HKC 55 power vs HK 55

[Shadytree]

Does anyone know if the HKC is as powerful (or nearly so) as the plug in HK? I've used other manufacture cordless saws in the past (dewalt & milwaukee) and they are woefully underpowered compared to any plug in saw I've ever used. Did Festool figure it out?
Thanks.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Does anyone know if the HKC is as powerful (or nearly so) as the plug in HK? I've used other manufacture cordless saws in the past (dewalt & milwaukee) and they are woefully underpowered compared to any plug in saw I've ever used. Did Festool figure it out?
Thanks.

The HKC performs well, with good run time for only using one 18v battery.  It does have a lower rpm and is not variable speed like the corded (mains) HK saw.  Still, I'd say the corded version is more powerful, and has variable speed, if that is important to you. 

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Chatting with Festool staff at Connect, the recommendation I received was the HKC-55 was best suited for plywood and 1x materials. While I'm sure the HKC-55 can process 2x materials, I was told to go with the corded version if I was planning on primarily processing framing lumber with it.

I own the HK-55 and really like it. The variable speed is great for processing other materials (plastics, steel, etc....), enough power for ripping 2x material, and no worries about babysitting a battery charger. I do wish it had a blade brake.....

 

[Cheese]

I guess I'm pretty impressed with the HKC, cutting 1 3/4" thick maple counter tops for my neighbor. I cut the same material for the same neighbor about 10 months ago with my TS 55 and didn't really notice any difference in the cutting action between the two saws.

Granted, the latest cut with the HKC was with a new saw blade, and I'm sure that made a huge difference, but in spite of only one battery, the saw just did its job.  It's interesting to note, that after the cut was completed, my neighbor said, "a few years ago that cut could only have been done with a corded saw." 

I helped him lug the countertops home and then replaced the blade with a CMT diamond blade and proceeded to cut several sheets of Allura cement board. I checked today and the battery is still at the 2/3rds level.

 

[Shadytree]

Chatting with Festool staff at Connect, the recommendation I received was the HKC-55 was best suited for plywood and 1x materials. While I'm sure the HKC-55 can process 2x materials, I was told to go with the corded version if I was planning on primarily processing framing lumber with it.

I own the HK-55 and really like it. The variable speed is great for processing other materials (plastics, steel, etc....), enough power for ripping 2x material, and no worries about babysitting a battery charger. I do wish it had a blade brake.....

I just purchased the HK 55 and the lack of a brake has me second guessing myself. I'm thinking of exchanging it for the cordless version so that I don't have to stand there as long waiting for it to stop spinning after a cut on the FS rails.  I then lose the variable speed though...

 

[KescoNY]

I am very impressed with HKCs runtime and power.  We were able to frame out a 8X18 bathroom along with the subfloor installation on 1 battery.  I would have been impressed if it used 2 batteries
Never used the HK so i can't compare.

 

[Shadytree]

So I swapped the HK I had purchased for the HKC. I have not noticed any real difference in power. Battery life is surprising. I spent the last 2 days hanging pine paneling and went through about 1.5 batteries per day.

 

[gunnyr]

I've been using my HKC 55 to repair and replace soffits on a remodeling job we're doing.  Use it to rip 1/2" MDO and cut 2x to length.  (I use the companies saw to cut the Hardie board trim though!). I'm finding the battery lasts about a day.  I'm very happy with its performance in terms of battery life, accuracy, and  productivity improvement.  The HKC sure generates a lot of interest on the job site! 

 

[Stephen B]

[size=8pt]

I just purchased the HK 55 and the lack of a brake has me second guessing myself. I'm thinking of exchanging it for the cordless version so that I don't have to stand there as long waiting for it to stop spinning after a cut on the FS rails.  I then lose the variable speed though...

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[size=13pt]
Comparing the HK55 EBQ Aus with the NA models being discussed here I note  –
. with 240V we do get a 2 second electronic speed brake
. and consequently none of the ‘nanny state’ warnings on the exterior of the blade housing.

There is also no speed brake on some other NA 110V tools such as the Festool 1400 Router. These NA models are lacking from both safety and work efficiency perspectives. What is it about 110V that prevents speed brakes from being fitted?