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

[sae]

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?

BHC is a pneumatic rotary hammer. It literally like a small jackhammer, except adds rotation to the bit.
PDC is an electric drill with a vibration coupling in it. It doesn't produce any axial force except what you create by pushing on it.

You can turn off the hammering and drill wood/metal w/ the BHC, but it's heavy and slow.
You can drill masonry w/ the PDC w/ the vibrator, but it's slow and will make your hands tingly from the vibration.

Two different applications, both with a switch to turn on/off the hammering to make it more versatile, but in the end, pick the one that suits your applications the best. Or pick both.

 

[jcpsmallwoodworkershop]

thanks sae. great explanation.

 

[ear3]

If we use two 4.2Ah batteries on the TSC55 instead of the 5.2 batteries, is the difference just a matter of less runtime (but not less power)?

 

[tbellemare]

If we use two 4.2Ah batteries on the TSC55 instead of the 5.2 batteries, is the difference just a matter of less runtime (but not less power)?

Absolutely!

Tom

 

[ear3]

Thanks.

 

[Darren1972]

Bryan,
Yes, it will.

Brent

It does not have an impact wrench only impact drill ie hammer drill

Will any of the other drill kits come with attic systainers? Or better yet, what other kits in general will come with attic systainers?

 

[tbellemare]

If we use two 4.2Ah batteries on the TSC55 instead of the 5.2 batteries, is the difference just a matter of less runtime (but not less power)?

Absolutely!

Tom

I just reread this and want to clarify... My answer above is correct if the batteries are all of the same voltage and only the capacity (Ah rating) is different.

Tom

 

[zacharysyoung]

I'm looking to buy a 55-series TS, and have a battery/voltage-material question.  I'm interested in cutting mostly BB plywood (but also OSB, and Doug fir lumber).

Since:

• voltage determines blade speed (2650-3800 RPM @ 18V / 5200 RPM @ 36V)
• blade speed determines what materials can be cut

it seems that running at a lower voltage (single 12V, 15V, or 18V) might preclude the saw from cutting certain materials.

Are there prescribed materials that can be cut with two 18V batteries, that cannot be cut with a single 18V battery?

I've checked the TSC 55 manual and there is a table for speed settings (from the dial) for different materials, but that doesn't relate back to actual RPM.

 

[Shane Holland]

Zachary,

First, welcome to the forum.  [smile]

You should be able to cut those materials fine with a single battery. The lower speed will slow the cutting process but not limit what you can cut. Another way to say it is that it will take 1.5x or so longer to make the cut with one battery vs. two.

Edit: I wanted to also recommend that you consider a blade with a lower tooth count to increase cut speed if you plan to cut mostly with a single battery. The stock blade is a 48-tooth.

Shane

 

[Darren1972]

Ive just ordered the Tsc 55 li plunge saw will my 5.2 18 v batts from my bhc sds fit straight in or do i need to remove the rubber protectors first thanks

 

[Phil Beckley]

Ive just ordered the Tsc 55 li plunge saw will my 5.2 18 v batts from my bhc sds fit straight in or do i need to remove the rubber protectors first thanks

Hi
They will fit with the cover on.
rg
Phil

 

[Darren1972]

Thankyou phill ime pleased about that i thought they would after all its festool

 

[Darren1972]

Well i used my new tsc 55 all week and the verdict is excellent what a machine this is the best of the best by a long ways in my honest opinion i think its the best saw festool has ever made bar none the amount of dust it collects is phenomenal ive had it up on roofs with me had it on scaffold with me out in the wilds with no power source its been a real life saver i took two extra batteries and was good to go and they all fit in the sys two in machine and two in the sys all in all excellent so any questions i can answer now as i have not put the thing down since i bought it ha ha

 

[Phil Beckley]

Hi
The TSC is great and the feedback Darren

 

[yetihunter]

Is the Festool 769065 (in USA) 1/2 in. Metal Keyless Chuck ratcheting or
non-ratcheting?  Nothing wrong with the chuck that comes with the PDC, but I usually lock my drill bits via the brutal "no no don't do that" way.