Carvex PS420 Series
Pendulum Jigsaws
PS420EBQ, PSB420EBQ, PSC420EB, PSBC420EB Jigsaw
Supplemental User’s Manual
WARNING To reduce the risk of serious injury, read and understand all safety
precautions and instructions in this manual before using this tool.
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Contents
About This Manual........................................... 3
Tool Symbols...................................................3
General Power Tool Safety Warnings .............. 4
Work Area Safety ..........................................4
Electrical Safety ............................................4
Personal Safety .............................................4
Power Tool Use and Care ................................4
Service ........................................................5
Setting the Pendulum Stroke ........................... 10
Installing/Removing the Battery....................... 11
Charging the Battery ...................................... 11
Connecting the Plug-It Power Cord ................... 12
Installing the Splinter Guard............................ 12
Setting the Variable Speed .............................. 13
Turning on the Saw ........................................ 13
Sawblade Selection ........................................ 14
Specific Safety Rules for Reciprocating Saws........5 Operation ...................................................... 15
Specific Safety Rules for Battery Powered Tools....5
Respiratory Exposure Safety Warnings................5
Functional Description..................................... 6
Intended Use...................................................7
Using Dust Extraction ..................................... 15
Using the Jigsaw with a Guide Rail.................... 15
Using the Trammel to Cut Circles...................... 16
Making Bevel Cuts.......................................... 17
Technical Specifications.....................................7 Maintenance and Adjustment........................ 18
Setup............................................................... 8
Changing the Sawblade ....................................8
Adjusting the Blade Guide.................................8
Routine Maintenance ...................................... 18
Adjustments.................................................. 18
Programming the LED light Function............... 18
Changing Base Inserts......................................9 Troubleshooting ............................................ 19
Installing/Removing the Dust Collection Port........9
Changing the Main Base.................................. 10
About This Manual
Save These Instructions
It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The information it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY
and PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to help you recognize this information.
WARNING! Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION! Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE: Indicates a potential situation which, if not avoided, can result in property
damage or damage to the tool.
Note: Indicates information, notes, or tips for improving your success using the tool.
Tool Symbols
V
Volts
W
Watts
Hz Hertz
~
no
Alternating Current (AC)
No-load Speed
Class II Double Insulated
Supplemental Owner’s Manual
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General Power Tool Safety Warnings
WARNING! Read all safety warnings and
Save all warnings and instructions
for future reference.
instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and
instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or
serious injury.
Work Area Safety
► Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark work
tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
areas invite accidents.
► Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power
► Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such
tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power
Electrical Safety
► Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the
plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed
(grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching
outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
► If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable,
use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply.
Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
► Never use an extension cord that is damaged, including cuts,
exposed wires, or bent/missing prongs. Damaged extension
cords increase the risk of fire or electric shock.
► Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such
as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an
increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or
grounded.
► Use only extension cords rated for the purpose.
► Use only extension cords rated for the amperage of this tool
and the length of the cord. Using too small of an extension
cord can cause the cord to overheat.
► Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water
entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
► Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pull-
ing, or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat,
oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
Extension Cord Ratings
Cord Length
<50 Ft.
Size (AWG)
14
► When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension
cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord for outdoor use
reduces the risk of electric shock.
50-100 Ft.
>100 Ft.
12
Not recommended
Personal Safety
► Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense
when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while
tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
A moment of inattention while operating power tools may
result in serious personal injury.
tool on. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating
part of the tool may result in personal injury.
► Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all
times. This enables better control of the tool in unexpected
situations.
► Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye pro-
tection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appro-
priate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
► Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep
your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose
clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
► If devices are provided for the connection of dust extrac-
tion and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and
properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related
hazards.
► Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the
off-position before connecting to power source, picking up,
or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on
the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on
invites accidents.
► Always wear safety glasses complying with ANSI Z87.1.
Ordinary glasses are not proper protection.
► Remove adjusting key or wrench before turning the power
Power Tool Use and Care
► Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for
your application. The correct power tool will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the
hands of untrained users.
► Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of
moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that
may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the
power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained power tools.
► Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on
and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the
switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
► Disconnect the plug from the power source before making
any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting
the tool accidentally.
► Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools
with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier
to control.
► Store idle tools out of reach of children and do not allow
persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions
► Use the power tool, accessories, and tool bits etc. in accor-
dance with these instructions, taking into account the working
4
Carvex PS420 Series
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conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power
tool for operations different from those intended could result
in a hazardous situation.
► To reduce the risk of serious injury, never alter or misuse the
power tool.
Service
► Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person
the safety of the power tool is maintained.
using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that
Specific Safety Rules for Reciprocating Saws
► Keep hands away from the blade and cutting area. Do not
reach underneath the workpiece. The blade is fully exposed
under the workpiece.
► Hold the saw by the insulated handles when performing an
operation in which the sawblade may contact hidden wiring or
its own cord. Contact with a “live” wire will make the exposed
metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the operator.
► Never hold the piece being cut in your hands or across your
leg. It is important to support the work properly to minimize
body exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
► Never use a dust extraction system when making cuts that
can result in sparks (unless a spark trap is installed), such as
cutting through nails and other ferrous materials. Sparks and
hot embers can cause a fire in the dust extraction system.
► Check that there is enough space under the workpiece for
the reciprocating saw blade. If the saw blade strikes another
object, it may cause a kickback.
► Always check the saw blade to make sure it does not have
missing teeth or is bent. Do not use a damaged saw blade.
► Never cut material that is thicker than the length of the saw
blade.
► Do not touch the saw blade after prolonged cutting. The saw
blade may be hot and cause burns.
Specific Safety Rules for Battery Powered Tools
► Remove the battery before adjusting the tool or changing
saw blades. Failure to do so may result in the tool starting
unexpectedly.
► When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from metal
objects like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other
small metal objects that can make a connection from one
terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together
may cause burns or a fire.
► Use only battery packs specifically designated for use with the
power tool. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk
of injury and fire.
► Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the bat-
tery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with
water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help.
Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
► Recharge the battery only with the charger specified by the
manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of bat-
tery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another
battery pack.
► Do not place batteries near fire or heat. This will reduce the
risk of explosion and possibly injury.
Respiratory Exposure Safety Warnings
Substantial or repeated inhalation of dust and other airborne
contaminants, in particular those with a smaller particle size,
may cause respiratory or other illnesses. Various dusts created
by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling and other construc-
tion activities contain chemicals or substances known (to the
State of California and others) to cause cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals/
substances are: lead from lead-based paints; crystalline silica
from bricks, cement, and other masonry products; arsenic and
chromium from chemically-treated lumber; and some wood
dusts, especially from hardwoods, but also from some soft-
woods such as Western Red Cedar.
The risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often
you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these
chemicals: work in a well ventilated area and use a properly
functioning dust extraction system. When the inhalation of
dust cannot be substantially controlled, i.e., kept at or near the
ambient (background) level, the operator and any bystanders
should wear a respirator approved by NIOSH for the type of
dust encountered.
Supplemental Owner’s Manual
5
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Functional Description
J
K
I
H
G
E
Right-Side
N
A
F
E
L
D
PSB 420 EBQ
C
I
B
M
H
M
I
I
PSC 420 EB
PSBC 420 EB
PS 420 EBQ
Item Name or Description
Ref. Page(s)
Item Name or Description
Ref. Page(s)
A
B
C
D
E
Chip Guard
H
I
Plug-It Power Cord Port
Speed Control
Base Insert
Pendulum Lever
Main Base
J
Trigger Release
K
L
Variable Speed Trigger
Base Release Lever
Battery
Left & Right Power Switch
Blade Release Lever
Dust Collection Port
F
M
N
G
LED Work Lights
6
Carvex PS420 Series
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Intended Use
The Carvex jigsaw, is designed for sawing of wood, wood-
as specified in these operating instructions. Using the tool
like materials, and plastics. With special saw blades offered in contravention to this manual will void your warranty and
by Festool, the saw may also be used for cutting aluminum, may lead to injury. The user shall be responsible and liable
steel, non-ferrous metals, and ceramic. The tool should
not be altered or used for any other purpose, other than
for damages and accidents resulting from misuse or abuse
of this saw.
Technical Specifications
Jigsaws
PS 42O EBQ
PSB 420 EBQ PSC 420 EB
PSBC 420 EB
Barrel Grip
Corded
D-Handle
Corded
Barrel Grip
Battery
D-Handle
Battery
Description
Speed Range (strokes per minute)
Voltage
1500-3800
1000-3800
1500-3800
1000-3800
120 V, 50/60 Hz
400 W
10.8-18.0 VDC
N/A
Power Consumption
Stroke Length
26 mm (1.02")
Off plus 3 orbit settings
120 mm (4.72")
20 mm (0.79")
Pendulum Stroke
Wood
Maximum Depth of Cut
Aluminum
(with appropriate blade)
Steel
Bevel Angle
10 mm (0.39")
0° to 45° both sides, with optional angle base
1.9 kg (4.2 lbs) 1.8 kg (4.0 lbs) w/o battery
Weight
Batteries and Charger
The battery powered jigsaws can be operated using any
Festool BPC or BPS class battery pack, from 10.8 volts to
18.0 volts. The TRC 3 battery charger is capable of charging
any Festool BPC or BPS class battery pack from 7.2 volts to
18.0 volts.
TRC 3 Battery Charger
Input voltage
120 V, 60Hz
7.2 to 18.0 VDC
3 A max.
Output Voltage
Rapid Charge Rate
Maintenance Charge Rate
0.06 A, pulsating
1.5 Ah
25 Min to 80%, 36 Min to 100%
55 Min to 80%, 70 Min to 100%
-5°C to +45°C (23°F to 113°F)
LiIon Charging Rates
3.0 Ah
Permitted charging Temperature
Available Batteries
Voltage
BPC 15 Li
BPC 18 Li
18 V
14.4 V
3.0 Ah
Capacity
3.0 Ah
Weight
0.55 kg (1.21 lb)
0.67 kg (1.48 lb)
Supplemental Owner’s Manual
7
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Setup
Changing the Sawblade
The Carvex jigsaw features tool-free blade changing. Used
blades can be ejected from the saw without touching the
potentially hot blade. New blades are inserted into the
holder with just a simple twist.
Choosing the correct sawblade for the task is important
Diagonal
Slot
WARNING! Always disconnect the saw from the
power supply (power cord or battery) before making
any adjustments to the saw or installing or remov-
ing the blade.
CAUTION! After prolonged use, the used sawblade
may be hot. Take care not to touch the sawblade
until it has cooled.
1. Unplug the saw or remove the battery. This procedure
may require you to touch the blade with your fingers, so
make sure the saw cannot start unexpectedly.
Blade
Release
2. If the splinter guard is installed, remove it as described
3. Slide the blade release lever forward until the blade is
ejected from the spring loaded holder.
4. Place the new blade into the diagonal slot on the blade
holder, press it fully in, and rotate the blade until it locks
into place. If the blade does not rotate easily, it is not
pressed in far enough. The small tabs on the side of the
blade must be inside the blade holder.
5. Adjust the blade guide as described below.
Adjusting the Blade Guide
► Take care not to over-tighten the adjustment screw. If
the jaws are too tight to the blade, you will have exces-
sive wear on the jaws, and it may even prevent proper
pendulum action.
The Carvex jigsaw features a lower blade guide to ensure
that the blade stays straight and true in the cut. If the
blade was guided only by the blade holder, like many other
jigsaws, the upper half of the blade could flex, which would
make it more likely that the blade wouldn’t be perpendicular
to the workpiece. For longer life, the blade guide is carbide
tipped to reduce wear.
► If the jaws are too loose, the blade won’t be well guided
in the cut.
► For optimal adjustment, you should be able to wiggle
the blade side-to-side just a little bit.
WARNING! Always disconnect the saw from the
power supply (power cord or battery) before making
any adjustments to the saw or installing or remov-
ing the blade.
1. Unplug the saw or remove the battery. This procedure
may require you to touch the blade with your fingers, so
make sure the saw cannot start unexpectedly.
Guide
Jaws
Adjustment
2. Install a blade in the saw.
Screw
4. Using the provided 2.5 mm hex key, loosen the adjust-
ment screw enough to ensure the blade fits loosely
between the jaws of the blade guide.
2.5 mm
Hex Key
5. Carefully push back on the blade to ensure it is fitting
between the parallel faces of the blade guide jaws.
6. While wiggling the blade back and forth, tighten the
adjustment screw until the jaws are almost touching the
blade.
8
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Changing Base Inserts
The standard Carvex base can be fitted with one of 5
optional base inserts (shown below). Each base insert is
described below.
► Phenolic Insert: This insert provides a smooth, hard,
and low-friction base for abrasive environments that could
scratch softer inserts.
► Standard Insert: This is a general purpose insert that is ► Dimpled Insert: This insert is designed to provide
supplied with the saw, and may be used in all applications.
smooth operation on rough surfaces, such as rough-sawn
lumber. The dimples (rounded studs) glide over and
between the rough features of the workpiece surface.
► Felt Insert: The felt insert provides a soft felt surface
to the base of the jigsaw for mar-free cutting on finished
materials. The bottom of the felt insert has a tight hook-
&-loop surface that holds the replaceable/disposable felt
pads in place.
► Stainless Steel Insert: This insert is ideal for working on
steel, aluminum, and other very hard materials that would
scratch even the phenolic insert.
Phenolic Insert
Standard Insert
Felt Insert w/
Replaceable Felt
Dimpled Insert
Stainless Steel Insert
NOTE: The optional Base Accessory Kit may include
a small key and lanyard. This is for a
European configuration to lock the power
button, and is not used in North America.
Base
Insert
1. Remove the dust collection port as described below. The
release tab on the base insert cannot be pressed in when
the dust collection port is in place.
2. Either remove the main base from the saw as described
3. Press down on the back of the release tab and slide the
base insert forward about 1/2 inch.
4. Lift the base insert off the main base to remove it.
Release
Tab
Installing/Removing the Dust Collection Port
The dust port is used to connect a dust extractor to the
It may be used with the standard base or the guide rail
base. However, the dust port cannot be used with the
different bases.
Release
Tab
► To remove the dust port from the base, press down on the
release tab and slide the port out from the base.
► To install the dust port, slide it into the base until the
release tab clicks into place.
Dust
Port
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Changing the Main Base
Three bases are available for the Carvex jigsaw. The bases
can be installed and removed without tools.
Festool guide rail, or the Festool trammel (for cutting
circles). The guide rail base can be used with or without
► Standard Base: The Carvex saw comes equipped with
the standard base and standard base insert. The standard
base is used to mount any of the optional base inserts
with or without dust collection.
► Angle Base: The angle base is used for making bevel cuts
with the jigsaw. The two pads can be angled from +45° to
► Guide Rail Base: The guide rail base, also called the
adapter base, is used to guide the saw using either a
Standard Base
Guide Rail Base
Angle Base
NOTE: Make sure the guide rail base is installed par-
allel with the blade by wiggling it side to side before
closing the release lever. If it is installed with a slight
skew to the saw blade, it may cause the saw to drift
off the cutting line when using the saw with a guide
rail or trammel.
WARNING! Always disconnect the saw from the
power supply (power cord or battery) before making
any adjustments to the saw or installing or remov-
ing the blade.
Clamp
1. Unplug the saw or remove the battery to prevent acci-
dental startup.
2. Rotate the base release lever outward until the clamp is
clear of the main base.
Base Release
Lever (open)
3. Lift the main base off the bottom of the saw.
Setting the Pendulum Stroke
Use a larger orbit (higher number) for aggressive cutting in
softer materials. Use a smaller orbit, or no orbit, for harder
materials such as harder woods, metals, ceramics, etc.; or
when smoother cuts are desired. Also, when cutting thinner
materials, a lower orbit setting may produce better results.
The pendulum stroke should be set to zero when using a
tungsten carbide blade.
A conventional jigsaw moves the blade up and down in a
straight line. A pendulum jigsaw moves the blade in an
orbital motion. On the downstroke, the blade is guided
away from the cut, and on the upstroke, the blade is guided
toward the cut.
The Carvex jigsaw has 4 settings for the pendulum stroke,
ranging from a wide orbit to no obrbit (straight up and
down). Because a jigsaw cuts only on the upstroke,
this orbital type of motion is more efficient.
Down/Clearing Stroke
Up/Cutting Stroke
Pendulum
Motion
The orbital motion allows the saw to cut more aggres-
sively and improves the life of
the blade. However, the larger
the orbit and more aggressive
0
the cut, the rougher the cut
may be.
To change the pendulum stroke,
rotate the lever to settings
0 (off) through 3 (maximum
orbit). The lever/setting may be
changed regardless whether the
Guide
Roller
Gap
3
saw is running or not.
10
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Installing/Removing the Battery
The battery powered Carvex jigsaws (PSC 420 EB and PSBC
420 EB) use a removable BPC-series 18V LiIon battery pack
for their power. However, if needed, the saw may also be
powered using any BPC or BPS series battery from 12 to 18
volts. However, performance may be reduced when using a
smaller battery.
WARNING! Do not use any battery clips to hang
a jigsaw from your tool belt or waistband. The saw
can start unexpectedly, causing serious personal
injury. If a battery has the battery clip installed, it is
recommended to remove the clip to prevent it from
catching on objects during operation.
Release
Button
To install the battery, slide it into the receptacle on the rear
of the saw until it clicks into place. To remove the batter,
press in on both left and right release buttons, and slide the
battery out of the receptacle.
Charging the
Battery
Battery equipped Carvex saws include a TRC 3 intelligent
battery charger. This charger may be used to charge any
Festool BPC (LiIon) or BPS (NiCd, NiMH) series battery. The
charger is microprocessor controlled and will detect the
type of battery being charged as well as the condition of the
battery.
Battery
Slot
To charge a battery, slide it onto the battery slot until it is
fully seated. The status light will change when the charger
detects the presence of the battery (fully seated). The
meanings of the status light indications are listed below:
► Yellow, Steady: Charger is ready, no battery present.
Status
Light
► Green, Rapid Flash: The battery is being charged at its
maximum charging rate.
► Green, Slow Flash: The battery is approaching full
charge and is being charged at a reduced charging rate.
After the battery has been fully charged, the intelligent
charger will switch to a maintenance mode to maintain a
full charge on the battery. The battery may be left in the
charger until needed. However, it is not recommended to
leave a battery in the charger for long-term storage.
► Green, Steady: The battery is fully charged.
► Red, Flashing: General fault indication, such as faulty
battery pack or faulty connection to battery.
► Red, Steady: The battery temperature is too high to
safely charge. Charging will commence when the tempera-
ture returns to a lower level.
For infrequently used batteries, overall battery life will
be improved if they are stored with a partial charge, and
recharged only before needed.
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Connecting the Plug-It Power Cord
NOTICE: Make sure to fully tighten the plug-it cord
a full quarter-turn until it clicks. If the plug is not
fully locked, the socket and cord can overheat and be
damaged.
The corded Carvex jigsaws (PS 420 EBQ and PSB 420 EBQ)
come equipped with a removable Plug-It power cord. The
cord can be removed for easier storage of the tool. The
Plug-It port on the PS 420 EBQ model can also be rotated
when used inverted under a workpiece, or for fitting in
tighter corners.
NOTE: The 18 gauge plug-it cord is interchangeable
with other tools that use the same size cord, but it
cannot be used with larger tools, such as routers and
saws. The plug has an extra key to prevent it from
being used on a larger tool that would otherwise
damage the cord. Larger cords may be used with
smaller tools, but not the reverse.
To install the power cord, insert the cord into the inlet (port)
on the tool with the key and keyway aligned, and twist the
locking ring ¼-turn until it clicks. Reverse the procedure to
remove the cord.
Key &
Keyway
Plug-It
Cord
Lock
Port rotates on
PS 420 EBQ
model.
Plug-It
Port
Unlock
Locking
Ring
Installing the Splinter Guard
The clear plastic splinter guard serves as a zero-clearance
throat along the blade to reduce splintering of the topside of
the workpiece. The splinter guard is a consumable com-
ponent that is replaced when it wears or when blades of
different thicknesses are used.
1. Unplug the saw or remove the battery to prevent
accidental starting.
2. Rotate the pendulum stroke lever to the zero position.
3. Slide the plastic splinter guard onto the ribs on the main
base, but not far enough to touch the blade.
WARNING! This procedure requires the saw to be
powered and in operation during a portion of the
installation procedure. Care must be taken to pre-
vent personal injury. Remove the battery or unplug
the saw when instructed to do so.
4. Turn the saw on, and press the front of the splinter guard
against a table to allow the sawblade to cut into the
splinter guard as it slides the rest of the way on the base.
5. For added life, as the splinter guard wears, you can push
it farther back into the base until the gap is gone.
Ribs
Gap
Grooves
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Setting the Variable Speed
The speed of the saw can be varied from 1500 to 3800
strokes per minute. The two D-handle models have a
broader speed range of 1000 to 3800 strokes per minute
when the variable speed trigger is utilized.
Material
Speed
4-A
Soft wood products and veneer plywoods
Hard wood products
Plastic laminate countertops
Hard plastics
3-A
The Carvex jigsaws also include an automatic speed setting,
designated with an “A” on the speed dial. In this setting, the
saw will operate at maximum speed during a cut, but will
operate at a reduced speed before the blade makes contact
with the workpiece. This reduced speed makes it easier to
line up the sawblade with your cut line at the beginning of
your cut.
4-A
3-A
Soft plastics
1-4
Plaster and cementitious hardboard
Aluminum, Ceramic
Steel
2-A
3-5
1-4
To set the speed of the saw, rotate the speed dial to the
desired setting from 1 to A. The speed may be adjusted
while the saw is running.
Variable
Trigger
For the D-handle models, the speed control dial acts as a
maximum speed limit when the variable trigger is used. The
more you press in on the variable trigger, the faster the saw
will operate, until it reaches the speed setting of the speed
dial.
The optimal speed of the saw is somewhat subjective, but is
predominately determined by the type of material being cut.
The actual speed that delivers the best results for a specific
cut may depend on other factors, such as blade type, work-
piece brittleness, desired smoothness of cut, etc. The table
to the right provides a general guideline for blade speeds,
but your actual speeds may vary (“A” indicates maximum
speed).
Speed
Dial
Turning on the Saw
All saw models have power switches on the left and right
side of the main housing. The D-handle saws also have a
variable speed trigger in the handle.
To use the variable speed trigger on a D-handle model,
press in on the trigger release and pull up on the trigger.
► The speed of the saw will be controlled by how much the
trigger is pulled, but the speed control dial determines the
maximum available speed.
To use the power switches on the barrel, slide either switch
forward to start the saw, and then release the switch. The
saw will continue to run until you slide either of the switches
forward again.
► It is not necessary to continue to hold the trigger release
button, but it is necessary to continue to hold the trigger
depressed for the saw to run.
► The speed of the saw will be determined by the speed
control dial described above.
► The automatic speed control function is not available when
► It is not necessary to hold the switch forward while the
the trigger is used.
saw is running.
► Either switch may be used to turn the saw on or off.
Trigger
Release
Variable
Trigger
Left Power
Switch
Right Power
Switch
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Sawblade Selection
Festool sawblades are designed for optimal performance in
a variety of applications. Choosing the correct sawblade is
important for obtaining the best cuts and optimal blade life.
There are several factors that determine which blades are
best suited for the operation.
other metals used for the blade bodies.
► Tungsten carbide abrasive blades are used for cutting very
hard materials, such as ceramics. These types of blades
cut in an abrasive or filing type of action.
► Serrated blades are used for cutting very soft materials,
such as building foam. The blade functions much like a
knife in its cutting action.
Some of the important parameters for choosing the best
blade are length, tooth shape, tooth spacing, tooth set, and
type of metal used for the blade body and teeth.
Blade Usage
The shank of Festool sawblades are color coded according to
their general usage intention. These colors are listed below.
The specialty blades are an exception in that each blade
will have its own special purpose and material type. These
include carbide tipped blades, ceramic cutting blades, and
serrated foam blades.
Angle Ground
Straight Ground
Wood
Plastic
Metal
Specialty
Blade Length
Carbide Tipped
NOTICE: Always use a saw blade that is long enough
to fully cut through the workpiece. Never attempt to
make a partial-depth cut with a jigsaw. Attempting to
make a cut with a saw blade that is too short to fully
cut the workpiece will likely damage the blade and
possibly the saw itself.
Tungsten Carbide Abrasive
It is important to use a saw blade that is the correct length
for the material being cut. Because part of the sawblade
never extends below the sole plate of the jigsaw, the blade
length must be greater than the thickness of the workpiece
to be cut.
Serrated
The length of a jigsaw blade is specified by the length of the
body that contains teeth, but does not include the upper
shank that fits inside the blade holder. The example below
shows a 75 mm blade. The usable length of this blade is
approximately 54 mm (2⅛"), which is 75 mm minus the 19
mm that does not extend below the saw’s sole plate, minus
the distance of the lowest tooth from the tip of the blade.
Tooth Set
The term “tooth Set” refers to whether the teeth of the
blade extend out past the body of the blade. This permits
the kerf of the blade’s cut to be wider than the body of the
blade, which reduces the likelihood of the blade binding in
the cut or overheating due to friction.
► Conical ground blades (also called tapered or trapezoidal
blades) do not have any set in their teeth, but the body of
the blade is ground to be narrower that the width of the
teeth. These blades provide very smooth cuts because the
teeth are not set side-to-side from the body of the blade,
but the body of the blade still has some clearance within
the saw kerf.
75mm
Usable Length
Approx. 54 mm
19mm
► Side Set teeth are when each individual tooth is alter-
nately bent to the left or right of the blade body. This
results in the kerf width to be wider than the blade body,
and also makes these blades more aggressive in their cut-
ting action. However, the wider the tooth set, the rougher
the cut surface will be.
Tooth Type
Saw blades will have different types of teeth depending
on the purpose of the blade and the type of material it is
expected to cut.
► Wavy set teeth are used almost exclusively for fine-tooth
blades, such as metal cutting or fine scroll blades. The
teeth are so close together that it is not possible to put
a set on each tooth separately, so the teeth are set in
groups with a waving pattern down the length of the body.
► Angle ground teeth are the most common type of teeth
for wood cutting applications. These teeth have sharpened
sides as well as sharp points to provide effective side cut-
ting of the teeth, and not just the tips.
► Straight ground teeth are more typical for plastic and
metal cutting blades, but some wood cutting blades may
also have straight ground teeth. The tips of the teeth are
the primary cutting edges for the blade.
No Set
► Carbide tipped blades provide for longer blade life.
Side Set
Carbide is a harder metal that does not dull as quickly as
14
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Operation
Using Dust Extraction
The Carvex jigsaw can be used with or without a dust
extraction system. For best results, however, a dust extrac-
tion system (such as the Festool CT 22 shown below) should
be used. Festool dust extractors have the added features
of variable speed, and sensing when the corded model saw
is turned on. When a corded model saw is plugged into the
electrical outlet on the vacuum, the vacuum will automati-
cally start when the saw is turned on, and will remain run-
ning for a couple of seconds after the saw turns off to clear
the remaining dust.
3. Slide the vacuum hose over the dust collection port. The
outside diameter of the port is approximately 27 mm.
Vacuum
Hose
NOTE: A battery operated saw will not activate the
automatic function of the vacuum. The vacuum will
have to be activated manually.
Dust
Collection Port
1. To use the dust extraction system, install the dust collec-
2. For improved air flow of the vacuum, slide the chip guard
4. For corded models, plug the jigsaw into the electrical
receptacle on the front of the dust extractor, and turn the
power switch to “Auto”.
down.
► When the power switch is in the manual or off position,
the electrical outlet will not have any power.
Chip
Guard
5. For cordless models, turn the power switch to manual.
Slide
Saw’s
Power Cord
Power Switch
Set to Auto
Dust
Collection Port
Using the Jigsaw with a Guide Rail
installed on the jigsaw, the saw may be used with a Festool
guide rail for performing straight cuts. In this configura-
tion, the distance from the rear edge of the guide rail to the
center of the blade is approximately 1⅜" (35mm).
5. Place the jigsaw base over the rear T-slot of the guide rail
and perform the cut as normal.
10.
2. Position the guide rail parallel to the desired cut line, and
1⅜” (35mm) away from the center of the cut. Note, you
will need to subtract ½ the thickness of the blade to set
the distance to the edge of the cut instead of the center
of the cut.
3. Clamp the guide rail to the workpiece.
NOTE: The body of the jigsaw does not press down
on the guide rail. To reduce the chance of slipping, it
is recommended to clamp the guide rail.
Guide Rail
Base
1⅜" (35mm)
4. For best results, it is recommended to use a blade with a
wide tooth side set, such as the FSG blades.
Supplemental Owner’s Manual
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Using the Trammel to Cut Circles
The optional circle cutter (trammel) permits the jigsaw to
cut circular holes in a workpiece from the minimum and
maximum sizes shown in the table below.
1. Identify the location of the center of the arc or circle you
wish to cut.
2. Drill a 4mm (5/32") hole at the center of the arc or circle.
3. Loosen the clamping knob and extend the tape measure
until the index pointers are pointing to the desired radius.
The radius is 1/2 the diameter of a circle.
Min
Inch
113/16
Max
Inch
59
Min
mm
46
Max
mm
1500
Radius
4. Retighten the clamping knob.
35
118
92
3000
Diameter
5. Insert the trammel point pin through the trammel point
of the circle cutter, and into the hole you drilled into the
workpiece above.
The optional circle cutting trammel attachment mounts
to the underside of the optional guide rail base (see page
10). The circle cutting attachment contains the following
features:
► There are 2 trammel points on the circle cutter. One is
for clockwise rotation and the other for counterclockwise
rotation. Use the trammel point that is directly across
from the sawblade when the circle cutter is mounted to
the jigsaw.
► Built-in tape guide showing the cutting radius from 46 mm
to 1500 mm.
► Clamping knob to lock the trammel at the desired radius.
6. Install the desired sawblade into the saw. If the radius/
diameter of the cut is small, use a scrolling sawblade. For
larger diameter circles, the high side set teeth of the FSG
blades will probably work best.
► Index pointers and trammel points for either right- or left-
hand mounting to the jigsaw base.
► Trammel points for either clockwise or counterclockwise
cutting directions.
7. Install the guide rail base on the saw as described on
► Trammel point pin with on-tool storage location.
8. If you are cutting a full circle, you will need a starting
point for the sawblade that lines up with your circle.
Trammel Point
Pin Storage
a. Using a pencil and the cutting indicator, trace out a
portion of the circle where you will manually begin
cutting.
Clockwise
Trammel Point
b. Drill a hole on the waste-side of your circle large
enough to insert the sawblade into.
c. Use this starting hole to manually begin cutting the
circle—just enough to get the sawblade lined up with
the cut.
Index
Pointers
9. Place the jigsaw onto the circle cutter and continue with
the cut.
Clamping
Knob
10. Before completing the cut, make sure that both the
waste piece and the saved piece are supported.
Counterclockwise
Trammel Point
Cutting
Indicator
Guide Rail
Base
Underside
of Jigsaw
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Making Bevel Cuts
Bevel cuts may be made with the optional angle base. The
angle base provides bevel angles up to 48° to the left and
to the right. It can also function on both inside and outside
corners for edge registration.
To adjust the bevel angle, rotate the adjustment knob on
the rear of the angle base. Rotating the knob clockwise
raises the bevel feet. Rotating the knob counterclockwise
lowers the bevel feet.
The best way of setting the bevel angle is to set the angle
between the left and right bevel feet. The angle between the
bevel feet will be twice the bevel angle.
Hint: A digital angle finder is ideal for this operation.
In the example below, the angle finder was reset to
zero when the two arms were pointing in opposite
directions (180°). The reading on the display (45°) is
twice the actual bevel angle (22.5°).
Down
Bevel
Feet
Up
Adjustment
Knob
For setting the approximate angle, the angle base includes
a built-in angle indicator that shows the angle between the
base and the blade.
Indicator
Lines
Pointer
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Maintenance and Adjustment
WARNING! Any maintenance or repair work
that requires opening of the motor or gear hous-
ing should be carried out only by an authorized
Customer Service Center (see your dealer for
information on locating a service center).
NOTICE: Do not use compressed air to clean the
motor housing of the tool, as you could inject for-
eign objects into the motor through the ventilation
openings.
NOTICE: Certain cleaning agents and solvents are
harmful to plastic parts. Some of these include, but
are not limited to: Gasoline, Acetone, Methyl Ethyl
Ketone (MEK), Carbonyl Chloride, cleaning solutions
containing Chlorine, Ammonia, and household clean-
ers containing Ammonia.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electrocution or
other personal injury, always unplug the tool from
the power supply outlet or remove the battery
before performing any maintenance or repair work
on the tool.
Routine Maintenance
Keep the Saw Clean
► As a general rule, keep the saw clean of all dust and
debris. Even soft-wood dust can be abrasive over time.
Dust and debris from some materials can be extremely
abrasive and cause components within the saw to wear
prematurely. It is important to keep moving parts cleared of
abrasive dusts.
► Examine all moving parts for dust and debris.
► Keep the blade area and dust extraction port clean of
debris. Debris can cause wear and reduce the effective-
ness of the dust extraction system.
Adjustments
Programming the LED light Function
WARNING! The stroboscopic function of the LED
light may make it difficult to determine the blade
position, or give the appearance that the blade is
not moving.
3. Simultaneously press and hold both left and right barrel
power switches until the saw beeps.
► If the saw turns on, turn it back off and try again.
The saw may turn on if both switches are not pressed
simultaneously.
WARNING! Never look directly into the LED lights.
The lights are very bright and may damage your
vision.
► It will take approximately 10 seconds for the saw to
beep from the time you first pressed the two switches.
► The LED lights may or may not come on after the saw
beeps, depending on the previous program mode.
The LED work lights have 3 programmable settings. These
are stroboscopic, steady-on, and off. To reduce the likeli-
hood of the bright LED lights from shining in the operator’s
eyes, the lights will automatically turn off any time the saw
is rotated slightly past vertical toward the upside down posi-
tion. These three operating modes are described below:
4. When the saw beeps, release both power switches.
5. Press and release the right-hand power switch to cycle
through the 3 programming options.
► The LED lights will indicate the current program mode.
They will flash if in stroboscopic mode. They will be
steady-on for steady-on mode. They will be off for the
off-mode.
Stroboscopic: The stroboscopic function means that the
LEDs will operate in unison with the speed of the sawblade
stroke. This synchronous operation will make the sawblade
appear stationary, instead of a blur of motion. The purpose
of this stopped-motion appearance is to make it easier to
follow a pencil line.
6. When the desired program mode is selected, Pres and
release the left-hand power switch to exit program-mode.
The stroboscopic effect is active only when the blade speed
is above approximately 2100 strokes per minute. This
means the frequency range of the light is 35 to 63 Hertz.
Steady-On: In the steady-on mode, the LED lights will be
active and steady-on anytime the saw is operating, except
when the saw is turned upside down.
Off: In this mode, the LED lights are disabled.
WARNING! Do not perform this adjustment with a
sawblade installed in the jigsaw. This adjustment
may result in the saw starting unexpectedly.
Left Power
Switch
Right Power
Switch
8.
2. Hold the saw in such a manner that when the LED lights
turn on, they will not shine directly into your eyes.
18
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Troubleshooting
Symptom
Possible Causes
Motor does not start
► Check that the cord is properly plugged into an outlet.
(corded models)
► Make sure the Plug-it connector is properly inserted and fully tightened.
► Make sure the outlet has power. Check the circuit breaker or try another outlet.
► If used with a Festool dust extractor, make sure the selector switch is pointing to “Auto”.
The auxiliary outlet on the dust extractor has power only when the selector is at Auto.
► Inspect the power cord (including extension cords) for damage or missing prongs.
Motor does not start
► Make sure the battery is properly charged and correctly installed on the saw. If possible,
try a different battery to determine if the problem persists.
(cordless models)
LED work lights not
functioning properly
The LEDs have 3 programmable options for “steady-on”, “stroboscopic”, and “off”.
► The LEDs will turn off if the saw is inverted or tilted slightly past the vertical position. This
is to prevent the lights from shining into the operator’s eyes. The LEDs will resume nor-
mal operation the next time the saw is turned on while in the normal horizontal position.
The saw blade will not
eject
► Make sure you have removed the splinter guard before attempting to eject the blade. The
blade cannot rotate with the splinter guard in place.
► Make sure to use the correct sawblade identified for use with a Carvex jigsaw. Some
blades may be too thick or have too much paint on the shank to easily slide out. If a thick
blade rotates to the eject position but does not come out, try to gently pull it out with
pliers.
► Inspect the blade holder to make sure it is in the Park position (fully retracted). If the
blade holder is not in the Park position, unplug the saw and press the tip of the blade
against a work surface to retract it.
Saw blade burns on the
rear of the blade shank
(away from the teeth)
Additional symptoms may include: bluish discoloration of the metal, sparks emanating from
the blade guide area, the blade bends backward even under a light cutting speed.
► The blade guides are set too close for the thickness of the saw blade. Readjust the blade
guides.
► The guides should barely contact the blade without restricting the movement of the
blade.
► Note that for thinner workpieces, the blade guides can be set fairly wide without
adversely affecting the cut quality.
Poor cut quality
► Make sure to use the correct blade for the desired cut:
► Saw blades with a wide set to the teeth will cut more aggressively (faster), but will
leave more scratches in the side of the cut.
► Saw blades with fewer teeth will cut more aggressively, but may be more prone to
chipping in some woods.
► Saw blades with a wider shank (front-to-rear) cut better in a straight line, but are more
difficult for cutting tight curves.
► Don’t force the saw through the cut. Let the blade work at the speed it was intended.
► Use the correct blade speed. Too slow of a speed may result in rough cuts. Too fast can
burn the workpiece.
Dust extractor will not
auto-start when the saw
starts
► If the speed of the saw is set to 1 and the saw is not yet cutting, it may not draw enough
power from the dust extractor to activate the auto-start function. The extractor should
start once the saw begins drawing more power during a cut.
► The saw’s power cord must be plugged into the extractor’s auxiliary outlet. The auto-start
feature will not function with battery powered jigsaws.
Supplemental Owner’s Manual
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Festool USA
400 N. Enterprise Blvd
Lebanon, IN 46052
Service Questions:
800-554-8741
Application Questions:
888-337-8600
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