HKC 55 EB review

[jools]

Took delivery of the HKC 55 this morning in a 90 year sys4. This is the bare unit as I have plenty of batteries from the drills which are only 4.2 but seem to work fine. Also received all three rails in 250, 420 and 670 lengths. First impressions are very good. Very quiet is the first thing that strikes and the weight which is good at 4 kilos with battery.
First cuts where cutting 47 x 195 c16 flooring joists to length. Measure length, set stops to 0 degrees, line up splinter guard and cut. Clean cut and the saw went through no problems. The rail numbers refer to length of cut so used the 250. I cut 11 in total with no change in battery life indicator. Next cuts where in t&g 22mm chipboard flooring. Again no problem for the saw and 670 rail. Made 8 cuts so far and the battery indicator still shows full.
The only things of note so far are lack of dust extraction which after the ts55 and Kapex is a shock but this is a first fix tool and the 2 small rails will not fit in the same bag so gonna have to buy another. The bag is however very well padded to cope with the stops which stick out. Really looking forward to using this in the next couple of weeks and happy to answer any questions
Kind regards
Jools

 

[Wuffles]

It doesn't have dust extraction as an option? I missed that during all the other convos about this saw.

 

[GarryMartin]

The only things of note so far are lack of dust extraction

Bit confused by that comment. Clearly there's a dust extraction port...

[attachimg=1]

 

[Kev]

I'll hazard a guess it didn't come with a bag .. ?

 

[jools]

Yes there's a dust extraction port and it fits the midi fine but I'm up on a scaffold so it's not available. I usually cut every thing on the ground but as I work alone going up and down all the time is a pain.  Not sure if the TSC bag would fit although the elbow twists off to reveal the same fitting I think. No dust bag is supplied in the basic kit may be different in the others

 

[aas]

The TSC55 bag fits, it's the same part number.

 

[aas]

... bearing in mind Festools reputation for dust collection, it's a surprise and a shame the bag is not included with the saw - first fix or not.

 

[jools]

Yes it is 500393 and about £30 pounds. I will have to order one up when I get the additional rail bag.

 

[GarryMartin]

Not sure if the TSC bag would fit

OK. Makes more sense now. Yes, the TSC bag fits - it's a standard option for the HKC 55.

SB-TSC dust collector bag; Order no. 500393

 

[jimbo51]

If Festool USA wanted an amateur woodworker to make a video showing the use of the HKC and other Festools in the construction of a garden shed, I volunteer.

This summer please. I will return it when done. I promise.

 

[ifit]

can it be used left handed as there is no right hand support on the base

 

[wrightwoodwork]

I wouldn't really recommend using left handed. I'm right handed so everything feels natural for me. When people who are left handed have picked it up and used it left handed thier hands end up getting crossed over. A lad I worked with who is left handed had difficulty using left handed. When I've got him to use right handed he managed a lot better

 

[neth27]

Where did you get it from? I have been told up to 4 weeks for delivery.

John..

 

[aas]

Got mine today from FFX, only ordered 2 days ago as my French supplier could not deliver until August. Won't have a chance to try until Tuesday... feels good quality though.

 

[WelshWood]

Where did you get it from? I have been told up to 4 weeks for delivery.

John..

[member=9352]neth27[/member] -Try http://www.powertool-supplies.co.uk/ - cheapest in UK and very reliable.

~WW

 

[neth27]

Where did you get it from? I have been told up to 4 weeks for delivery.

John..

[member=9352]neth27[/member] -Try http://www.powertool-supplies.co.uk/ - cheapest in UK and very reliable.

~WW

Thats where i ordered it from  [big grin]

John...

 

[jonny round boy]

I went to the Toolfair in Manchester on Thursday, and they had them there and for sale on the Festool stand - they only had 4 of them, though! Thursday was the first day & I was there fairly early; don't know how many were left by Friday...

 

[sucker 4 tools]

whats it like using it free hand ? are there good accurate marks on the base to use freehand ? the rail looks very cumbersome and expensive. and does it take one or two 18v batts?

 

[Brice Burrell]

whats it like using it free hand ? are there good accurate marks on the base to use freehand ? the rail looks very cumbersome and expensive. and does it take one or two 18v batts?

One 18v battery.

 

[neth27]

Got mine today, one thing i will say is you need very small hands to use it comfortably. My knuckles are crushed against the side  [sad]

john...