wellknownasmax
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2014
- Messages
- 9
HKC 55 EB review
- Thread starter jools
- Start date
Hi. I'm about to invest in a lot of Festool tools to make a http://festoolownersgroup.com/workshops-and-mobile-vehicle-based-shops/building-a-lean-mean-portable-finish-carpentrywoodwork-machine-(shop)/msg475238/?topicseen#msg475238. My thought was to go with the HKC 55 as my one and only tracksaw and then to add TS 75 if work turns more to furniture/cabinetry. This way, I have cordless functionality, compound miter but also plunge-track functionality.
Any words of wisdom?
Any words of wisdom?
Holmz said:
Gosh, I just realized that cutting down cabinet face stock is going to be very inefficient with the HKC because of it having only one clean cut side. Repeatedly cutting down smaller stock for face frames and the like will require twice as many cuts and measurements to get nice clean cuts on all edges. So this really is a "Carpentry Saw" with a few finer applications.... oh well.
Festool have an incredible line up off saws now on their stall.
I've started working with a company that makes timber trusses that span up to 80 feet clear.
6" x 3"s sided with plywood glued and nailed.
I've introduced these guys to my old ts55 and they are impressed.
Who said festool were only used for kitchens? Just glad its soiled a bit. Taking it out of the box all shiny might be a bit embarrassing. [big grin]
The HKC 85 saw machine is next on my list.
I've started working with a company that makes timber trusses that span up to 80 feet clear.
6" x 3"s sided with plywood glued and nailed.
I've introduced these guys to my old ts55 and they are impressed.
Who said festool were only used for kitchens? Just glad its soiled a bit. Taking it out of the box all shiny might be a bit embarrassing. [big grin]
The HKC 85 saw machine is next on my list.
It is a bit of a knuckle cruncher. And I wouldn't describe my hands as very big. Framing houses since my early teenage years i have used every saw under the sun back to the rockwell porter cable days with the grease cup. Too many hours to count behind a circular saw cutting rafters sometimes all day. To try a new grip that won't give me the control I know works best doesn't interest me. I thought this would be fun for some projects but after an hour of use with knuckles rubbing on the housing (the plunge release lever) felt like I han punched a wall. Great saw performs well, just wish they left more room for a proper grip. Guys without small hands try before you buy. Mine is going back.
Michael Kellough
Member
Thanks for the "hands on" review Arvid!
And welcome to the FOG.
And welcome to the FOG.
Those Russian guys didn't mention anything about it crunching knuckels and they all have big hands. Its difficult to teach ole dogs new tricks.
Surely just a matter of dexterity and adaption by the more skilled among us? [big grin] [big grin]
The guy in that second video..what an incredible line up of fine tools. I've messaged him in Russian and English to get his opinion on the "knuckle cruncher" issue.
Also why would festool allow the return of a used saw on the word of some one who said its a "knuckle cruncher"?
Would any serious pro not try out the machine before buying?
Surely just a matter of dexterity and adaption by the more skilled among us? [big grin] [big grin]
The guy in that second video..what an incredible line up of fine tools. I've messaged him in Russian and English to get his opinion on the "knuckle cruncher" issue.
Also why would festool allow the return of a used saw on the word of some one who said its a "knuckle cruncher"?
Would any serious pro not try out the machine before buying?
Michael Kellough
Member
North America is BIG. It's often difficult to find a place within a reasonable driving distance to "try out" a tool. Since UPS will bring it you, and Festool offers a 30 return policy (for any or no reason), just order it and then try it, makes the most sense here,
Brice Burrell
Member
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2007
- Messages
- 7,385
Michael Kellough said:
Remember you are responsible for return shipping, and accessories are not covered by the 30 day no questions asked return policy.
The closest festoon retailer to me is woodcraft and they do not always have in stock what you want to look at and also 1-1/2 hour away from me. I was not the only one to mention that the grip rubbed on my knuckles. And many big men bigger then me have small slender fingers and many men smaller then me have sausage fingers. I don't consider my hands to be large but on the medium scale. No other festool saw has given me that problem just the hk55. So i know i am responsible for shipping and will send it back as it was the gamble i took. As to why festool should take back a saw that was tried out i wouldn't call it used. Well because i can buy a saw at any home center and if not happy with it i can return it as well. no questions asked is no questions asked. I have been very happy with all my festools. This one is just not for me. I hold my saw the same way i would hold a 357 with a pistol grip. Any altered grip would give me less control. just trying to give people a friendly heads up if they can try before they buy they should. if not order and live with it or send it back. At the price of the saw i opted to send it back. Might try a mafell 400
The Mafell hand grip looks the same. They probably copied festool. For those of us with normal sized hands it will probably be fine....
The mafell is limited in depth of cut in comparison to the festool.
As you can see from the video.
And weighs a brutal 6kg in comparison to the sensible 4kg of the festool. I'm not convinced with mafell and their prices are off the scale.
The mafell is limited in depth of cut in comparison to the festool.
As you can see from the video.
And weighs a brutal 6kg in comparison to the sensible 4kg of the festool. I'm not convinced with mafell and their prices are off the scale.
Michael Kellough
Member
Lbob131 said:
The cutting depth specs for both saws is the same, 55mm off the rail. Is the Mafell rail thicker?
Brice Burrell
Member
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2007
- Messages
- 7,385
Arvid said:
I have fairly larger hands and I don't have any trouble with the KSS 400. I'm not sure if the handle sits up any higher, but there is a step in the blade housing to give more room for your hand.
View attachment 1
The KSS 400 has slightly more cutting depth on a 45 degree bevel. It can cut all the way through a 2x4 on a 45, the Festool HK saws can't.
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Brice Burrell said:
good info right here. not only does the festool not have the step in the blade housing for more room, but it is the lever that unlocks the plunge feature that steps out from the blade housing that rubs on your knuckles. maybe thats why the russians in the video on the first page are wearing gloves.
I'm not sure but i believe the hk55 can cut a 2x4 beveled at 45 but could be wrong. if it can't then it is even more useless then i thought for me.
View attachment 2[attachimg=1] picture
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The HK saws can not cut a North American 2 x 4 on a 45 degree bevel on a rail. I confirmed that in person last weekend. That is what had previously been reported here and I can confirm that my information came directly from a Festool trainer who had already been asked that question several times before I talked to him.
Peter
Peter
