HK55 as a replacement for a miter saw

Goz

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May 17, 2016
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Hi everybody. I'm looking for some input on tool purchases for some upcoming projects. I'm trying to decide if I can get away with an HK55 for an upcoming project, or if I will need to buy a miter saw as well.  And if I need the miter saw, I'm trying to decide whether the TS55 or HK55 is a better fit for me.

The first project is installing a deck over an existing concrete patio. The plan is to apply concrete patch/leveler to ensure positive drainage, then to install pressure treated sleepers, then finish with hardwood decking (ipe, cumaru, or garapa).  The portability of the HK seems great for this. Take the saw to the material, cut to length, and go.  Add a track, and I have the ability to trim all the installed desk boards in place.  But there's a possibility we will install the decking in a "basket weave" pattern. In that case, I would need a bunch of cuts to the same length, so a miter saw seems like the better option. I also wonder if the HK will have enough power for the decking material we plan to use.

The second project is replacing all the interior doors. I plan to re-install new slabs in the existing frames, so there will be some trimming and or undercutting required. Either the TS or HK seem good for the job, with a track.  Do I have to worry more about splintering with the HK?

And input would be appreciated!
 
For carpentry of that sort, you can probably do without the miter saw as long as you're sticking to relatively thin dimensional lumber. The HK can't take on big fence posts or anything that substantial.

The power is honestly surprising with the appropriate blade. I cross cut some 8/4 sapele sticks I couldn't fit in my car and was expecting it to die a horrible death, but it chugged right through without issue.
 
The HK is an excellent all-rounder that would do both of those tasks easily.
I use the HK daily, the saw cuts exceptionally well through ipe and other hardwood as well as composite decking material, and water logged pressure treated lumber.
having a longer track to straighline the edge of your decking is a timesaver and the results are much better.
I find having the appropriate blade (and sharp) it does quite well with anything you can thrown at it.
The one downside is that for a "general carpentry saw" with the track on it is about 1/8" short of being able to 45 nominal framing lumber, which can be bothersome if you're doing alot of angle work with 2x material.
As far as trimming doors as long as the splinterguard on the track is in good condition and you have a sharp blade you should have no problem with splinters or tear-out, if you are really concerned I find a strip of painters tape over where you are cutting does the trick.
 
I have a TS 75 that I use to cut doors, but I still use painters tape .
Old habits, but the results are good.
Charlie

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 
I don't have a HK, but the Mafell equivalent and i haven't used my mitre saw since i got it.
That said: for small pieces and thin stock a genuine mitre saw is better.
 
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