Author Topic: HK 55 has TS 55 motor? (Read 3877 times)

LagomWare · « **on:** June 04, 2019, 01:00 PM »

Hi All,
Lurker here-- I am a young self employed carp in Duluth MN and have been using the HKC 55 saw for a variety of work and have been curious for a long time if poping for the HK 55 would be worth it for more oomph-- however, the motor specs seem to be the same for the TS 55. Does anyone have experience using both (ts 55 and hk 55) that can compare the low end power for ripping lumber? In other words, is the HK 55 just a rebagged TS 55 motor thats going to have a really hard time ripping long tapers in 2x lumber? I've done this with the HKC which works if you go really slow and steady but is obviously not ideal. I've pm'ed Gensmer on here about it and he said the HK would have more power but the real treasures are Mafell--Mafell saws are way out of the budget.
Thanks,
Lagom

ScotF · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2019, 04:32 PM »

HK has more power than the HKC. I have and use both. The HK uses a thin kerf blade and has had plenty of power cutting hardwood and framing lumber. Different blades are available. I have found the TS55 to feel less powerful and opted for a TS75 instead. I have not found the HK to be lacking at all other than not being able to cut 45 degrees in 2x material.

LagomWare · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2019, 04:35 PM »

Scotf,
Perfect—Thank you! That’s all I needed to know!
Cheers,
L

Tom Gensmer · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2019, 09:30 AM »

You could also check out this Makita saw. Dual- 18v batteries, dust extraction, and the base is FS-compatible.

https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/XSH08Z

LagomWare · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2019, 12:56 PM »

I had no idea Makita made a saw for that, I just assumed they stopped at their inline saw and dedicated track saw. Very interesting, Thanks Tom!

Svar · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2019, 01:02 PM »

Quote from: LagomWare on June 06, 2019, 12:56 PM

I had no idea Makita made a saw for that, I just assumed they stopped at their inline saw and dedicated track saw. Very interesting, Thanks Tom!

Note that Makita in the link above is compatible only with FS rail, but not with FSK rail.

LagomWare · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2019, 07:05 PM »

Right, Got that. Can anyone confirm for me that the HK 55 does indeed use a TS 55 motor?
I used my HKC to crosscut an air dried 2" maple slab I milled last year, to make a coffee table, and the saw did it, just went slow with soft pressure-- Is the HK 55 noticeably more powerful, enough so that I could push it a bit through cuts?
-L

Tom Gensmer · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2019, 09:32 AM »

I suppose I should ask if you want to be able to use a more powerful saw with the FSK tracks, or if you’re just looking for more raw ripping power is it ok for the saw to just work with the FS tracks? There are a multitude of other saws that work with the FS tracks, including the older Hilti WSC-267 hypoid saw (this saw is a dream, particularly for ripping), Metabo and Bosch also offer some “regular” sidewinder-style saws with dust collection that are compatible with FS-tracks.

ScotF · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2019, 05:34 PM »

Quote from: LagomWare on June 06, 2019, 07:05 PM

Right, Got that. Can anyone confirm for me that the HK 55 does indeed use a TS 55 motor?
I used my HKC to crosscut an air dried 2" maple slab I milled last year, to make a coffee table, and the saw did it, just went slow with soft pressure-- Is the HK 55 noticeably more powerful, enough so that I could push it a bit through cuts?
-L

I think it is the same motor. I would try one and use the 30 days to see if it works for you. Only way to really confirm. I also have some Mafell tools and they are awesome. A little more money than Festool, which I find to be capable in this particular saw.

LagomWare · « **Reply #9 on:** June 09, 2019, 01:13 PM »

Quote from: Tom Gensmer on June 07, 2019, 09:32 AM

I suppose I should ask if you want to be able to use a more powerful saw with the FSK tracks, or if you’re just looking for more raw ripping power is it ok for the saw to just work with the FS tracks? There are a multitude of other saws that work with the FS tracks, including the older Hilti WSC-267 hypoid saw (this saw is a dream, particularly for ripping), Metabo and Bosch also offer some “regular” sidewinder-style saws with dust collection that are compatible with FS-tracks.

Hey Tom,
I looked at that Hilti, it looks awesome as a powerful construction oriented track saw and stand alone circular saw-- very spendy though. I found one on Ebay, new, complete with a track for $799-- like a new TS 75 package price essentially.
Yes I want a more powerful saw to use on FSK and FS tracks, that basically just leaves the HK 55-- but I'd be real unhappy if I bought one and it limped through rips on treated lumber or struggled gang cutting a few sheets of ply like a TS 55.

But the thing is-- with a ripe battery the HKC doesn't perform badly, in fact its a totally workable saw and very useful. But if I had that functionality and could plow through stuff like an ape... thats a different story altogether.
Anyway, just curious. Thanks for all the info and data guys. Its very helpful to my lizard brain.

ScotF · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2019, 03:51 PM »

Again, I would try the saw for 30 days and see if it works.

LagomWare · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2019, 05:56 PM »

Yep, thanks, thats a smart plan. The local store where I live, AcmeTools, does not have these in stock so I would have to order it. DankeSchon.

MF Custom · « **Reply #12 on:** June 09, 2019, 07:43 PM »

Quote from: Tom Gensmer on June 05, 2019, 09:30 AM

You could also check out this Makita saw. Dual- 18v batteries, dust extraction, and the base is FS-compatible.

https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/XSH08Z

This new cordless Makita saw is going to be just what Ive been looking for to use on job sites. Now Makita needs FSK style tracks for this saw! The Makita dual 18 volt battery setup works very well and is very powerful with plenty of run time. I might not use my HK 55 anymore...

LagomWare · « **Reply #13 on:** June 09, 2019, 09:43 PM »

Quote from: MF Custom on June 09, 2019, 07:43 PM

Quote from: Tom Gensmer on June 05, 2019, 09:30 AM
You could also check out this Makita saw. Dual- 18v batteries, dust extraction, and the base is FS-compatible.

https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/XSH08Z

This new cordless Makita saw is going to be just what Ive been looking for to use on job sites. Now Makita needs FSK style tracks for this saw! The Makita dual 18 volt battery setup works very well and is very powerful with plenty of run time. I might not use my HK 55 anymore...

Mf Custom, what have you been using your HK for? I got into this whole mess because I did a timber frame with a colleague for another builder; it was an upscale restaurant addition/bar on the north shore of lake superior-- I cut my share of the frame with just a cheapo Hitachi 7 1/4 and a Big Foot 10 1/4 kit slapped onto my grandfathers old craftsman industrial-- we used a massive Mafell with the 185mm depth as a cutoff saw-- I subbed for the rest of the project and ended up building a house over the timber frame because we didn't have time for sips-- I needed a cordless circ saw for some of the roof framing and a track saw for soffits and after my mafell exposure stumbled into Acme tools and they had the HKC 55 that looked familiar-- so I bought it and got a discount. Since then its been invaluable but its got irritating limitations-- I can live with the 1/16" hair on 45 degree miters but feel like for every bit of time I save using the system, I lose in babying the cuts-- so if the HK rips on through, thats a good saw. It seems like a pound for pound copy of the mafell kss 400.

MF Custom · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2019, 07:44 AM »

I can't give you a honest opinion of my HK 55 yet because it's still new to me and i have only made a few cross cuts with it on 1x material. However, I did originally want the HKC but understand it can be a bit under powered, and didn't want to get into another battery platform and expense. The Makita dual 18 volt battery setup on their circular saws has lots of power and plenty of run time! I have the Makita cordless track saw and love it. I was hoping Makita would introduce a HKC style construction saw with FSK tracks. Hopefully we see a FSK style track for this saw... Sorry I can't be of more help...

Sanderxpander · « **Reply #15 on:** June 10, 2019, 01:48 PM »

Quote from: LagomWare on June 09, 2019, 09:43 PM

Quote from: MF Custom on June 09, 2019, 07:43 PM
Quote from: Tom Gensmer on June 05, 2019, 09:30 AM
You could also check out this Makita saw. Dual- 18v batteries, dust extraction, and the base is FS-compatible.

https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/XSH08Z

This new cordless Makita saw is going to be just what Ive been looking for to use on job sites. Now Makita needs FSK style tracks for this saw! The Makita dual 18 volt battery setup works very well and is very powerful with plenty of run time. I might not use my HK 55 anymore...

Mf Custom, what have you been using your HK for? I got into this whole mess because I did a timber frame with a colleague for another builder; it was an upscale restaurant addition/bar on the north shore of lake superior-- I cut my share of the frame with just a cheapo Hitachi 7 1/4 and a Big Foot 10 1/4 kit slapped onto my grandfathers old craftsman industrial-- we used a massive Mafell with the 185mm depth as a cutoff saw-- I subbed for the rest of the project and ended up building a house over the timber frame because we didn't have time for sips-- I needed a cordless circ saw for some of the roof framing and a track saw for soffits and after my mafell exposure stumbled into Acme tools and they had the HKC 55 that looked familiar-- so I bought it and got a discount. Since then its been invaluable but its got irritating limitations-- I can live with the 1/16" hair on 45 degree miters but feel like for every bit of time I save using the system, I lose in babying the cuts-- so if the HK rips on through, thats a good saw. It seems like a pound for pound copy of the mafell kss 400.

As far as I understand the Mafell is firmer on the track and over has less "slop".

lwoirhaye · « **Reply #16 on:** June 10, 2019, 06:29 PM »

I've had a TS and presently have an HK. I'd say they're about the same in terms of power. The TS I found underpowered in ripping hardwoods and I bet the HK is about the same.

Mafell spec saw blades are a little thinner than Festool and there can be a little bump in perceived power from that.

LagomWare · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2019, 08:01 PM »

Quote from: lwoirhaye on June 10, 2019, 06:29 PM

I've had a TS and presently have an HK. I'd say they're about the same in terms of power. The TS I found underpowered in ripping hardwoods and I bet the HK is about the same.

Mafell spec saw blades are a little thinner than Festool and there can be a little bump in perceived power from that.

Ya, makes sense that a thin kerf blade would be easier on the motor but the specs being equal, I assumed they'd perform more or less similarly regardless of blade drag. Thanks man.

TXFIVEO · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2019, 08:57 PM »

Used my HKC for the first time today. Loved it. Cut through 8/4 Alder, Poplar and White Oak with ease. 95% of my cuts are 90 degrees so it cut through them like butter.

MF Custom · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2019, 09:30 PM »

Quote from: LagomWare on June 09, 2019, 09:43 PM

Quote from: MF Custom on June 09, 2019, 07:43 PM
Quote from: Tom Gensmer on June 05, 2019, 09:30 AM
You could also check out this Makita saw. Dual- 18v batteries, dust extraction, and the base is FS-compatible.

https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/XSH08Z

This new cordless Makita saw is going to be just what Ive been looking for to use on job sites. Now Makita needs FSK style tracks for this saw! The Makita dual 18 volt battery setup works very well and is very powerful with plenty of run time. I might not use my HK 55 anymore...

Mf Custom, what have you been using your HK for? I got into this whole mess because I did a timber frame with a colleague for another builder; it was an upscale restaurant addition/bar on the north shore of lake superior-- I cut my share of the frame with just a cheapo Hitachi 7 1/4 and a Big Foot 10 1/4 kit slapped onto my grandfathers old craftsman industrial-- we used a massive Mafell with the 185mm depth as a cutoff saw-- I subbed for the rest of the project and ended up building a house over the timber frame because we didn't have time for sips-- I needed a cordless circ saw for some of the roof framing and a track saw for soffits and after my mafell exposure stumbled into Acme tools and they had the HKC 55 that looked familiar-- so I bought it and got a discount. Since then its been invaluable but its got irritating limitations-- I can live with the 1/16" hair on 45 degree miters but feel like for every bit of time I save using the system, I lose in babying the cuts-- so if the HK rips on through, thats a good saw. It seems like a pound for pound copy of the mafell kss 400.

You might want to see if a 165 mm blade will fit in your HKC for cutting 45 bevels all the way through when on the track...

Cheese · « **Reply #20 on:** June 10, 2019, 11:45 PM »

Quote from: lwoirhaye on June 10, 2019, 06:29 PM

I've had a TS and presently have an HK. I'd say they're about the same in terms of power. The TS I found underpowered in ripping hardwoods and I bet the HK is about the same.

Well that's not good...I have a TS which actually struggles more than the TSC which in-turn struggles more than the HKC. I was ripping aromatic cedar recently and got my best results with using the 1 battery HKC versus the 2 battery TSC.

TSC top strip, HKC bottom strip.

LagomWare · « **Reply #21 on:** June 11, 2019, 02:45 PM »

Quote from: MF Custom on June 10, 2019, 09:30 PM

Quote from: LagomWare on June 09, 2019, 09:43 PM
Quote from: MF Custom on June 09, 2019, 07:43 PM
Quote from: Tom Gensmer on June 05, 2019, 09:30 AM
You could also check out this Makita saw. Dual- 18v batteries, dust extraction, and the base is FS-compatible.

https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/XSH08Z

This new cordless Makita saw is going to be just what Ive been looking for to use on job sites. Now Makita needs FSK style tracks for this saw! The Makita dual 18 volt battery setup works very well and is very powerful with plenty of run time. I might not use my HK 55 anymore...

Mf Custom, what have you been using your HK for? I got into this whole mess because I did a timber frame with a colleague for another builder; it was an upscale restaurant addition/bar on the north shore of lake superior-- I cut my share of the frame with just a cheapo Hitachi 7 1/4 and a Big Foot 10 1/4 kit slapped onto my grandfathers old craftsman industrial-- we used a massive Mafell with the 185mm depth as a cutoff saw-- I subbed for the rest of the project and ended up building a house over the timber frame because we didn't have time for sips-- I needed a cordless circ saw for some of the roof framing and a track saw for soffits and after my mafell exposure stumbled into Acme tools and they had the HKC 55 that looked familiar-- so I bought it and got a discount. Since then its been invaluable but its got irritating limitations-- I can live with the 1/16" hair on 45 degree miters but feel like for every bit of time I save using the system, I lose in babying the cuts-- so if the HK rips on through, thats a good saw. It seems like a pound for pound copy of the mafell kss 400.
You might want to see if a 165 mm blade will fit in your HKC for cutting 45 bevels all the way through when on the track...

Hey MF Custom,
I actually bought a Makita 6.5" blade today before reading your reply, Its .073" thick at the kerf which is the same but alas-- will not fit in the HKC. So if there are those that have done it, they must have saws with a slightly larger blade guard then mine-- I took off the riving knife to check as well, no go.

LagomWare · « **Reply #22 on:** June 11, 2019, 03:18 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on June 10, 2019, 11:45 PM

Quote from: lwoirhaye on June 10, 2019, 06:29 PM
I've had a TS and presently have an HK. I'd say they're about the same in terms of power. The TS I found underpowered in ripping hardwoods and I bet the HK is about the same.

Well that's not good...I have a TS which actually struggles more than the TSC which in-turn struggles more than the HKC. I was ripping aromatic cedar recently and got my best results with using the 1 battery HKC versus the 2 battery TSC.

TSC top strip, HKC bottom strip.

(Attachment Link)

The HKC has gotten me through a lot in the 8 months I've had it. I built an addition for a client January-April and used the HKC for nearly every step-- I framed the walls and roof with it, floor joists, ripped all the sheathing, it shut down only once due to the cold, it was below zero almost every day and thats because I left the batteries in my truck. Its major strength is that 1) it takes up no space, so you don't lose your environment to the miter saw and table saw stands, 2) its battery powered so if you have charged packs you just pick it up and go, 3) has just enough juice to do what its supposed to but nothing more, its easy to max it out.
I have found it to be really clumsy when using it as a normal circ saw-- when we're scarfing something or cutting rafters we leave the base sole loose on a normal circ-saw and use it like a chop saw, plunging it often-- the HKC gets wickedly clumsy trying to do anything off of the tracks. Buts for what it is the little nipper is good.

I came here to try to ascertain if I should buy the corded saw. I'm thinking now that I'll just keep to what I have already.

MF Custom · « **Reply #23 on:** June 11, 2019, 06:08 PM »

I'm waiting for the new Makita 7 1/4" 36 volt circular saw with the track saw base.