Hi all!! First post to the forum and I know this has been discussed a bit. But I believe my uses are different from most. I am a builder/remodeler who runs a two man operation. Unlike most people who do only specific tasks, we do everything... and I mean everything. Im no stranger to investing in quality and own mostly Dewalt, Milwaukee & Festool tools. I recently picked up the mft/3 set (mainly because I’m kicking myself for not buying the complete set when I bought my CMS router table). Of course I’ve always been interested in a track saw but I’m very efficient at clamping a straight edge for a shoe guide. The fact is that I can get perfect, splinter free cuts with 2 layers of masking tape 10/10 times with one of my regular 7 1/4” circular saws. I keep 3 7 1/4” saws set up with rough, finish & diamond blades. I recently sold one of my 12” sliding Miter saws to make room in my trailer with the plan to replace it with the Milwaukee 7 1/4” cordless miter saw. With the new addition of my MFT/3 I’m thinking it makes more sense to add a tracksaw instead. The saws I’m looking at are the hkc 55 tsc 55 and the Dewalt Flexvolt tracksaw. The Dewalt seems tempting because I already have 10 Flexvolt batteries. I have several Festool tools but they are all 110 so this means a major price difference. I really like the (idea of) the added usefulness of theattached track of the hkc 55. Framing is one thing I try to sub out as often as possible unless I’m sure I can do it cheaper than a sub. Anywhoo... I’m rambling. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
HKC or TSC
- Thread starter Archman
- Start date
Birdhunter
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if I were doing framing, the HKC would be my first choice over the TSC because of the attached track.I use the TSC for breaking down Baltic Birch plywood and for fine cutting using the MFT with the flip down rail/track. But, I am a hobby woodworker with occasional commission stuff.
grobkuschelig
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I would also say:
Building: HKC
Furniture making: TSC
But you really have to judge on your work and available tools what makes most sense for yourself...
Building: HKC
Furniture making: TSC
But you really have to judge on your work and available tools what makes most sense for yourself...
mrboult
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I have the HKC and regular TS55.
The TS is noticeably more powerful than the HKC and I've heard the TSC is more powerful than the TS. The HKC is fine for crosscutting construction timber and plywoods, but deeper cuts really bog it down.
I really like mine as a cordless saw option on and off the rails, as well as the benefits the FSK rails bring. I don't sweat it too much if I only have the HKC with me as opposed to the TS as it will achieve just about anything the TS will. BUT, i'd much rather the TS if I could only have one. I like it's power and much better ergonomics on a track. Really like having both though, and if framing was a big part of my life then I'd always be with an HK saw.
Finally, If I could only have one saw for all the uses of a builder-remodeler. . . I'd probably go HK85
Below are a few things that jump to mind comparing my HKC vs TS
- The HKC is also notably worse at dust collection (but still better than most regular circular saws)
- The TS is much more handy for plunge cuts (thought the HKC can do it)
- The HKC has no ability to prevent tear-out (splinters) on the off side of the blade. The TS is MUCH better even without it's green extra splinter guard installed
- The HKC can be used free-hand like a regular circular saw, but the spring loaded plunge action of the TS makes this almost impossible and dangerous
- The TS saws can dial in a bevel to greater accuracy and stability with it's two locking knobs
- TS has finer blade depth adjustment ability
The TS is noticeably more powerful than the HKC and I've heard the TSC is more powerful than the TS. The HKC is fine for crosscutting construction timber and plywoods, but deeper cuts really bog it down.
I really like mine as a cordless saw option on and off the rails, as well as the benefits the FSK rails bring. I don't sweat it too much if I only have the HKC with me as opposed to the TS as it will achieve just about anything the TS will. BUT, i'd much rather the TS if I could only have one. I like it's power and much better ergonomics on a track. Really like having both though, and if framing was a big part of my life then I'd always be with an HK saw.
Finally, If I could only have one saw for all the uses of a builder-remodeler. . . I'd probably go HK85
Below are a few things that jump to mind comparing my HKC vs TS
- The HKC is also notably worse at dust collection (but still better than most regular circular saws)
- The TS is much more handy for plunge cuts (thought the HKC can do it)
- The HKC has no ability to prevent tear-out (splinters) on the off side of the blade. The TS is MUCH better even without it's green extra splinter guard installed
- The HKC can be used free-hand like a regular circular saw, but the spring loaded plunge action of the TS makes this almost impossible and dangerous
- The TS saws can dial in a bevel to greater accuracy and stability with it's two locking knobs
- TS has finer blade depth adjustment ability
Cheese
Member
HKC: General carpentry, decks, stairs and cement form work.
TSC: Everything else from fine furniture to sheet goods. I also use my TSC for drywall, cement board and aluminum sheet/plate.
I have used the HKC for cement board but the open blade design allows more dust to escape. However, it's still better than 90% of the other saws out there for dust collection.
TSC: Everything else from fine furniture to sheet goods. I also use my TSC for drywall, cement board and aluminum sheet/plate.
I have used the HKC for cement board but the open blade design allows more dust to escape. However, it's still better than 90% of the other saws out there for dust collection.
If you want to tackle that framing work yourself, the HKC is brilliant. Otherwise, I think the tracksaw provides more utility. I haven’t used the Dewalt, but my preference would be the Festool between those two simply because of the range of aftermarket rail accessories available for Festool. TSO Products and Seneca are two such companies. These accessories can help you process sheet goods very efficiently and accurately.
I imagine I would use the purchase (whether hkc or tsc) more as a track saw on sheet goods, doors, ect. but I thought it may do that and be a good alternative to a 7 1/4" miter saw (though I'm pretty sire a hkc 55 cannot be a miter saw alternative for trim). I guess it depends on just how much I would prefer to use it with the atatchable track as opposed to the MFT/3 and its swivel track. hmmm.. thank for the feedback so far!!
demographic
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For a start off I'll say that I don't own a TSC and have never even used one.
But... I'm a subcontractor carpenter and do pretty much everything from framing, concrete formwork, decking, cladding, sheet goods like plywood/OSB through to finich carpentry and historic building work.
I do have a corded TS55 and a cordless HKC 55 so have a fairly good idea what your needs might be.
Since I got my HKC, my TS55 hardly comes out of my van toolsafe, yeah sure its got better dust collection than my HKC but its nothing like as convenient.
The crosscut rail is an absolute game changer and to cap it off I can still use my FS1400 rails as well.
As long as you have basic saw knowledge and don't let the blade nip up the HKC has enough power and after working with another bloke who has a corded Mafell that does basically the same but with a 40m depth of cut instead of the 50 of the HKC he now wants to sell his and get a HKC.
Then recently I've bought a 6.2 Ah Blootooth battery and bluetooth kit for my CTM extractor for when indoors.
It's not as clean to use as my TS55 because the blade on that is fully shrouded but its still pretty good.
Everyone I have worked with that has had a go with my a HKC, wants one.
But... I'm a subcontractor carpenter and do pretty much everything from framing, concrete formwork, decking, cladding, sheet goods like plywood/OSB through to finich carpentry and historic building work.
I do have a corded TS55 and a cordless HKC 55 so have a fairly good idea what your needs might be.
Since I got my HKC, my TS55 hardly comes out of my van toolsafe, yeah sure its got better dust collection than my HKC but its nothing like as convenient.
The crosscut rail is an absolute game changer and to cap it off I can still use my FS1400 rails as well.
As long as you have basic saw knowledge and don't let the blade nip up the HKC has enough power and after working with another bloke who has a corded Mafell that does basically the same but with a 40m depth of cut instead of the 50 of the HKC he now wants to sell his and get a HKC.
Then recently I've bought a 6.2 Ah Blootooth battery and bluetooth kit for my CTM extractor for when indoors.
It's not as clean to use as my TS55 because the blade on that is fully shrouded but its still pretty good.
Everyone I have worked with that has had a go with my a HKC, wants one.
pettyconstruction
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- Oct 17, 2010
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- 722
I have both the TSC and HKC saws , I use the T saw way more than the HKC, but it works very well for stairs and rafters.
The reason for my using the TSC more at the moment is I have been cutting a lot of sheetgoods.
The HKC works well, but could have benefited from have another battery.
Also , having more than one rail really helps, one for each angle on a stair stringer for instance .
Good luck, Charlie
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
The reason for my using the TSC more at the moment is I have been cutting a lot of sheetgoods.
The HKC works well, but could have benefited from have another battery.
Also , having more than one rail really helps, one for each angle on a stair stringer for instance .
Good luck, Charlie
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Well I’m certainly leaning most toward 1. the hkc 55 2. Dewalt cordless Flexvolt Tracksaw and the tsc 55 would be third. Mainly because it sure seems that they can all use Festool tracks and the hkc has a few more tricks up its sleeve. The Dewalt is much less expensive and can seemingly do everything the TSC can. The only major benefit I see with the tsc is that it may have easier depth adjustment and it is more idiot proof with plunging. Honestly I doubt any of the tools will make me better at carpentry but the may make me faster.
Well I rolled the dice and decided to add the HKC 55 full kit to the tool fold. As I really do an even amount of cutting boards and sheet goods and am mostly interested in using it as a compact miter saw for square stock pine and mdf trim, trimming doors and yes also as a track saw on sheet goods like birch ply. If I need the tsc I’ll grab one later... maybe even the 75. Thanks for your help, folks!! I’ll most likely give some opinions on my Instagram @salidaresidentialcarpentry
TXFIVEO
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Archman said:
Good call...while i have both the HKC and the TS75, i have found myself using the HKC more and more...just the simplicity of the cordless option for quick cuts makes it an awesome tool. While it doesn't have the same power and depth of cut as the TS75 it can do about 90% of the tasks that i need it to. For the other 10% i whip out my trusted TS75 (usually for the 2-3/4" deep cuts).
