HKC55 using TS55 blades

[Jmacpherson]

Hi all

Just clarifying a few things regarding my HKC55.

From what I know, understand and read on FOG....

The HKC55 can use TS55 blades even though the we have a different cut width, 1.8mm vs 2.2mm
If you use a HKC55 with its blade on a std FS rail already trimmed to your TS55 with its blade, it doesn't affect the edge strip and will makes it cut right next to rubber strip - how they got that right, I'm not sure

Question, therefore I should be able to use the TS55 'fine' 48tooth blade in the HKC correct?
Since its cut is wider, would it trim the FSK rail that has already been trimmed to the HKC's blade which is thinner?
I assume the 48tooth blade will be fine for cross cuts in hard wood vs the HKC 18tooth blade if I want a cleaner cut.
Would the thicker blade have any impact on run time?

I'm only asking all this since the HKC is so new here and getting the additional accessories even from the local Festool dealers is proving difficult. Might just be easier to use TS55 blades in the long run.

Thanks
John

 

[PreferrablyWood]

The thicker blades will definitely affect run time. I'd try and get the HKC's own crosscut and panther blades for best results..I'd only use the TS 55 blades that offer something not available from HKC's type of blade..

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Keep in mind that the Irving knives are carefully matched to the blade kerf. If you use a wider blade the riving knife loses effectiveness.

 

[geoffshep]

More specifically, the wider riving knife of the TS55 won't work with the thinner blade from the HK.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

More specifically, the wider riving knife of the TS55 won't work with the thinner blade from the HK.

Yes the HKC blades aren't compatible with the TS 55, but the TS Blades work with the HKC with no issues..

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

More specifically, the wider riving knife of the TS55 won't work with the thinner blade from the HK.

Yes the HKC blades aren't compatible with the TS 55, but the TS Blades work with the HKC with no issues..

Incorrect. The TS 55 blades have a wider kerf than those designated for the HK. If the HK saws are anything like other higher end saws, the riving knife should be indexed to the intended blade. Using a wider blade when ripping solid materials means you run the risk of the material closing on the back of the blade instead of the riving knife, potentially resulting in dangerous kick back.

If you're going to spend the money on a high end saw, don't skimp on the blades. If availability is an issue, plan on ordering extra and warehousing them yourself versus relying on local availability. Any perceived savings (time or money) using counter indicated blades is wiped out by a trip to the hospital. I believe this is covered in one of the Festool International videos.

 

[Jmacpherson]

Thank you to everyone for their feedback and input.

I'm waiting to hear back from the retailer if Festool has the HKC blades available locally or if they have to bring them in from Germany.
I agree that the HKC blades are first prize and I also came to the same conclusion that I might as well order the Panther blade at the same time and maybe order in bulk and have spares.

The TS55 blades are just a last option if I have no choice and wanted to make 100% sure of compatibility.
Festool list the specialist blades for the HKC on their website and it is the exact same blades that work on the TS55.
This is the blade for aluminium-plastic profiles and laminate flooring, both which have a cut width of 2,2mm.
Surely, if they are listing those blades then the others are safe to use? Festool, really confusing.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Thank you to everyone for their feedback and input.

I'm waiting to hear back from the retailer if Festool has the HKC blades available locally or if they have to bring them in from Germany.
I agree that the HKC blades are first prize and I also came to the same conclusion that I might as well order the Panther blade at the same time and maybe order in bulk and have spares.

The TS55 blades are just a last option if I have no choice and wanted to make 100% sure of compatibility.
Festool list the specialist blades for the HKC on their website and it is the exact same blades that work on the TS55.
This is the blade for aluminium-plastic profiles and laminate flooring, both which have a cut width of 2,2mm.
Surely, if they are listing those blades then the others are safe to use? Festool, really confusing.

Yes the regular TS55 for wood er safe to use, it's just the issue with the battery charge going down faster.

 

[Jmacpherson]

Yes the regular TS55 for wood er safe to use, it's just the issue with the battery charge going down faster.
[/quote]

Seems like there is no stock here in my country, going to have order the HKC blades in from Germany.
At least the FSK 250 rail is in stock locally.

 

[bryan1982]

Hey

I have been using the hkc for about 8 months  now.
i only use a 48 tooth  ts55 blade in it.
Im doing kitchen installations every day,
I love havining the saw attached to the rail i have tacken the stops off the 670mm rail so i can cut longer panels down and do sink cut out ect.

Chéers

Bryan

 

[Jmacpherson]

Hey

I have been using the hkc for about 8 months  now.
i only use a 48 tooth  ts55 blade in it.
Im doing kitchen installations every day,
I love havining the saw attached to the rail i have tacken the stops off the 670mm rail so i can cut longer panels down and do sink cut out ect.

Chéers

Bryan

Thanks for the info Bryan.
Quick question, how long does a 5.2ah battery roughly last you on a single charge?

 

[bryan1982]

[member=61559]Jmacpherson[/member]

Hey here in aus when the hkc came out they were only offering 4.2ah batteries
I dont even own any 5.2 yet...

I would only change battery once a week maybe i dont really take much notice really but ill keep an eye on it.
The battery does last awhile and having the track attached to the saw is awesome.