw the triggers are pressure sensitive so the more you pull the trigger the faster it goes giving you more control. 

I personally like the barrel grip as it feels nicer.  Also I think the carvex D handle version looks and feels very cheap especially the square like trigger doesnt seem to be in the right place.  I think festool made the Carvex barrel grip and then went OH DAM IT we forgot to make a D-handle version quick just bang a curved handle with a trigger and that will do.

JMB

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Barrel grip is handy for working from    under neath/the back.  Also your closer to your piece your cutting so you feel like you have more control!  

Down side to barrel grip is either ON or OFF and it can be a little dangerous if you hit something it bounces you about you struggle to find the off switch and by the time you have while its bouncing around your work piece is damaged.

This leads me to say that the advantage to the D handle is it has both functions either Permanent ON or you just pulling the trigger to hold it on.  I dont know about the carvex but most Jigsaw the triggers are pressure sensitive so the more you pull the trigger the faster it goes giving you more control.  

I personally like the barrel grip as it feels nicer.  Also I think the carvex D handle version looks and feels very cheap especially the square like trigger doesnt seem to be in the right place.  I think festool made the Carvex barrel grip and then went OH DAM IT we forgot to make a D-handle version quick just bang a curved handle with a trigger and that will do.

JMB

That wasn't how it happened.  After they made the barrel grip Carvex, they sat around a table (made using the Trion) and someone mentioned, "What about JMB?  He's always going on about D this and D that, D DD D D.  Fine!  Make him a D grip handle.  That'll keep him from carrying on about it on the FOG."  Someone (not Brice) at the table did mention making a J-handle for you, but they figured you'd go poking yourself and a lawsuit would incur.  ---  That's how it happened.  Honest!  [blink]

 

[Brice Burrell]

What I like about the Carvex D handle (from my experience with both models at a Festool training class) is it's almost like having the best features of both types since there is enough room to get your hand around the body to cut from the underside of the material like you would with the barrel grip saw.  Also I like the thin D handle.

 

[Deansocial]

What I like about the Carvex D handle (from my experience with both models at a Festool training class) is it's almost like having the best features of both types since there is enough room to get your hand around the body to cut from the underside of the material like you would with the barrel grip saw.  Also I like the thin D handle.

i tried a d handle at the dealer and found it far to tight to use comfortably as a barrel grip for my hands

 

[woodguy7]

I have the barrel grip corded version & while i like it i agree with JMB about the trigger. If you get a kick back you can find yourself fumbling to find the off switch.

 

[lbliemeister]

My 2 cents:  If you happen to be left handed, the trigger lock button tends to get pressed by your palm while you're working (and usually at the worst possible time) so I prefer the barrel grip hands down.