i thought festool tools don't go on sale?

[usernumber1]

whats going on HKC combo is CAD $270 off, for CAD $799.00 - rail+charger+batteries
https://www.atlas-machinery.com/festool/fes-201374/

also, is this a realistic replacement for a portable miter saw?

 

[demographic]

It's not a realistic replacement for everything a mitresaw does.
However it does a hell of a lot of the things a mitresaw does so you will find it a valuable tool and it does a lot more jobs as well.

Or at least I do, as a subcontractor carpenter.
I still have a mitresaw but often just leave it in the van now I have my HKC.

 

[VirTERM]

whats going on HKC combo is CAD $270 off, for CAD $799.00 - rail+charger+batteries
https://www.atlas-machinery.com/festool/fes-201374/

also, is this a realistic replacement for a portable miter saw?

Is this a model with Bluetooth capable batteries? If not, perhaps this would be a reason for a price drop.

 

[FestitaMakool]

I’m also guessing that Festool are using full kit sale for pushing old battery stock.
(I also found it strange that they have sold the HKC, at least here, with free FSK 420 guide rail, even without batteries and charger. I did jump on one of those, and bought Bluetooth batteries separately, and the air cooled charger)
For sure, most people buying battery powered FT equipment now would want the Bluetooth advantage. So stock with old batteries would be pushed, through dealers, with additional payback from FT.
FT probably has most of the CT dust collector range exchanged soon, with Bluetooth built in as with the CT Mini/Midi.
So that the module socket could be adapted to users needs again.. I suspect most to utilise this for the Bluetooth module now.

 

[Archman]

I bought my HKC 55 partially to be a small miter saw replacement and although I did use it with an mft/3 set to do a knotty alder trim install recently I only did it to try it out.  My next job was an mdf trim install and I didn’t even consider using the HKC 55. I also bought it as a more affordable cordless track saw option and it does this great.  I would only consider using the saw with the attached rails to be used in a rough application & not for finish work at all. 

 

[Cheese]

That kit 201374, is the HKC with Airstream but without Bluetooth.

 

[gunnyr]

I bought my HKC 55 partially to be a small miter saw replacement and although I did use it with an mft/3 set to do a knotty alder trim install recently I only did it to try it out.  My next job was an mdf trim install and I didn’t even consider using the HKC 55. I also bought it as a more affordable cordless track saw option and it does this great.  I would only consider using the saw with the attached rails to be used in a rough application & not for finish work at all.

I dunno, I find the HKC does about 80% of what a miter saw does.  Below is a shot of what I consider high end trim carpentry where we used the HKC to do the compound miters on the beams and ship lap.  The HKC does something that NO miter saw can do; it allows me to bring the tool to the work!

I'm a HUGE fan of the HKC!  I use is nearly every day for everything from framing to cabinet installation.  I love it for exterior trim because I can take it up on the lift or scaffolding with me.

View attachment 1

 

[mrboult]

The HKC is a fabulous saw that, like someone else mentioned above, I purchased largely as a cordless track saw option. However, the cross cut rails, the cordless freehand usability and the DC make it a wonderful addition in many ways. My TS 55 just broke (I'll be fixing it) and the HKC has come into the other role I planned for it as my TS back up. The cuts are not as beautifully finished, and the tear-out is notably worse, but it's a whole world better than not having a track saw for the next week or so!!

I have to say the power is not wonderful, and if it were my only circular or track saw, that might be a bit of an issue over time.

 

[thorp]

This guy does amazing work and can't say enough good about the HKC setup:

 

[Mario Turcot]

Amazing you say! That's a pale word  [eek]  [not worthy]

 

[FestitaMakool]

[member=70135]thorp[/member]:
That was a really enjoyable video. Skill and craft with a minimum, but selected tools.
It reminds me what I have learned from just as skilled carpenters, a reason to stop and do think before you saw.
I am also among those who (albeit recently) love and see a real benefit in the HKC, with FSK rail.
I don’t mind it being not to powerful, as I have learned that if (with almost any motorised saw) you slow down an let the saw do the work, it minimises tear off, and do a cleaner cut. Just learning each tool how it does best. I did a test with my late mitre saw, fitting a fine tooth blade. If I “forced” the cut to be made fast, it ended up with the same tear off as with the standard blade. If I did go slow an steady with both blades, it produced a similar cut (Of course more slowly with the standard blade)
Soo, I ended up with not to stack up on blades, and practiced more skills with my tools.

 

[Archman]

Stair treads and t&g/ship lap would be two really good tasks for the hkc for sure.  The way Lewis Carpentry used it in the vid is a good method.  He’s not using the stops at all.  But as far as using the HCK for door/window casing, that’s a negative especially if there is a milled profile.  I used mine for 12 sides of six door casings.  Sure I can make it work if I had to.  I’m happy with the saw and will continue to press it into usage but I see it as a jack of all trades but a master of none. The one thing it can do closest to another dedicated tool is as a track saw.  The #1 ding I would give the saw is that the handle is very cramped.  So much so that when making a vertical cut  I almost  can’t move my hand to get my finger off of the trigger.  Last week I was cutting rafter tails plumb (something this saw excels at, but also a task that any decent carpenter should be able to do with any circular saw) and between the track not automatically extending out and me not being able to get my finger off of the trigger it was overly hazardous.  I’ve also noticed this when cutting jamb legs on doors where I also use a circular saw in a vertical position. I do have XL hands and was wearing thin gloves but I have three other circular saws that aren’t nearly as cramped and I have no issues with.  #2 ding would be the power.  It is usable but nowhere near as powerful as any circular saw I’ve personally ever used.  Like someone mentioned above, it’s not a deal breaker but it does mean you have to learn the tool and exercise patience when cutting 2x material.