Festool Carvex PSC 420 EB Jig Saw | Review

Carvex PSC 420 EBQ Jig Saw

Without a doubt, this jig saw has more options than I've ever seen on just about any saw. Hands-down. Period. If that sounds like something that's right up your alley and you don't mind studying the instruction manual, read on.

Festool Video Review

I teamed up with Todd Fratzel (HomeConstructionImprovement.com) and Rob Robillard (aConcordCarpenter.com) to look at this tool from all sides. Here's our take on it. 

Jig Saw Features

The controls on the PSC 420 EB are easy to locate and operate. Nothing special to report here. I like the 'A' setting on the variable speed dial. When in this position, the jig saw automatically adjusts its speed for material and the speed at which you push the tool. It's one of those engineering masterpieces that almost seems like magic. Essentially, though, it makes the job easier because I don't have to guess or estimate the setting myself. Call me lazy.

Carvex Circle/Arc Cutting Jig

The accessories available for the jig saw are impressive. I think the circle/arc jig is my personal favorite for one simple reason - it works (but there's a bit of a learning curve - at least there was for me). I've tried other jigs on other saws and they never quite lived up to expectations.

Festool's engineers should be proud of their design. My only complaint is the fact that it's metric. I blame that more on the U.S. government than anyone else, quite frankly. Why we never simply adopted the metric system is beyond me; I hate converting!

LED Light Feature

The LED lights are also pretty cool. They don't just light up the work surface - they pulse in rhythm with the blade strokes. This 'freezes' the blade to the human eye. The result is that it's much easier to guide the blade along your cut line. It's one of those things you need to see to understand. The image doesn't do it justice, but the video makes it a little clearer.

Angle Cutting Base

The Carvex Accessory Kit includes a 'butterfly' base that enables you to cut a bevel along the edge of your work piece. Initially, I wasn't really sure why you'd want to make this cut with a jig saw, but since the concept has bounced around in my head, I can think of a lot of situations in which this feature would be handy.

That's the real beauty of this tool, in my opinion. It enables you to do so many things that it might actually spark a creative idea or two in your head along the way. Todd had one of those 'a-ha' moments during his testing, as well.

Carvex PSC 420 EB Opinion

This is the Mercedes (or BMW, or Cadillac - pick your brand) of jig saws. It's a highly-engineered tool designed to do many things. The accessories available allow you to do things you've probably never done before with a jig saw.

Is it for everyone? No, but if you like to travel light and with minimal tools, this single tool gives you the ability to perform near-miracles on a project. Just be prepared to pay the price and spend some time reading the instructions.

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