HK 55 ( or TS 55 ) ability to use 165 mm blades

[itchy]

Does the HK 55 actually cut all the way through a 2x4" board at 45* with the Dewalt 165mm blade?

Don't know anyone who has used the 165mm blade in the HK.

With the stock blade it leaves a nib.

Tom

Hi Tom,

Just tested the HK 55 EQ cutting through a 2x6 at 45 degrees with a dewalt 165mm blade installed. It cuts all the way through but it does leave slight fraying of the wood fibers definitely less than a nib of wood described previously, sometimes it's a completely clean cut. This was KD spruce framing lumber measuring actual 1 1/2" thickness. I struggled with the same decision, holding out on of it due to the 45 degree cutting depth issue. For me with the 165mm blade the cutting depth is acceptable. I would suggest not getting too caught up on the cutting depth at 45 degrees there are so many other applications that it excels at its not worth missing out on that because of cutting 45's in 2x lumber. With the 165mm blade 45's in 2x material are acceptable.

I'm using a Dewalt 165mm blade in the HK 55 EQ I will try and 45 a 2x4 tomorrow and report back.

Thanks.

I'm in the process of purchasing an HK. The only reason I don't have one already is the 45º issue.

Tom

 

[Samo]

Does the HK 55 actually cut all the way through a 2x4" board at 45* with the Dewalt 165mm blade?

Don't know anyone who has used the 165mm blade in the HK.

With the stock blade it leaves a nib.

Tom

I'm using a Dewalt 165mm blade in the HK 55 EQ I will try and 45 a 2x4 tomorrow and report back.

Thanks.

I'm in the process of purchasing an HK. The only reason I don't have one already is the 45º issue.

Tom

Looks like a possible solution? Would need a major blade manufacturer to produce a thin kerf framing blade for NA.

[member=4105]tjbnwi[/member] Did you decide on the HK 55 or HKC 55?  My TSC 55 has spoiled me.

 

[Svar]

Looks like a possible solution? Would need a major blade manufacturer to produce a thin kerf framing blade for NA.

There is bunch on ebay with international shipping, in some cases free shipping.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Does this look like 45 degrees to anyone?

 

[Samo]

Hilti maybe?  Needs to be a good quality blade, 18-24 T, thin kerf and available in the US.

 

[Svar]

Does this look like 45 degrees to anyone?

Hard to tell from this angle. Why would you doubt? The OP said 45.

 

[itchy]

Does this look like 45 degrees to anyone?

It's definitely 45 it's just the angle of the photo. I was trying to show the remains of the wood fibers as the issue is does it cut all the way through.

 

[tjbnwi]

Does the HK 55 actually cut all the way through a 2x4" board at 45* with the Dewalt 165mm blade?

Don't know anyone who has used the 165mm blade in the HK.

With the stock blade it leaves a nib.

Tom

Hi Tom,

Just tested the HK 55 EQ cutting through a 2x6 at 45 degrees with a dewalt 165mm blade installed. It cuts all the way through but it does leave slight fraying of the wood fibers definitely less than a nib of wood described previously, sometimes it's a completely clean cut. This was KD spruce framing lumber measuring actual 1 1/2" thickness. I struggled with the same decision, holding out on of it due to the 45 degree cutting depth issue. For me with the 165mm blade the cutting depth is acceptable. I would suggest not getting too caught up on the cutting depth at 45 degrees there are so many other applications that it excels at its not worth missing out on that because of cutting 45's in 2x lumber. With the 165mm blade 45's in 2x material are acceptable.

I'm using a Dewalt 165mm blade in the HK 55 EQ I will try and 45 a 2x4 tomorrow and report back.

Thanks.

I'm in the process of purchasing an HK. The only reason I don't have one already is the 45º issue.

Tom

Thank you for taking the time to test this. Much appreciated.

Tom

 

[tjbnwi]

Does the HK 55 actually cut all the way through a 2x4" board at 45* with the Dewalt 165mm blade?

Don't know anyone who has used the 165mm blade in the HK.

With the stock blade it leaves a nib.

Tom

I'm using a Dewalt 165mm blade in the HK 55 EQ I will try and 45 a 2x4 tomorrow and report back.

Thanks.

I'm in the process of purchasing an HK. The only reason I don't have one already is the 45º issue.

Tom

Looks like a possible solution? Would need a major blade manufacturer to produce a thin kerf framing blade for NA.

[member=4105]tjbnwi[/member] Did you decide on the HK 55 or HKC 55?  My TSC 55 has spoiled me.

I have the TSC also, great saw.

On this I'm leaning towards the corded due to cutting more framing type material. Then again I have 6 18 volt batteries.....
I have the HK and 165 blade in a shopping cart....I'm so confused (now I know how Bill feels ;D)

Tom

 

[Samo]

I'm definitely wanting to try both before I decide.  The weight, balance, and power differences.  But also, I need to consider the $47 plug-it cord on the rough frame job sites.  We go through a lot of 12 ga. extension cords and it gets a little radiculose.  [eek]

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

Hilti maybe?  Needs to be a good quality blade, 18-24 T, thin kerf and available in the US.

The Hilti tool specs sometimes vary from those in Europe. Most Hilti circular saw blades I've seen are 5/8" bore for the USA.

Most other 6-1/2" blades that are available also have a 5/8" bore. You could get blades rebored, but that us probable $20+ per blade, and it would probably just be cheaper to gind somebidy who would ship from Europe, especially if ordering multiple blades.

 

[Marhk]

I love to use Festool but - they missed the target market here with the HK 55.
The HK is targeted at a carpenter, a rich one, obviously. Even with that limitation the bade size kills the saw.
The 85 in Europe is probably too big. The present 55 is too small. It can't cut a 45 bevel on 2x material - forget it for carpenters!
Festool needs a 65 HK! That would be light enough and with the track would be a killer saw for more precision carpenter needs.
I suspect Festool will pull one of its quick revisions within a year.
Marhk