HKC55 vs KSS50

[simonh]

I'm in a little bit of a dilemma. I love my Festool stuff but also my Mafell.

I'm looking for a carpentry cross-cut saw. I already have the Mafell MT55 with rails and also with Festool rails as I use them for cabinetry with the TSO range of guides.  I was simply going to add a KSS50 Mbi 18 to my arsenal for outdoor stuff fencing/decking and some framing work. Then, I checked out the HKC55 18v. I've read all the older stuff on FOG and also on MUG.

HKC55:
Pros
Compatible with all the Festool rails and accessories.
Feels a lot lighter and more nimble to handle as just a freehand saw. Ergonomics of the handle and guard level are much better than the KSS which feels very cluttered upfront.
A nicer plunge action and more convenient plunge depth setting (I'd only ever be using it on OSB/Chipboard flooring).
A HK85 would run on the same cross-cut rails if I ever needed bigger machines.
60% of the cost of Mafell.

Cons
Won't cut a 45 at full depth on 2x. I do have other saws that would step in on the rare occasion I may need such a function.
Quite a few complaints of it been underpowered, but some of those reviews are older and maybe using older battery technology than 2170s in the high power 5.2a pack?

KSS50 Mbi18:
Pros
It is more solidly built with metal but that results in it feeling heavier and not as ergonomic off the rails
Can cut full 45 on 2x material

Cons
Not compatible with the Festool FS rails and the TSO accessories (if this is even an issue considering the use cases are different to the tracksaw and you'd probably use it more with a parallel fence for ripping stuff than a track)
Pricing seems to be getting more difficult to justify the huge premium over even Festool.
Reports of it cutting way off the rubber strip of the usual Mafell rail and no adjustment so questionable if you could even share a standard rail with the MT55. Other saws such as the KSS80 have totally different tracks.
It comes in a horrendous huge metal box!

I got to swing around the HKC55 and the KSS60Mbi at a local dealer (no KSS50 in store, but I'm told its not a lot smaller in dimensions and weight and most people buy the KSS60Mbi).

Anyone got any feedback on using both KSS50 and HKC55?  Is the power similar in reality, just more HKC users so more people likely to complain?

 

[mino]

For a "handy" go-to saw, Mafell. No question. Especially if you are already on the CAS platfrom.

That said, the main "sell" there is the KSS 40.

The 50 is - to me - "neither" type of a saw. Too heavy to be The Nimble one. Too small to be The Small Framer. Before the KSS 40 was out there, it was "the small Mafell" which was its main selling point. Not anymore. To me.

My 2c for what it is not worth:
Wanting a "catch of all trades", I would go with the HKC. Both for versatility (one can skip a TSC) and agility.
Wanting a professional/optimal tool - the KSS40 combined with something for framing in the 200+ mm blade range like the Makita HS009G.

ADD:
If you were leaning on the 50, go with the 60 as the dealer mentioned. The 50 is really a "dead" product. Too heavy for what it is these days.

If looking for a "TSC" replacement, wanting 168 mm blades compatibility with the MT 55 .. you can still use those in the 60. Just will have lower depth of cut but they will work fine.

 

[simonh]

I’ve got a HKC55. The 14-day returns policy at least means I can get my hands on it and put it through my use cases to see how it handles them.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Hi Simon,

How much capacity do you need in the crosscut saw? I have a spread of Mafell saws, and as a professional carpenter my KSS-40 is used 95% of the time, with the KSS-400 (replaced by the KSS-50) only coming out for building decks and additions. Depending on your needs, I might suggest you consider the KSS-40.

If you need something bigger, I have a friend with the KSS-60 and he just loves it.

I've had my eyes on the KSS-80 for years, just waiting for the right project to come along to justify it......

As you already pointed out, you already have a MT-55cc, which means you can still utilize the TSO accessories when needed.

 

[simonh]

I've got to say so far the HKC55 is looking like a keeper. I been putting it through its paces with some dry 2x4 and it handles those no problem. Also, same with some kiln dried pressure treated. 18mm MDF and plywood were no problem. I even buried it full depth 55mm into an air-dried oak beam (8"x8") and while it did struggle a little I just went slower and it managed no problem.  I've not tried wet pressure treated that's sat outside yet.

Here in the UK the machine comes as stock with 18 tooth blade which proved a more than adequate cut for the type of work it would be used for. I did try a 32 tooth Mafell 160mm x 1.8kerf blade and it was fine in kiln dried softwood and sheet materials, but struggled at full depth in oak with some burning and bogging down as would be expected.