Are There 2 Different Versions of the HK85?

[alltracman78]

I see the HK85 listed as 2300 watts a lot of places. But buying one in the UK is only 1900 watts. And I see multiple references to it being 1900 watts in this forum.

Is the older version 2300 watts? Are there different power levels for different markets?

 

[squall_line]

There is only one listing for the HK85 on the EKAT parts catalogue.

The user's manual for the HK85 specifies 1900W as the power.

 

[squall_line]

That said, it appears that the T-Loc versions of the tool are listed as 2300W in most places, with the Sys3-containered models listed as 1900W.

Perhaps a "truth in advertising" labeling change rather than a true replacement?

 

[luvmytoolz]

Hmmm...strange, Festool OZ has the spec listed as 1900W, but the manual states 2300W, and from memory it was 2300W. I'll have to check tonight.

I will say though I've been using it in anger quite a bit of late, and it is a sensational saw. Easily the best circular saw I've ever used.

Ripping a bunch of 3/4" thick strips of American White Oak was effortless in the handling and control, and they all turned out bang on. I really didn't expect that in something I thought I would use mainly as a big construction saw.

 

[alltracman78]

I figured it was marketing confusion but wanted to make sure.

Mine says 1900 watts on the saw.

I love it, no problem ripping through 2 inches of dry hickory.

It does have an issue, which I'll post in the problem forum.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Ok I checked the systainer and the rating plate on the saw and they both state 1900W. Definitely punches above it's weight!

 

[Coen]

If I compare 2019 NL catalog to 2022 NL catalog there are definitely some changes;

                             2019          2022
Power                       2300W       1900W
No-load rpm                 1500-3300    3500
Depth of cut at 90 deg      85mm        86mm
Weight                      7 kg           6.8 kg

This suggest they also removed the adjustable speed??

The used HK 85 I bought recently definitely lists 2300W on the Systainer.

I think the new manual is an edited version too, as it says;

You can continuously adjust the speed within
the speed range using the adjusting
wheel [1-17] (see "Technical data"). This enables
you to optimise the cutting speed to suit
each surface.

Great when the Technical data section only lists one speed 

I found the older manual too;https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1169340/Festool-Hk-85-Eb.html?page=10#manual
It clearly lists 2300W and the no-load rpm 1500-3300

I did notice a lot of used HK 85's being listed as having been revised by Festool Service. No idea how / what / why, but maybe the had a hardware revision on the motor? The guy editing the manual definitely screwed up though.

Also the vibrations are now listed according to EN 62841 while the older manual used EN 60745

Same applies to noise; also listed under different norm. I have no on hand knowledge about how to compare those.

 

[Coen]

My HK 85 from 10-2018 is 2300W according to typle plate, Systainer and manual.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Checked my (1900W) HK85 and it is variable speed. Product number is 576143, current model bought last year.

 

[Coen]

And is it actually 6,8 instead of 7,0 kg? And with or without the cord and (what) blade?

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I'm always a bit mixed on the variable speed thing. The only machines that I have ever had issues with have been related to the "electronics" of either "soft-start" or some kind of speed matching/compensating under load type of technology.
I lost 2 different 2 hp Triton routers, years ago, because of that. They would run all day long in the router table, cutting rabbets, grooves, etc. in sheet goods, but give it some load that taxes it enough to kick in the electronics? It might not fare so well. I had one fixed, the first time, and was told it was unfixable the second time. I bought the second one to replace it, because the first one lasted 6 years in a commercial environment. The second one died in the first 30 days, was repaired under warranty, and run for years, before being destroyed by a fire.
That is why I replaced them with the bigger 3hp model the last time. I'm still not 100% impressed with those either. I have already had a brush failure with one of them, which is why I have 2 now. I couldn't get replacement brushes as quickly as I could get a new router. I had to be back up and running, so I ordered both and started using the new one, while I waited for the brushes. I got a spare variable-speed unit at the same time, just in case. Or course, since I now have 2 of these routers, I'll never need it, but ok.
I just can't totally ignore them because the ergonomics/form-factor is perfect for router table use. I don't really like them "in hand", but in the table, yes very much.

 

[petar73]

Mine is 1900w and the power is fine, but too slow (revs) and cut quality is the worst than all my saws. It is a good framing saw, but it has too much blade wobbling or play in the bearing (not sure) for finish cuts and the only festool tool I sometimes regret buying.

 

[Coen]

Hmm, it's 18% lower in velocity at edge of blade compared to the TS55

 

[luvmytoolz]

Mine is 1900w and the power is fine, but too slow (revs) and cut quality is the worst than all my saws. It is a good framing saw, but it has too much blade wobbling or play in the bearing (not sure) for finish cuts and the only festool tool I sometimes regret buying.

That's interesting, it's pretty much what I expected from my HK85, as it looks so bulky, but I've been ripping a bunch of oak for skirtings using the fence and the results really surprised me, they were bang on size and the saw was very easy to handle, way more than I expected.

I've got no detectable wobble or play with my one, edges come out really clean, they barely need a touch up with sandpaper.

 

[alltracman78]

Mine is 1900w and the power is fine, but too slow (revs) and cut quality is the worst than all my saws. It is a good framing saw, but it has too much blade wobbling or play in the bearing (not sure) for finish cuts and the only festool tool I sometimes regret buying.

Funny you say that, because my saw has what I think is a loose bearing too. I have some blade wobble, my commutator is a little chewed up and it throws the occasional red spark out. Cutting power seemed good but it didn't cut as smooth as I'd hoped either.
I haven't torn it apart yet to fix it. I need to get on that so I can order hopefully just an armature and brushes.

 

[petar73]

Good luck with the repair. Mine cuts straight and my only complain is that the cuts are not as smooth as my ts55 and makita circular saws. I will try more setting up to do and see if I could get rid the saw marks.

 

[petar73]

After some more adjustments the saw is cutting much cleaner and nearly as good as the ts55.
I did try another hk85 today as well with my own blade and did not notice any deference (even thought my saw was a little better). The play (if any) was identical on both saws.
Thank you all for your comments especially luvmytoolz for giving me the urge to try more setting-up.

 

[Coen]

What did you adjust? The parallelism of the blade vs the rail?

 

[petar73]

Yes, I have done it before, but this time I moved the back end of the blade even more out that I thought it was necessary. My ts55 is parallel to the rail and cut very well and that is why I had hk85  just a hair more out as I was using ts 55 for reference. 
I hope I make any sense, as my English is not good enough for detailed explanation. 

 

[luvmytoolz]

Glad you got it working good, I found it a very surprisingly manageable and accurate saw, especially given the size. I was never able to get this level of ease or quality edge cuts out of my other Makita/Hitachi saws.