Festool TS 75 vs Festool HK 85 for cut quality?

[Con_Artyst]

Hi, I've read a few of the older posts regarding the TS75 vs HK85 from 5 years ago but I thought I'd ask the question again regarding peoples opinions since many of you may have bought one or both of these in the meantime and have opinions and experience to share.

I'm currently trying to decide between the two, initially my inclination was towards the HK85 since I often work with hard woods at thicknesses of around 6mm. However, much of the furniture making I do is intricate requiring accurate cuts and angles which some say the TS75 is better at. Does anyone have experience with this?

 

[Jim_in_PA]

My impression remains that the HK saws are designed primarily for construction and more aggressive cutting while the TS type saws are geared to finishing work. Clearly, the choice of blade is going to make a major difference. One other benefit with the HK is that it's available in a battery powered version.

That said, the HK 85 doesn't seem to be available in the US if that's where you live. The TS-75 is also temporarily unavailable according to the Festool USA site.

 

[Roachmill]

As far as cut quality goes, both have a range of blades to choose from with the 75 having higher tooth counts available - up to 52 versus 48 for the 85 (keep in mind the blades are also larger on the 85). The 85 blades are a hair thicker but do feel sturdier in use. Power wise, the 85 is the champ (16,000 versus 23000 Watts) as it'll eat anything. Blade changes are easier IMO on the 75 too.
The 75 has a splinter guard which only really works without modification on thicker material (>12mm... I forget) but I'll use a smaller 55 saw for that so it's not really an issue unless you're looking at it being your only track saw.

Dust collection on the 75 is heaps better you won't be shocked to hear! The 85, even with a D36 hose on it, is like a 2 year old at a birthday party - firing stuff everywhere [wink]

I find the HK 85 is bigger and heavier - the specs I have here say by some 800g - but I find it noticeably more cumbersome in use than the 75. This may be down to no plug-it on the 85 versus the plug-it on the 75 fitting in nicely with the cord already being attached to my hoses. With the 85 being a circ saw, the blade doesn't retract (it can... but I never work with that feature in use) back in to the housing which makes it more of a pain to set down.

The grooving block (other blocks are available to do beading and v-grooves too) for the 85 is awesome... but a faff to put on and the 85 won't fit in the Systainer with it fitted, so you kinda have to take it off to put the saw away.

There's also the FSK rails which fit the 85 but not the 75 to consider if they're of any interest to you for repeated angled cuts.

A definite pro to the 75 is the depth adjustment. It can be fiddly on the 85 but I'm not sure why as the HK55 is a doddle.

Having a 55 sized saw for most of what I do, it's the HK85 that sees way more action that the 75 when working with thicker stuff (~8x4 seasoned oak for me): the extra power and depth of cut being the main reasons. It is a tad more intimidating than the 75, however [unsure]. That said, when cut quality was the main importance, I'd go for the 75 every time.

 

[Coen]

Power wise, the 85 is the champ (16,000 versus 23000 Watts)

Probably you meant 2300 vs 1600

With the 85 being a circ saw, the blade doesn't retract (it can... but I never work with that feature in use) back in to the housing which makes it more of a pain to set down.

It has a springloaded cover that comes back as soon as you get it off the rail, so you can still set it down. It just doesn't sit flat on it's base.

 

[mino]

Well setup, the cut quality with the same blade will be the same.

The saws are both sturdy and the blade is wobble-free in the bearings when they are properly setup so it is a wash.

As for the blades, you can get a fine-tooth blade for the HK85 from other makers like CMT if need be. And the TS75 blades can be used in HK85 if need be too. So that should not matter.

IMO the decision should be on ergonomics, dust collection etc., not on cut quality.

If you plan it as your only saw for board materials and wood, then TS75 is the "better" choice.

If augmenting the TS/TSC 55 for rare deep cuts, HK85 looks more appealing with the dado accessory option, more power, etc.

If planning a lot of ripping and deep cuts in sheet goods, the TS75 would be better though still.

 

[Roachmill]

Power wise, the 85 is the champ (16,000 versus 23000 Watts)

Probably you meant 2300 vs 1600

Well... um... oops [unsure] A 16K (never mind 23K) Watt motor would be quite something  [eek]