HK 55 and fSK

[P.R.S Carpentry]

Hello
This is my first pos on FOG.
I’m thinking of buying the HK 55 with FSK. Has anyone used it and is it any good?. I’m a carpenter mainly out on site doing things from cut roofs to kitchens.
Thanks

 

[rst]

I have the HKC and think it's great.  I have all three size rails and on my first deck project I set each rail to the angle need to cut the steps.  Twenty minutes later I had three perfect stringers.  The fact that the rails can be set to positive and negative angles is awesome.  I also have the TSC-55 for more precise work using the standard rails.  If you will be cutting counter tops, get the vacuum cup clamps for the rails.  They are especially useful for installs where you are modifying an existing counter and cannot clamp the back of the rail.

 

[P.R.S Carpentry]

I have the HKC and think it's great.  I have all three size rails and on my first deck project I set each rail to the angle need to cut the steps.  Twenty minutes later I had three perfect stringers.  The fact that the rails can be set to positive and negative angles is awesome.  I also have the TSC-55 for more precise work using the standard rails.  If you will be cutting counter tops, get the vacuum cup clamps for the rails.  They are especially useful for installs where you are modifying an existing counter and cannot clamp the back of the rail.

I have been looking at the HKC rather than the corded version. I think my main use would be for cutting rafters but I’m concerned about the depth of cut. Say when cutting compound angles for jack rafters etc

 

[lwoirhaye]

It's good.  The blade that comes with it is best for rough work and ripping imo.  The distance between the alignment buttons is only about 8" at 90 degrees so don't expect crosscuts made with the FSK to be accurate unless the reference edge is straight.  I dislike having to plunge a track saw and hold it down to make a cut so I like the HK for that reason.  Of course dust collection suffers.

I have doubts as to whether it will cut through 2x material at 45 degrees.  I think it may barely do it off the rail.  I guess you could flip the rail around and use the back edge as a guide to maximize the depth of cut.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have the HKC, and the corded (mains) Mafell version.  I don't think I would recommend the HKC for heavy duty work loads.  While the HKC works pretty well for only having a single 18V battery, it has its limits. 

Our framing lumber here in the States is 1 1/2" (inches), that's about 38mm thick and the HK/HKC don't have the depth of cut to make it all the way through at a 45 degree bevel.  That might be a deal breaker for you on roof rafters.  The corded Mafell will cut all the way through.

If you can do without the depth of cut then the HK saws are great.  As rst mentioned they excel on stair stringers.