Does anybody have experience cutting azek with the hkc55? Was wondering if it slips on the surface when making bevel cuts on the end of 18’ lengths. They are hard to manage and was looking to buy the hkc55 as a solution. Also was wondering if it worked well cutting the ends of composite decking boards
Hkc55 cutting azek?
- Thread starter cgraham
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Getmaverick
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Don't have experience with azek. If I was you, I would buy it and try it. If you don't like it send it back for a refund. You have 30 days. I did this for trim replacement on houses. I wanted to see if it was easier than carrying a miter saw around the house.
I still have the saw, and the crew loves it.
I still have the saw, and the crew loves it.
Brice Burrell
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I've only used my HKC on a small amount of azek, but I didn't run into any issues. Its not hard to hold the saw/rail in place while cutting.
As for composite decking. I'm sure you know composites are pretty hard on blades. The HKC only uses a single 18v battery so you'll end up lacking a bit on power after the blade dulls/gets dirty. On smaller projects its fine, on larger decks you'll want to clean the blade(s) and have extra batteries.
As I said the HKC only uses one 18v battery. The power isn't bad for a one battery only saw, but its not great either. There are times when I love the HKC, and times its just doesn't feel like its up for the task and I have to cut slower than I'd like. My advice, if you decide on trying one out buy local and use it for 30 days as Getmaverick said. If it doesn't work out don't hesitate to return it. Remember, only tools are returnable after being used, all accessories are not. That means the blades and extra rails are not returnable once used.
Good luck and be sure to let us know how things go if you decide to give it a shot.
As for composite decking. I'm sure you know composites are pretty hard on blades. The HKC only uses a single 18v battery so you'll end up lacking a bit on power after the blade dulls/gets dirty. On smaller projects its fine, on larger decks you'll want to clean the blade(s) and have extra batteries.
As I said the HKC only uses one 18v battery. The power isn't bad for a one battery only saw, but its not great either. There are times when I love the HKC, and times its just doesn't feel like its up for the task and I have to cut slower than I'd like. My advice, if you decide on trying one out buy local and use it for 30 days as Getmaverick said. If it doesn't work out don't hesitate to return it. Remember, only tools are returnable after being used, all accessories are not. That means the blades and extra rails are not returnable once used.
Good luck and be sure to let us know how things go if you decide to give it a shot.
Brice Burrell
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cgraham said:
If you can deal with a cord that is the way to go. I also have a corded KSS 400 (Mafell's version of the HK55) and I get a lot more use out of it over the HKC.
thudchkr
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- Dec 13, 2007
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I used the HKC when doing a small deck of Trex. It worked well. I used it for miter and bevels as well as end cuts. It was a brand new blade and the first thing I send the saw on. I didn’t push it excessively and all cuts came out without any issues.
demographic
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I have no idea what Azek is but have recently finished a decking job with my HKC.
At first I was using a standard blade to cut he wooden decking with two grooves in the top surface that have a kind of epoxy/sand mix.
Obviously this stuff absolutely kills standard blades, I wasn't even getting a day out of a blade becore it was blunt. Then I bought a De-Walt PCD blade, its only got four teeth with the tungsten tooth having about a millimeter of diamond on its face.
Its 1.8mm thick kerf so the same as standard and works an absolute treat. After a couple of weeks use its still usable although not as sharp as when new.
Also its not great on just normal wood, hell its only got four teeth so its only to be expected.
I bought two blades for just over 40 quid and they were worth every penny.
At first I was using a standard blade to cut he wooden decking with two grooves in the top surface that have a kind of epoxy/sand mix.
Obviously this stuff absolutely kills standard blades, I wasn't even getting a day out of a blade becore it was blunt. Then I bought a De-Walt PCD blade, its only got four teeth with the tungsten tooth having about a millimeter of diamond on its face.
Its 1.8mm thick kerf so the same as standard and works an absolute treat. After a couple of weeks use its still usable although not as sharp as when new.
Also its not great on just normal wood, hell its only got four teeth so its only to be expected.
I bought two blades for just over 40 quid and they were worth every penny.
Got to finally use it today. Used it to cut 20' lengths of composite decking. Pulled the decking off of the pettibone and was able to square up the ends of decking no problem. A little bit of a learning curve making sure that the pins are against the decking before the saw starts its slide. Overall extremely satisfied. Nice tool festool!
weekendwarrior
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Regarding the DeWalt PCD blade mentioned earlier, I believe it is made for fiber cement. There's a new Festool fiber cement blade now, too, although I doubt you can get 2 for 40 quid! (Or whatever the USD conversion is...)
https://www.festoolusa.com/accessory/202958---160x2,2x20-dia4-usa
https://www.festoolusa.com/accessory/202958---160x2,2x20-dia4-usa
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