HKC rail

[Holzhacker]

Hi guys, question about a rail recommendation. Recently picked up an HKC 55 but not rail so far.  I'm thinking the 250 rail is the way to go rather than the two larger ones. I'll be cutting 2x's and plywood cut outs. The longer rails don't seem to be necessary. I have regular FS rails for my TS75. However, at a $25 price difference between the 250 and 420 rail I'm wondering if its worth springing for.
Let me know what you think.
thanks, markus

 

[Cheese]

I purchased the HKC when it first came out with the 420 rail. I wished the 250 was an option but at the time it was not.

So after a couple of years of use, I still wish I had the 250 rail. The 420 rail is just rather unwieldy.

 

[FestitaMakool]

Congratulations on the HKC [smile]
I love it! So much in fact, that shortly after I bought it as a kit with the 420 rail, I plunged (deeply..) and got the 250 and 670 as well. I have more worth in FSK rails than the regular rails  [embarassed]

Considering what you plan to use it for, get the FSK 250. It is so nifty to swing around. It’s my most used, as my cuts with the same saw is what you want to do. Then consider if you would want a 420 or 670. (I’m guessing the next gen. TS saws will be FSK compatible, there’s an added benefit that the TS saw wouldn’t tip off the rail when doing bevel cuts. That might even lead to a change in the regular rail design too) Just my observations and thoughts..

I have cut MFT with a regular rail as well, and afterwards I had difficulty seeing which side was cut with my suppliers large format panel saw and the HKC.

 

[mrboult]

I only have the 420. It was right for the project I purchased it for, but every time I use it to cross cut a decent amount of lumber, I find myself hating the extra length, weight and balance. I'm sure this would be much improved with the shorter rail. But I do often find the extra length useful. . .

If cross cutting standard sized lumber at 90 degrees is a primary use I think you'd regret not getting the 250 rail.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have both the 250 and 420 rails.  The 250 is the rail I use the most.  That makes it seem like a fairly easy decision, but it's not so simple.  When you need more length of cut than the 250 offers you're kinda stuck.  Sure, you can cut from the other side to finish the cut, it's a bit of a hassle to do that though.  The 420 certainly makes the saw less nimble, but its nice to have the length for longer crosscuts, and especially for mitered/long angled cuts.  I'm going to go against the grain here and say if I were to only have one of these rails then I'd go with the 420.  I think having the extra length of cut is a fair trade for the slightly less compact/nimble handling.  If you end up taking a liking to this saw you'll end up with both rails eventually. 

 

[Joebuck]

Brice makes a fair point, but I’m gonna stick with the overwhelming consensus and personal experience and say go for the 250. You won’t regret having such a nimble and accurate saw. But..... you will end up with the 420 eventually, especially if you cut stair stringers all the time.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Brice makes a fair point, but I’m gonna stick with the overwhelming consensus and personal experience and say go for the 250. You won’t regret having such a nimble and accurate saw. But..... you will end up with the 420 eventually, especially if you cut stair stringers all the time.

Having the ability to easily cut stringers is why I recommend the 420 over the 250, if you're only going to have one.

 

[RJNeal]

Congratulations on your new saw.
When I purchased mine it came with the 420, I got used to the length pretty quickly.
About five months later I picked up a 250, which I used 90% of the time.
Every once in awhile I fine the 250 a little short and I push the saw on the 250 ,I feel a little more than I should.
Kinda wish Festool had a 300 or so.
Depending on what you plan on the width you plan on cutting, I’m kinda of iwith Brice’s suggestion.
Rick

 

[gunnyr]

Add me to the 250 crowd.

I've used my HKC55 most days for almost 4 years.  When I bought the saw it came with the 420 rail, I soon added the 670 but not the 250.  I rarely used the 670 and finally sold it a few weeks ago.  In cases when the 670 might have been useful I found it was easier to reach for a 1400 rail and be done with it.

I have always found the 420 to be a bit unwieldy for my use.  I'm thinking at some point I'll get the 250 and keep in the bag with my 420.

 

[Holzhacker]

Well guys, thanks for all the great info. Looks like I'll be getting a 250. Time to call Chip.
I don't do stairs anymore on a regular basis so it sounds like the 420 will wait until I get another stair job. As I'm sure many of you know, some tools you buy because you want a new toy. Other tools we buy when an upcoming job pays for it.

 

[harry_]

Well guys, thanks for all the great info. Looks like I'll be getting a 250. Time to call Chip.
I don't do stairs anymore on a regular basis so it sounds like the 420 will wait until I get another stair job. As I'm sure many of you know, some tools you buy because you want a new toy. Other tools we buy when an upcoming job pays for it.

True that!

 

[blaszcsj]

I purchased the HKC when it first came out with the 420 rail. I wished the 250 was an option but at the time it was not.

So after a couple of years of use, I still wish I had the 250 rail. The 420 rail is just rather unwieldy.

Agreed.