Jig Saw, decisions decision decisions….

So, now that I have my first Festool tool (T55 Plunge) I am going to purchase a new Jig Saw. I have the Bosch SDS jig saw but HATE the blade changes. Like the saw a lot but cannot stand the blade change. So, I have decided to go with a barrel grip saw with an easier blade change. I am tempted to buy the new Festool Carvex (thanks Eric!). But at $350 I have to pretty realistic. Do I go with the Carvex or maybe the Bosch or God Help Me the Makita barrel grip which has a light and blower. The Bosch is about $280, the Makita is about $180. The Carvex is $350. Any suggestions?

I have a feeling when Milwaukee releases a new jig saw, which i believe is in the next round of releases for 2014, will be fuel, and will also be a barrel grip like the makita, bosch etc, and like the M12 which everyone loves. So if you could hold off, that may be your best bet.

You can’t beat the new Festool carvex. Don’t get me wrong chase the Milwaukee Fuel jigsaw will be epic, but the Festool is just at another level then all of the other brands. If you plan on getting into the Festool system more Chrisk that’s the route I would go because they are so good at Dust collection. If I had the money all my corded tools would probably be Festool for cutting wood.

Thanks DR and Chase. It here two types one is the Trion the other the Carvex, I’m thinking the Carvex?

It depends on who much you are going to use it and is it worth the $350.00 for the saw and $200.00 for the accessories. I have a friend that is a cabinet marker and he has slowly changed all of his tools over to Festool.  He uses his tools every day and he tells me they are well worth it to him but for someone like me the occasional user it is a hefty price to pay.

I really like my Festool track saw.  It glides and plunges as smooth as glass on the track but the cut is no better than my DeWalt that I had.

Thanks Regopit, I’m really looking at the Makita too, I can’t stand the cordless stuff anymore but like the corded tow just fine and the price is a quite a bit cheaper. Still not an easy decision!

If I were buying one today it would be the Makita. The Festool is just too expensive if you aren’t making a living with it.

Well that’s the thing Travis, for me, until I can retire in five, it’s just a hobby, DIY thing. The Makita is a really good looking tool,deal right now.mthanks!

I have been using the Bosch JS572EBL Barrel grip and the Bosch JS57SEL Top handle and they have never let me down.

Yeah, I’ve got the Bosch 1587AVS and I like it but the blade change sucks. The tool itself is awesome but…

We had a thread about this several months ago I believe. I decided on the Makita, but just never bought one.

Stay away from the Milwaukee. The power switch is weird and on the wrong side of the saw. It would be hard to shut off in a hurry.

Thanks Travis I will. I am thinking about going all out and getting the Carvex. The review Eric and Dan did really piqued my interest and I figure brushless, totally upgradeable, sounds like maybe I should go there. The Makita is really the only other choice for me as the Bosch is a Hundred dollars more. If I am going to spend the cash I may as we’ll go with something that’s going to last a lifetime. Besides, my girlfriend told me if I put that sticker on my window I really should have more than ONE Festool otherwise I look like a dork! Hahahahahahaha

Your girlfriend is a keeper for sure. She practically told you to buy it.

If you can afford to do it at all, buy what you really want the first time and you’ll never regret it. I’ve found that you either buy the one you want the first time, or you buy it again. 

There are a few things that are worth it when it comes to Festool. The drills and impact drivers I’m not impressed with regarding the cost but the more woodworking tools are totally worth it. If I wasn’t invested in Milwaukee the next brand I would consider is Metabo their tools are pretty dang nice too they have a lot of woodworking type tools but its mostly Metalworking tools that they are known for in the USA. The other problem is the lack of support around for Metabo around me.

Festool came out with a new cordless drill in Europe. I can’t remember what it is called though. It has four speeds and 4.2 amp hour batteries.

http://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?pid=769194&name=QUADRIVE-PDC-cordless-percussion-drills-PDC-18-4-Li-4-2-Plus-GB Jeez a 4 speed gearbox is it a car? It’s a sweet looking drill though bet its like 400 bucks or more though :/

The old one was way more with all of the chucks. It converted to 850 but it could be cheaper here. me. It has more speeds than my truck.

With the exchange rate it’s $843.

Well guys, it’s official. I can put my rock in’ Festool sticker on my Tundra. I am the proud owner of a Festool barrel grip Carvex Jigsaw! Oh boy….heart rate has got to go down!

The Carvex is really cool if you can budget it.  Has all the features and then some.  Also as Eric, Dan and other people say Festool is a system you buy into.  Not just the tool but the dust extractor, etc.  

I would love to hear about your T55.  Is it the new T55r? Is it worth it?  Is it as precise as they say?  Do you still need a table saw? I have been drooling over the preciseness of it for long time.  

Harold i was thinking, it may be time to trade in the crv for a truck, toyota tacomas are smaller, but you can get them in a quad cab so you can still haul 5-6 people comfortably, you also have the bed space for whatever you need to haul. Has a v6 so you will get pretty good gas mileage for a truck. 

That would be cool Chase. Something with 4 doors and a flatbed in the back. But I can’t afford it. I have a honda pilot so it’s not that bad. I have been able to carry 4×8 sheets with the back open just a couple inches.

Thanks Harols. I haven’t tried it out yet. Right now it’s on a red velvet lush pillow being fanned by four gorgeous Indian girls wearing Sari’s….wait a second.

DAMN ERIC AND DAN!!!!! So I go to woodworkers warehouse in Newington yesterday. The T15 drills are on sale (10% off)!!!! What the heck guys, can’t a guy not spend all his loose cash on power tools?!?!?!? I’m avoiding that place like the freakin’ plague now!

Congrats Chris! I think you’ll be glad you did.

Thanks Travis, all I keep doing is looking at them! Now I have to use them, too darn pretty though! I’m thinking about re insulating and us flooring a small addition to my house so I have the plan now just need to commit to getting my new tools dirty 🙂

I know how that goes. That first ding is always the worst.

Today a jigsaw, tomorrow a whole workshop