Excellent and very timely video! Previously I had a corded Bosch barrel-grip then moved to cordless DeWalt d-handle and didn't quite know which Festool to move to. I still don't know 100%, but this video gives me a lot of items I haven't considered and has been leaning towards d-handle.
I also have that Carvex and I still struggle with the position of the on/off switch. The jigsaw is a tool I don’t use often so I never seem to get completely comfortable with it. Good honest review. Thanks
I heard from several people that the older Trion is better than the Carvex. More accurate among other things. I was surprised. Do you have any thoughts on this?
I clicked on this video expecting generic Festool hate. Instead, you've helped me with my decision on which carvex to purchase as I was unsure. You made good points......even with a little click-bait-y style title. LOL
good information... provides food for thought. Some advice.... don't drag out the material so much.... it's good content.... but it could have been said in 3 minutes.
Mr. Dojo, I agree with just about everything you have to say about the barrel handle. I have the barrel handle too and it doesn't matter what size hands you have it is hard to turn it off when you're in a non-through cut. My hands are large too, (XXL Gloves) but my fingers are not as, well let me just say as "uncommonly" long as yours. 🤪 So, my fingers don't wrap around it like yours do and drag on the wood or feel like they are going to be caught in the blade. I decided a while back to do the same thing, switch it to the "D" handle version, I just haven't done it yet. I don't use it as much as you or others do so it hasn't been a priority. Other than that, it cuts beautifully. All the Best, Chuck.
I have the handle-equipped version arriving tomorrow, had the same impression when I tried holding them both in the store. That said, I still think the top Carvex handle is far, far too skinny. Coming from a Trion, it feels like holding onto a noodle. How do you get on with it having larger hands?
I had a tough time deciding which to get after watching your last video ultimately decided with the handled version as I feel you have more control for general Carpentry day work but if I was cutting lots of shapes all the time I think I’d go for the handleless. Also an important note with the handled is that it cuts off instantly when you release the trigger instead of reaching for the switch on the side. At least you have both options with the handle. Nice to hear your thoughts it’s a very controversial jigsaw.
Super useful observations thank you. As a full-time green woodworker my use of jigsaws is light. I wasn’t satisfied with the accuracy of my top-of-the high street best saw and bought a corded pre-carvex Festool second hand. An upgrade in accuracy and tear out control. I wondered if a cordless carvex handleless version would be worth the upgrade further (new, cool kid on the block). I think, like you, the intuitive micro control of a variable speed trigger is something I didn’t know I would miss. I will look out for a second hand handled carvex in cordless. Thank you
I totally get where you are coming from. I was so disappointed when I got my Carvex, the on/off is so awkward to use and I must admit I hardly ever use mine. I actually tend to grab my old Ryobi jigsaw with its handle for the exact reasons you mention. Great video as always. Unfortunately invested into the Carvex battery system, which is a shame as cannot to sell at a loss.
@@workshopdojo Here one hardware store has had some old corded Festool Carvex and Trion barrel grip jigsaws for less than €150 each, was thinking to buy those and i may be able to sell them for profit, if i dont like either one.
I've only used older festool corded handless ones and I love them. Older ones have trigger on the side more than front like the never one. I want to buy the new carvex cordless but not sure about the power button placement and how much it will affect my precision about similiar reasons you said... Never learned to control the cut as precisely with the handled one as good as I can with the handless one.
I think you describe a common issue amongst all the jigsaw who has this kind of design and we see this from all major tool makers... I also like the traditional handle/trigger combo
I originally ordered the D-handle style and when I got it I really didn't like it. The diameter of the handle felt so small. I paid the shipping to return it for a barrel grip style. I'm with you...a struggle to turn it off. I invested in the different bases so I've kept it...😠
I use the barrel grip. I am a custom cabinet maker/Installer and use the jig saw upside down alot with a standard cut blade. Gives me more control in that position. I have been using an older Bosch corded barrel grip and its seems alot of the older generation used this style aswell. Alberta, Canada here.
The barrel grip was mainly a European continent thing for a long time. The D handle version of the Carvex can be used in both ways. I use the barrel grip when i cut upside down and the speed trigger on the handle when I'm cutting from the top
I have the whole Festool range maybe 20k deep just now jigsaw i use the barrel grip makita 12v most of the time and makita 18v for heavy work , the 12v makita is amazing. Both of Festools jigsaws are terrible, the lack of visibility and angle base is shocking. Would love to see you try one to see what you think of it . Other than that i use mafell routers the lo55 its lightyears ahead . The lack of a cordless planer and the lack of a small cordless 165mm circular saw have always baffled me , again makita fills that void
I commented in your other Carvex video you should have gotten the D handle version because of the speed trigger. Then you actually made the switch before I saw this video :D You can hold the D version like the barrel grip version when you cut from underneath, but you can also use the speed trigger on the handle when you cut from the top. It pretty much gives you both options how to hold and use it.
I hadn't even noticed this and have been searching through the jigsaw range. I have dewalt and there's nothing that beats a handled trigger control and speed adjustment at your fingertips. This actually sounds like a bit more inventive measures for festool consideration. Wonder if they could deploy a remote control fob or something as a substitute, this would allow more internal body space for other specifics in modifications. Just a thought.
From what I can tell, the barrel-grip jigsaw is the only one that would work for me as a lefty. The safety on the d-handle is in the wrong place for me.
had all their jigsaws - don’t waste your money -junk and yes i did f around adjusting the janky blade guide. Don’t mess about get a mafell p1cc more money but quality tool.
In the states we call it a barrel grip and the other a D-Handle. And that’s a bad barrel grip design. I prefer the D-handle for the variable speed trigger.
The issue lm finding with Festool is they bring out a tool and never update or improve to keep up with the latest changes . So they bring out the best tool’s but don’t listen to issues . But the big red brand is always improving. And l can’t bring myself to go there,but it make sense to change
I have both and find the barrel grip the same very awkward and at times unsafe. The D handle is far better. Having said that for scroll work the barrel grip is better for me. They need to change the button position to the top making it a safer easier to use machine. As some say the mafell jigsaw is better but who wants a cord on a jigsaw😵💫😵💫😵💫 stupid thing to do.
Excellent and very timely video! Previously I had a corded Bosch barrel-grip then moved to cordless DeWalt d-handle and didn't quite know which Festool to move to. I still don't know 100%, but this video gives me a lot of items I haven't considered and has been leaning towards d-handle.
Glad it helped!
Really appreciate this video mate...you're right. Very little out there to help us Festoolers. I have big hands so it's a no brainer. Thanks again.
Glad to help 👍🏽
I also have that Carvex and I still struggle with the position of the on/off switch. The jigsaw is a tool I don’t use often so I never seem to get completely comfortable with it. Good honest review. Thanks
A tool has to be comfortable or it’s not worth using
I heard from several people that the older Trion is better than the Carvex. More accurate among other things. I was surprised. Do you have any thoughts on this?
I clicked on this video expecting generic Festool hate. Instead, you've helped me with my decision on which carvex to purchase as I was unsure. You made good points......even with a little click-bait-y style title. LOL
😂 I know!! 😂
Me the same . Thanks for video.
thank you for helping me decide.
Glad I could help!
good information... provides food for thought. Some advice.... don't drag out the material so much.... it's good content.... but it could have been said in 3 minutes.
When I start talking, you can’t stop me. That’s the problem.!😀
Mr. Dojo, I agree with just about everything you have to say about the barrel handle. I have the barrel handle too and it doesn't matter what size hands you have it is hard to turn it off when you're in a non-through cut. My hands are large too, (XXL Gloves) but my fingers are not as, well let me just say as "uncommonly" long as yours. 🤪 So, my fingers don't wrap around it like yours do and drag on the wood or feel like they are going to be caught in the blade. I decided a while back to do the same thing, switch it to the "D" handle version, I just haven't done it yet. I don't use it as much as you or others do so it hasn't been a priority. Other than that, it cuts beautifully.
All the Best, Chuck.
Nice points Chuck, I didn’t realize it was the same issue even though peoples hands are smaller
I have the handle-equipped version arriving tomorrow, had the same impression when I tried holding them both in the store. That said, I still think the top Carvex handle is far, far too skinny. Coming from a Trion, it feels like holding onto a noodle. How do you get on with it having larger hands?
I like that feels like a noodle. The D handle is perfect for me now I’ve been using it for a while and it feels really nice
I had a tough time deciding which to get after watching your last video ultimately decided with the handled version as I feel you have more control for general Carpentry day work but if I was cutting lots of shapes all the time I think I’d go for the handleless.
Also an important note with the handled is that it cuts off instantly when you release the trigger instead of reaching for the switch on the side. At least you have both options with the handle. Nice to hear your thoughts it’s a very controversial jigsaw.
I’m with you, I completely agree
Super useful observations thank you. As a full-time green woodworker my use of jigsaws is light. I wasn’t satisfied with the accuracy of my top-of-the high street best saw and bought a corded pre-carvex Festool second hand. An upgrade in accuracy and tear out control. I wondered if a cordless carvex handleless version would be worth the upgrade further (new, cool kid on the block).
I think, like you, the intuitive micro control of a variable speed trigger is something I didn’t know I would miss.
I will look out for a second hand handled carvex in cordless. Thank you
Nice points
I totally get where you are coming from. I was so disappointed when I got my Carvex, the on/off is so awkward to use and I must admit I hardly ever use mine. I actually tend to grab my old Ryobi jigsaw with its handle for the exact reasons you mention. Great video as always. Unfortunately invested into the Carvex battery system, which is a shame as cannot to sell at a loss.
The secondhand price is good, try selling and buy the D handle, life is too short 😂
@@workshopdojo Here one hardware store has had some old corded Festool Carvex and Trion barrel grip jigsaws for less than €150 each, was thinking to buy those and i may be able to sell them for profit, if i dont like either one.
I've only used older festool corded handless ones and I love them. Older ones have trigger on the side more than front like the never one. I want to buy the new carvex cordless but not sure about the power button placement and how much it will affect my precision about similiar reasons you said... Never learned to control the cut as precisely with the handled one as good as I can with the handless one.
Most of the dealers let you try it out in the shop and you have 14 days to send it back once you get it
I think you describe a common issue amongst all the jigsaw who has this kind of design and we see this from all major tool makers... I also like the traditional handle/trigger combo
I originally ordered the D-handle style and when I got it I really didn't like it. The diameter of the handle felt so small. I paid the shipping to return it for a barrel grip style. I'm with you...a struggle to turn it off. I invested in the different bases so I've kept it...😠
It’s still a top jigsaw, but I’m with you the D handle is the way to go. I just wish festool was a bit clearer on this. It would just help everybody
I use the barrel grip. I am a custom cabinet maker/Installer and use the jig saw upside down alot with a standard cut blade. Gives me more control in that position. I have been using an older Bosch corded barrel grip and its seems alot of the older generation used this style aswell. Alberta, Canada here.
That’s interesting
I totally agree.
Hello from Vancouver Island 🏝️
The barrel grip was mainly a European continent thing for a long time. The D handle version of the Carvex can be used in both ways. I use the barrel grip when i cut upside down and the speed trigger on the handle when I'm cutting from the top
I have the whole Festool range maybe 20k deep just now jigsaw i use the barrel grip makita 12v most of the time and makita 18v for heavy work , the 12v makita is amazing. Both of Festools jigsaws are terrible, the lack of visibility and angle base is shocking. Would love to see you try one to see what you think of it . Other than that i use mafell routers the lo55 its lightyears ahead . The lack of a cordless planer and the lack of a small cordless 165mm circular saw have always baffled me , again makita fills that void
I commented in your other Carvex video you should have gotten the D handle version because of the speed trigger. Then you actually made the switch before I saw this video :D You can hold the D version like the barrel grip version when you cut from underneath, but you can also use the speed trigger on the handle when you cut from the top. It pretty much gives you both options how to hold and use it.
Great video. I’d never considered this.
I hadn't even noticed this and have been searching through the jigsaw range. I have dewalt and there's nothing that beats a handled trigger control and speed adjustment at your fingertips. This actually sounds like a bit more inventive measures for festool consideration. Wonder if they could deploy a remote control fob or something as a substitute, this would allow more internal body space for other specifics in modifications. Just a thought.
Interesting
From what I can tell, the barrel-grip jigsaw is the only one that would work for me as a lefty. The safety on the d-handle is in the wrong place for me.
Thank you, this video is extremely useful.
Glad it was helpful!
had all their jigsaws - don’t waste your money -junk and yes i did f around adjusting the janky blade guide. Don’t mess about get a mafell p1cc more money but quality tool.
I will have to buy one to try 👍🏽
In the states we call it a barrel grip and the other a D-Handle. And that’s a bad barrel grip design. I prefer the D-handle for the variable speed trigger.
Me too 100%
Very helpful video 👍🏽
Great review !! thank you
The issue lm finding with Festool is they bring out a tool and never update or improve to keep up with the latest changes . So they bring out the best tool’s but don’t listen to issues . But the big red brand is always improving. And l can’t bring myself to go there,but it make sense to change
Great video
That is possibly true, but look at the details. They do change things over time, but sometimes they’re only small changes..
I agree !
👍🏽
I have both and find the barrel grip the same very awkward and at times unsafe. The D handle is far better. Having said that for scroll work the barrel grip is better for me. They need to change the button position to the top making it a safer easier to use machine.
As some say the mafell jigsaw is better but who wants a cord on a jigsaw😵💫😵💫😵💫 stupid thing to do.
Nice points 👍🏽
hy heeft wel gelijk maar ben tevreden met festool
Jesus christ man the pacing of this video. Even at 2x speed i just have to turn it tf off
So you missed what I said at the end of the video!! Most important part
@@workshopdojo yeah im sure i missed out on you flexing your expensive ass tools on us. Don’t quit your day job. I miss the old UA-cam