Festool cordless circular saw voltage

[Michael Kellough]

Festool is not always clear or complete in it's descriptions of the tool specs.
So, I have to ask...

The TSC;

"Battery Voltage 1x 15 V - 2x 18 V (36 V)"

The HKC;

"Battery voltage 18 V "

Is this right? The HKC can only use 18 V batteries?

Another example, the text description for the TSC says;

"It's compatible with 12-volt, 15-volt and 18-volt batteries"

So, which batteries can the two cordless circular saws use?

 

[Shane Holland]

It They (HKC/TSC) can use 15 or 18v batteries. Batteries below 18v will just cause the saw to run slower.

 

[bobfog]

It can use 12, 15 or 18v batteries. Batteries below 18v will just cause the saw to run slower.

Is it possible that if the saw is used with sub 18v batteries and subjected to cutting stock at the thicker end of its maximum capacity that the cooling will be compromised due to reduced run speeds and cause premature wear to the motor?

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

It is my understanding that the 18v version has somewhat lower power than the corded version and is best suited to processing 1x material and sheet goods. Not to say it couldn't cut thicker material, but you may be better served with the corded version if you plan on cutting mostly 2x materials....

 

[Michael Kellough]

It is my understanding that the 18v version has somewhat lower power than the corded version and is best suited to processing 1x material and sheet goods. Not to say it couldn't cut thicker material, but you may be better served with the corded version if you plan on cutting mostly 2x materials....

Another example, there are two saws in question here.

Or is one considered multi-voltage and the other only 18 V?

 

[Shane Holland]

Sorry, Michael, that I wasn't specific. All of the cordless saws are capable of using the full assortment of battery voltages.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Thanks Shane that's very good to know and also unique to Festool isn't it?

Do any other cordless saws take multiple battery voltages, other than Dewalt?

By the way, can you explain why;

Festool 18v 5.2Ah battery cost $65

Milwaukee 18v 5Ah battery cost $129?

This is just counter to everything I know about the brands.

 

[Shane Holland]

Yes, I believe you're correct that other brands do not have downward compatibility with their batteries.

I cannot speak about the reasons for Festool pricing models with certainty, but I believe it was so that the price of a bare tool + batteries + chargers aligned with the price of the set versions of the tools.

 

[Brice Burrell]

...By the way, can you explain why;

Festool 18v 5.2Ah battery cost $65

Milwaukee 18v 5Ah battery cost $129?

This is just counter to everything I know about the brands.

Just wait until the new air stream batteries come out, I'm sure they will be more of the "Festool price" we're used to. [tongue]

 

[TylerC]

The TSC can use either 15 V or 18 V.
The HKC can only user 18 V. You could probably use a 15 V, but it isn't likely to give sufficient power.

 

[Shane Holland]

The TSC can use either 15 V or 18 V.
The HKC can only user 18 V. You could probably use a 15 V, but it isn't likely to give sufficient power.

I misspoke there about the 12v. I thought I remembered using the TSC with a 12v and 18v battery before, but maybe I'm wrong. I'll edit my previous posts.

Thanks for the correction, Tyler.

 

[Brice Burrell]

The TSC can use either 15 V or 18 V.
The HKC can only user 18 V. You could probably use a 15 V, but it isn't likely to give sufficient power.

I misspoke there about the 12v. I thought I remembered using the TSC with a 12v and 18v battery before, but maybe I'm wrong. I'll edit my previous posts.

Thanks for the correction, Tyler.

I'd guess Tyler excluded the 12V since it is discontinued?

 

[Michael Kellough]

The TSC can use either 15 V or 18 V.
The HKC can only user 18 V. You could probably use a 15 V, but it isn't likely to give sufficient power.

That place you work at, don't they have some of these things laying around?  [wink]

 

[Jamestoolie]

I have not tried a 15V with my HKC but i do know that it doesn't perform well with a 18V 3ah battery. 

 

[bobfog]

I have not tried a 15V with my HKC but i do know that it doesn't perform well with a 18V 3ah battery.

That's interesting.

When you say "doesn't perform well" I assume you mean even when fully charged there's an overall performance drop, not simply that the battery doesn't last as long as a 5.2ah? But in other tools the 3.0ah battery performs as you would expect?

 

[Jamestoolie]

I have not tried a 15V with my HKC but i do know that it doesn't perform well with a 18V 3ah battery.

That's interesting.

When you say "doesn't perform well" I assume you mean even when fully charged there's an overall performance drop, not simply that the battery doesn't last as long as a 5.2ah? But in other tools the 3.0ah battery performs as you would expect?

The 3.0 ah battery was a few years old so that may have contributed.  I purchased a 5.2 ah and it was like a completely different saw. Not scientific just my experience. 

 

[TylerC]

The TSC can use either 15 V or 18 V.
The HKC can only user 18 V. You could probably use a 15 V, but it isn't likely to give sufficient power.

That place you work at, don't they have some of these things laying around?  [wink]

Because we wouldn't use a 15 V when we also have 18 Vs laying around.  [wink]

 

[Michael Kellough]

The TSC can use either 15 V or 18 V.
The HKC can only user 18 V. You could probably use a 15 V, but it isn't likely to give sufficient power.

That place you work at, don't they have some of these things laying around?  [wink]

Because we wouldn't use a 15 V when we also have 18 Vs laying around.  [wink]

So what do I have to do to get an answer "Ask Festool"?  [huh]

 

[Svar]

The TSC can use either 15 V or 18 V.
The HKC can only user 18 V. You could probably use a 15 V, but it isn't likely to give sufficient power.

That place you work at, don't they have some of these things laying around?  [wink]

Because we wouldn't use a 15 V when we also have 18 Vs laying around.  [wink]

But aren't you curious? If I were you I'd be in the shop right now trying 15V battery.
Needless to say FOG expects full comparison report by morning.
[popcorn]

 

[Phil Beckley]

Festool is not always clear or complete in it's descriptions of the tool specs.
So, I have to ask...

The TSC;

"Battery Voltage 1x 15 V - 2x 18 V (36 V)"

The HKC;

"Battery voltage 18 V "

Is this right? The HKC can only use 18 V batteries?

Another example, the text description for the TSC says;

"It's compatible with 12-volt, 15-volt and 18-volt batteries"

So, which batteries can the two cordless circular saws use?

Hi
TSC - Not 12v for starters.
  Will take 2x18v also 18+15 and also 15+15. As the voltage on the batteries drop then so does the speed drop so of course the feed rate will drop. Keep to 18v and the 5,200 rpm of the corded version is maintained. Keep the larger voltage battery on the lower slot of the saw

HKC - Not 12 for starters
  Will take 15v but with slower speed. 18v is the prefrence
rg
Phil