Festool PSBC 420 Carvex: cordless D handle pendulum

What Festool tells you

The listing is brief. It names the model number 576530, confirms the cordless D handle design and says the tool performs similarly to a mains powered jigsaw. Germany is given as the country of origin. The specs list a weight of 1.87 kg and dimensions of about 20 by 30 by 8 cm.

There is no detail on stroke rate, number of pendulum settings, cutting depth or dust extraction, so you will need Festool's own data for those.

Pendulum and handle

The title confirms pendulum action, which is Festool's term for orbital cutting. The D handle gives a familiar top grip, with your hand above the motor. Many users find that easier for long straight cuts and for guiding the saw along a fence.

A light top handle saw is also easier to control one handed when you need to hold the workpiece steady with the other hand, although clamping it is always the better option.

Basic means bare

EB-Basic in Festool naming means the tool is sold without battery or charger. The specs mention that two lithium ion batteries are required. That makes it a tool for existing Festool cordless users rather than someone starting out.

Value question

The Carvex is the most expensive jigsaw family in our guide, and its listings give the least information. You are buying into Festool's system and reputation. If you need clearly listed features such as blade guidance or a dust blower, the Bosch GST 18V-155 BC and DeWalt DCS335N give more detail for less outlay.

For a professional on the Festool system, the value lies in sharing batteries and chargers with tools they already use daily, rather than in the spec sheet alone.

PSBC or PSC

The PSC 420 is the other Carvex in our guide, a little lighter at 1.78 kg and with a different grip. Choose by the handle style you prefer.