Festool HK55 opinions

[Thompmd]

My 30yr PC is on its last leg, considering the FK 55(I have the TS75/CT36). I use it just for general use.
Is the dust collection good-great?? I’m really trying to keep dust down but if I remember correctly the saw only cuts 2 1/8” deep vs 2 7/16 on most others?

 

[mrboult]

I have the HKC55.

Great saw, I love that it works with both types of track and owning both types really gets the most from it. My battery version is a little underpowered compared to my TS55, but better than any bog standard 18v makita saw i've used.

The cut depth is 55mm off the rail, I think that's more like 2 1/5 inches?

The dust collection is notably better than any other standard circular saw I've used, but no where near the TS saws, as the blade is so open and un-covered by comparison.

Ultimately I love mine for cordless use away from power, like cutting a sheet at the point of purchase, free hand cutting without a rail where the TS saws are tricky/impossible, and the FSK rail's convenience.

 

[RKA]

It’s far and away better than any other standard circular saw, which is admittedly a low benchmark.  My estimation, it’s a little worse than the kapex, since you have familiarity with that. 

If you do opt for the cordless, the dust collection is surprisingly good with the bag if you’re working somewhere without dust extraction.  But as mentioned above, power is lower which maybe a factor for you if your corded saw is your baseline.

 

[Thompmd]

Did you also opt for the small track and are the blades adequate.

I assume they don’t make a left hand model

 

[RKA]

No left bladed version.  The rail length depends on what you’re planning to do with it.  For 90 degree cross cuts, the short rail has enough to crosscut a 2x10.  And that rail and saw are very easy to tote around.  I was using the saw to make angled cuts for stringers and found the short rail wasn’t quite long enough, so I got the middle length rail.  However, that extra length was felt toting the saw around (you have to be more careful you don’t smack it into something).  The longer cuts I haven’t seen a need for because I have the track saw for sheet goods. 

 

[Cheese]

I'll double down on what Raj said...I use both the TSC and the HKC and the HKC with just a bag is pretty impressive. I also like using the FSK 250 rail because it handles well. Just keep the rail clean and apply a little dry lube to keep it functioning smoothly.

 

[Thompmd]

What type of dry lube are you referring too, I assume I would use on my larger rails as well?

I definitely need a smaller rail for this saw

 

[Cheese]

What type of dry lube are you referring too, I assume I would use on my larger rails as well?

I definitely need a smaller rail for this saw

I first tried using some WD40 because I was too lazy to go downstairs but that didn't work out well. It just got gummed up with the sawdust. So I cleaned the rail with IPA and then applied what I use on the router posts, DynaGlide Plus.

Here's an interesting article from Hornady.https://press.hornady.com/assets/pcthumbs/tmp/1410992240-DynaGlide-Advantage-.pdf
https://microfence.com/product/dynaglide-dry-lube-spray-buy-separately-or-by-the-case/

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[MrToolJunkie]

I have them both and they each excel at certain things  - cordless has benefit of being able to go anywhere. As others have mentioned, power is not as strong, but it still handles cuts in 2x fine, especially with the right blade. It goes through batteries quickly, though - so you will want to have some extras on hand if you are doing lots of cutting.

I like the corded version for in-shop use - just more power. I like variable speed for cutting aluminum and plastic, which you do not get with the cordless version.

As others have said, I use the smaller FSK250 track for 90% of my cuts - easy to maneuver and cuts most common width material.

I have the edge guide and think it is a worthy investment. You just have to really tighten the knobs or the fence can move on you. When it is set, it is accurate - I have ripped hundreds of feet of 4/4 to equal 3 inch pieces using the fence and HK saw and it worked really well for that application.

The plunge is really good.