Consolidated FAQ for the TSC 55, PDC 18 and BHC 18.

[DB10]

I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut.  Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump?  If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?

You would be surprised how good the dust extraction on the TSC 55 with the dust bag is, I'm very happy with Mine. Check out the videos on You Tube, Phil from Festool UK has made a good one.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Also, i like the look of the dust drilling nozzle. Does it come with larger size fittings for drilling larger holes? that would be great! i could use when drilling with paddle/speed bits

Nope, don't think so.

I remember someone talking about how limited you are with the small diameter of the dust drilling nozzle.  This seems short sighted.  I'd love to have one of these if it could accommodate larger bits.  As is, I'll be passing on this one. 

 

[SittingElf]

First, the drilling dust nozzle was designed as an accessory for the BHC 18 and PDC 18.  It will work with other drills, but that was the original intent

As for drill sizes, it is designed for up to 12mm bits. Roughly 1/2".  I'm in our Georgia rental, away from my home shop in Florida, but being the fabulously smart guy I am and a former Boy Scout ("Be Prepared").... I happened to have brought the Dust Nozzle with me! [tongue] [wink] (Purchased last year in Germany)

I have used the nozzle with my T18, PDC 18 and BHC 18, and it performs brilliantly.  And YES... it WILL work with up to a 1/2" Bit! [big grin].... And maybe just a hair larger.

Here's a picture of the nozzle with a 1/2" bit in it... and it's still pretty loose.

[attachimg=1]

It's not designed for use with spade bits or forstners, but it works exceedingly well for collecting waste with bits up to 12mm/1'2".

Cheers,
Frank

 

[Phil Beckley]

I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut.  Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump?  If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?

You would be surprised how good the dust extraction on the TSC 55 with the dust bag is, I'm very happy with Mine. Check out the videos on You Tube, Phil from Festool UK has made a good one.

This is the link to the video


The T.S.C 55 is my personal favourite - Pick up and cut, a cut quality equal to the corded T.S.  [thumbs up]
rg
Phil

 

[Cheese]

[member=20326]SittingElf[/member]
Here's a shot with a 9/16" drill in the dust nozzle. So 14mm would be its metric limit.

[attachthumb=1]

[attachthumb=2]

 

[TelcoRandy]

Does the PDC have a all metal chuck?

Well that is disappointing, might as well just keep my 6 year old Hitachi.

I used to think an all metal chuck would be synonymous with quality. But after working a construction-oriented job for nearly 5 years I realize that all metal chucks just lead to more conspicuous damage when the drill chuck comes in contact with a metal frame/cabinet/support structure/equipment, etc. If I had a choice my Metabo drill would have a plastic coating on the chuck.

It is in my opinion that companies only make all metal chucks because they know a percentage of their consumer base will associate that with a higher quality product. I know I used to think that way, but I don't anymore. I wonder what Festool's motivation was for creating this chuck: https://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Accessories/Pages/Detail.aspx?pid=769065&name=Accessories-for-drills-percussion-drills-DR-18-4-and-PD-20-4-cordless-impact-drill-PDC-KC-13-1-2-MMFP

 

[DB10]

I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut.  Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump?  If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?

You would be surprised how good the dust extraction on the TSC 55 with the dust bag is, I'm very happy with Mine. Check out the videos on You Tube, Phil from Festool UK has made a good one.

This is the link to the video


The T.S.C 55 is my personal favourite - Pick up and cut, a cut quality equal to the corded T.S.  [thumbs up]
rg
Phil

I'll second that, If I was only allowed one Festool product, then it would be the TSC 55.

 

[leakyroof]

Also, i like the look of the dust drilling nozzle. Does it come with larger size fittings for drilling larger holes? that would be great! i could use when drilling with paddle/speed bits

Nope, don't think so.

I remember someone talking about how limited you are with the small diameter of the dust drilling nozzle.  This seems short sighted.  I'd love to have one of these if it could accommodate larger bits.  As is, I'll be passing on this one.

  As a small note Brice, I bought a Bosch version of this Festool dust nozzle that will handle up to 2 1/2" max bit size with the inner brush ring removed.  Stock size with the ring installed is 5/8" to 1 3/8". I bought it on Amazon.  Part # is HDC200.  I bought it for my much larger drill bits, I also have the small Festool nozzle for interior work where anchor sized bits will easily fit the smaller bushing of that nozzle.    ;D

 

[jacko9]

I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut.  Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump?  If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?

You would be surprised how good the dust extraction on the TSC 55 with the dust bag is, I'm very happy with Mine. Check out the videos on You Tube, Phil from Festool UK has made a good one.

This is the link to the video


The T.S.C 55 is my personal favourite - Pick up and cut, a cut quality equal to the corded T.S.  [thumbs up]
rg
Phil

I'll second that, If I was only allowed one Festool product, then it would be the TSC 55.

I've looked at that video several times and I can help but notice the cloud of wood dust being blown away by the wind.  That's not the kind of dust protection I want in my shop so this cordless saw might be well suited for outside application or it needs to hooked up to the dust extractor in the shop.

Jack

 

[Brice Burrell]

As a small note Brice, I bought a Bosch version of this Festool dust nozzle that will handle up to 2 1/2" max bit size with the inner brush ring removed.  Stock size with the ring installed is 5/8" to 1 3/8". I bought it on Amazon.  Part # is HDC200.  I bought it for my much larger drill bits, I also have the small Festool nozzle for interior work where anchor sized bits will easily fit the smaller bushing of that nozzle.    ;D

How does it fit with Festool hoses?

 

[Throwback7r]

I have found that all plastic chucks leave black marks on things that they shouldn't. Also, the plastic chucks end up looking chewed up from rubbing against screws and other assorted things. I just find it lacking to put a plastic outside on a hammer/ percussion drill that will get used on concrete and other really hard surfaces. I know I can buy the 600$ drill and then spend another 65$ on a different chuck just so I can have a metal one but why should I ?

Does the PDC have a all metal chuck?

Well that is disappointing, might as well just keep my 6 year old Hitachi.

I used to think an all metal chuck would be synonymous with quality. But after working a construction-oriented job for nearly 5 years I realize that all metal chucks just lead to more conspicuous damage when the drill chuck comes in contact with a metal frame/cabinet/support structure/equipment, etc. If I had a choice my Metabo drill would have a plastic coating on the chuck.

It is in my opinion that companies only make all metal chucks because they know a percentage of their consumer base will associate that with a higher quality product. I know I used to think that way, but I don't anymore. I wonder what Festool's motivation was for creating this chuck: https://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Accessories/Pages/Detail.aspx?pid=769065&name=Accessories-for-drills-percussion-drills-DR-18-4-and-PD-20-4-cordless-impact-drill-PDC-KC-13-1-2-MMFP

 

[campbellcraft]

Will the BHC and Carvex be able to exchange batteries?
Will the 5.2 ah batteries charge on a carvex charger?

Thanks

 

[Shane Holland]

Will the BHC and Carvex be able to exchange batteries?
Will the 5.2 ah batteries charge on a carvex charger?

Yes and yes.

 

[neeleman]

Yes both machines will take 12, 15 and 18V batteries.
The TCL 3 battery charger will take 5.2 Ah batteries.

 

[campbellcraft]

Thank you both, makes the BHC a little easier to buy.
(Shane, I'm still playing tennis and still going to Festool classes. Good luck in your new job.)

Bob Campbell

 

[Shane Holland]

Thanks, Bob!  [big grin]

 

[Rollin22Petes]

I went to see a conturo demo today and they had a new tsc55 also, although I'm not in the market for a cordless tracksaw I did play with it a little bit. The first thing I noticed is Festool added a positive stop on the the saw at the front location at the bevel gauge something the 55req lacks. So leads me to believe Festool knows this is a flaw in the 55req and if the are going to update the req or offer a fix for us guys that already have req as the new tsc55 looks to use the the exact same base [scratch chin] 

 

[SittingElf]

I went to see a conturo demo today and they had a new tsc55 also, although I'm not in the market for a cordless tracksaw I did play with it a little bit. The first thing I noticed is Festool added a positive stop on the the saw at the front location at the bevel gauge something the 55req lacks. So leads me to believe Festool knows this is a flaw in the 55req and if the are going to update the req or offer a fix for us guys that already have req as the new tsc55 looks to use the the exact same base [scratch chin]

I wouldn't describe the feature like that.  Yes, it IS nice to have the positive stop on the TSC, but to state that it was a "flaw" on the REQ alludes that there was something wrong with it.  Manufacturers improve their products all the time, based on user feedback, and design engineering updates. It doesn't mean that the previous model had a design problem, or needed a "fix". Maybe it was oversight, or that feedback from customers drove an improvement in new models. Describing features that you may have wanted, but are lacking on an existing tool as a "Flaw", is like saying that brushless new motors were designed to "fix" a "flawed" previous motor design.

Glad to see Festool continuing to incrementally develop their tools with new features and improvements as successive designs are introduced. Looking forward to grabbing a few 5.2amp batteries and seeing how they will improve...not "fix"... the endurance of the TSC55! [tongue]

Cheers,
Frank

 

[leakyroof]

As a small note Brice, I bought a Bosch version of this Festool dust nozzle that will handle up to 2 1/2" max bit size with the inner brush ring removed.  Stock size with the ring installed is 5/8" to 1 3/8". I bought it on Amazon.  Part # is HDC200.  I bought it for my much larger drill bits, I also have the small Festool nozzle for interior work where anchor sized bits will easily fit the smaller bushing of that nozzle.    ;D

How does it fit with Festool hoses?

  I will recheck for you tonight since I haven't used it in a long time. I seem to remember that the 27mm hose fit just fine, but I can't remember about the 36mm hose. 
The 27mm hose fits snugly in the Bosch nozzle. The 36mm hose fits, but will need a wrap of tape to keep it in since it looks like Bosch is using a hose end with tabs like the Planex hose to mate fully/tightly with its Dust Nozzle.
The Festool nozzle has the added advantage of the hose connection end being a swivel, so it's less likely to get hung up in your way against say, a wall or corner as you're placing the nozzle where you need to drill.

 

[jcpsmallwoodworkershop]

Dear Festool/Brent
its now a few days before launch, perhaps festool would officially anwser the following(no web page
offically in usa?)
is this festool's view on difference between BHC and PDC?
and how is the PDC different from the BHC internally?
or are both the PDC and BHC really a "hammer drill" internally and the difference
is the bpm or top rpm produced?

Can someone please explain the main differences between the BHC Hammer Drill and the PDC Percussion Drill

Why would someone choose one over the other?

My .02...

BHC is best suited for a lot of hammer drilling in masonary.  PDC is best for wood/steel and the occasional use of the "hammer" portion.  I am in the latter boat so that is the direction i went.  [member=1725]jonny round boy[/member] had a nice write up on this one when he got it... look for that thread on the best uses for the PDC.

Cheers.  Bryan.