HKC 55 or TSC 55?

[cuc717]

Hi everyone, I purchased the HK a few weeks ago with the track (FSK 420) and like it a lot, but am not a fan of the cord as it gets stuck for me quite a bit when going down the track. So I'm looking to purchase the HKC and return the HK; also comes with the FSK 250. The more I look into it, the more people recommend purchasing the TSC 55 though over the HKC 55 for furniture building (which is what I mostly do). Is this the general consensus? Due to being in an apartment with very limited space, owning a miter saw or table saw isn't possible at the moment, so I went with the HK due to the FSK track having capabilities of the miter saw and also being able to go onto FS rails. I also enjoy the ability to not always needing the track in order to make a cut also. Should I stick with the HKC or the TSC? Can anyone give me some points on one over the other to have a better understanding?

 

[mrboult]

The biggest problem with the HKC is power. By example, it's only just got enough power to perform it's main task, cutting 2x4 lumber. Something I'm using mine for right now making a fairly substantial shed.

It can cut sheet goods fine, but 18mm Birch ply will bog it down a bit and the cut won't be as finished as with the TS plus the off side of the cut will be rather splintered. .

It's a great saw and I love mine for it's versatility and cordlessness as a second saw that could replace the TS55 in a pinch. Most of my work is furniture, from hardwood tables to plywood cabinets, and my HKC could not replace my TS55 permanently as my main saw.

So my vote is the TSC55.  Get used to marking the angles yourself and supporting the rail and work appropriately to make the cut. Or just jump right in and get the MFT3 with your TSC55 to solve your mitre saw dilemma.

 

[ear3]

If you're doing furniture, then you should swap out for the TSC pronto.  I like my HKC, but I would never trust it to rip thicker hardwoods as I do all the time with the TSC.  The HKC can deal with thicker woods on the crosscut, but is very underpowered for any kind of thick ripping, and it will occasionally bog down even when crosscutting hardwood above 5/4.

 

[mrboult]

Although I just skim watched this and it's actually quite light on the comparisons.

 

[cuc717]

Thanks for the input! Would the TSC be adequate to be my only saw?

 

[Holzhacker]

I have an HKC 55. Just got it not long ago so haven't put it through hard work.
However, I would not have my primary saw or only saw as a cordless. I would agree with others. Trade in for the TSC.
I also have a TS75

 

[cuc717]

Thanks for the input, I may get the corded version then and just purchase the end railing guard festool sells to help with catching.

Why corded over cordless for only saw? I’m still somewhat new to using saws regularly. I also heard the cordless has more power, why I was considering cordless.

I also cross cut more than I rip wood, TS still a better option?

 

[mrboult]

I think the TSC may been more powerful than the TS with two fully charged batteries. No reason it can be your only saw. The only downside is the regular charging, cost and eventual degradation of batteries. . The TSC may well require you having 4 batteries, if you're working it hard.

 

[cuc717]

While I could just keep the HK and purchase the TS to supplement it, I would prefer to have one saw for now as I save up. I could just get two other lower end brand saw with the price of the HK also, but I received it as a gift where it was purchased from and can only receive store credit for it (don’t want to have to go through the hassle of selling it and losing a bunch of money also.) but I am willing to spend a little extra to upgrade.

I also do more of the furniture building as a hobby. I don’t do construction/remodeling/have high demands besides the cross cutting, ocasional ripping, and occasional miter cuts.

Thanks again for the input!

 

[ScotF]

The TS or TSC is the way to go for your application. I TSO square will get you straight 90 degree crosscuts. The triangle allows angled cuts without an MFT if you are just using a sheet of mdf  or plywood. Get the right blade as the TS55 is stock for sheet goods vs solid lumbe.

 

[cuc717]

Great, thanks. I did just purchase the mobile workshop set (helps keep the clutter down in the apartment). Is it worth purchasing the the MFT in addition?

 

[ScotF]

The MFT is my most used Festool of them all. I highly recommend it and it will help in many applications with the saw or router and general assembly and finishing. Goods up when not in use, which is great.

 

[rst]

I use my TSC 55 more often than the corded model.  Especially on site with a vac.  It is nice not having to cope with a short cord as I use a 5 meter vac hose and the TS cord is too short.  I just took my MFT to my daughter's basement to build a staircase.  Having the MFT and the 52" incra fence allowed me to cut all the risers and treads easily and accurately.  That being said, I used the HKC for cutting the stringers.

 

[cuc717]

Great, thanks everyone for the tips! I'm excited to make the exchange and get a hand on the TS/TSC. I luckily also found a great deal on an MFT/3 with all parts it came with.

Any recommendations on what extras to purchase/must haves to ensure accurate cuts? I have 2 twist clamps and 2 ratcheting clamps already, with the Fs rapid clamps/fixed jaws and a set of clamping elements. I saw the Incra fence and TSO square mentioned on here? Any other recommendations?

 

[rst]

dogs and I use the clamping set often

 

[grobkuschelig]

For the TS/TSC +guiderail, I think the must have is the TSO Square. Plus some dogs, as suggested...

 

[Cheese]

Once I purchased the TSC I quit using the TS 55, it's gonna be put up for sale.  [smile]  So, TSC for sheet goods and ripping lumber (think furniture building), HKC for construction purposes and MT 55 for when the going gets real tough.  [wink]

 

[shu]

I feel the same to [member=44099]Cheese[/member]. However, that only happens on site. I would not sell my TS 55. It still frequently used in workshop. IMO you should have both.