So I received my Pro 50 sander and decided to use the $50 coupon on a Carvex jigsaw with the accessory box- all the cutting plates, circle cutter, etc. I received it today.
I was excited to get it and I was in the shop so I stopped working to fire it up and make a few cuts, try out the dust collection (one reason I bought it, since I still work in people's homes) and I was prepared to be impressed.
I was not. It feels and sounds cheap. It rattles when it runs, the strobe light is a pure gimmick that adds nothing but I did like the dust extraction. I have a Bosch 1584vs that is at least 25 years old that still today runs like a fine sewing machine. For the money I spent, I expected something similar but this was not even close.
But perhaps the looseness of the drive piston (that's what's rattling) is the "pendulum action" they promote. I don't want to be overly critical after only 45 minutes of experiencing a new tool, but it did cause me to get out my Bosch and make the same test cuts I was making with the Carvex and the Bosch was better every time. But like I said, it is all only a very early first impression. And also the accessories are important to me, the different bases will be very useful for what I do. The chip extraction is a huge plus when you are cutting in someone's kitchen - no more holding a vac hose with one hand while you cut with the other hand. I would use the felt pad base a lot but it's not like I haven't already rigged up soft pads for my Bosch plate over the last 25 years.
I guess given Festools reputation, I was expecting to be wowed the moment I turned it on, and instead I was quite put off. It sounded like an old crappy rattling Black and Decker orange plastic jig saw someone gave me 40 years ago when they heard I was a carpenter. I'm very interested in learning from other Carvex owners about their experiences. And obviously when I get a chance I'll give it a much fairer trial, but so much for any 'wow' factor. There was none.
PS I have no idea how "Pendulum tt" found its way into the title and no idea how to remove it.