New cordless tools fall 2025

[Imemiter]

Any updates about the release date on the HLC planer? I'm in need of an electric planer on a project, but would prefer to wait for the cordless one if it's just around the corner. Thanks!

If you need a cordless plane today, consider the 40v Makita. I've used it to hog off rough framing, but it'll also make quick work of saw marks on ripped trim, leaving a near flawless finish. Dust collection is unbelievably good with the 36mm hose. Festool will need some incredible (but credible!) reviews to get me to think about replacing the XGT. Sadly, both brands have dropped the ball on fences. Bosch seems to be the only brand that understands the need to pitch the hinge side of a door.

 

[Cheese]

Bosch seems to be the only brand that understands the need to pitch the hinge side of a door.

Never heard of that before...I've always pitched the lock side of the door. Any advantages or disadvantages?

 

[Imemiter]

Never heard of that before...I've always pitched the lock side of the door. Any advantages or disadvantages?

Less tendency for hinge bind after paint build up. It only takes a degree or three.

 

[Cheese]

Here's a recent review on the new DFC 500 Domino. The review isn't really much as all he does is talk about it and not operate it. I did find it interesting though to see the additional space between the Domino body and the dust extraction tube. I've always struggled to attach the hose to the DF 500. Something else worth noting, is the easier on/off switch engagement on the DFC 500 which would eliminate the Domino body from moving forward prematurely and possibly damaging the board.
There's also a nice side-by-side size comparison for each 500 machine around the 4:13 time stamp.

 

[MacBoy]

Here is Peter Millard’s quick thoughts on the Cordless Domino DFC 500

As he said, this is not an exhaustive review since he only recently got the tool.

Peter shows the new Fence can be swapped onto the old Domino. In the comments he said the Center Point seems to remain the same.

I would add a 6th surprise onto his list: in his member videos, we’ve seen Peter accidentally turn on the DFC while simply holding / showing / positioning it. That happened multiple times in the past few weeks of the 10 Minute Workshop videos for members.

 

[onocoffee]

I just saw Millard’s video today. Even though we don’t have it here in the USA, I’ve been rather bullish on it. Until now.

I would have expected the DFC to have improved balance but Peter relates that its front heavy, weighs 2 pounds more and is more difficult to operate vertically. I feel that this may be moving away from it working “better”?

I’m wondering what they will charge for the updated fence as Peter demonstrated that it is a simple swap.

And it would have been nice if FT incorporated a light. Guess it will have to be the Dutton.

 

[Cheese]

I’m wondering what they will charge for the updated fence as Peter demonstrated that it is a simple swap.

Not terrible...$380...but it does make you think twice about what you're getting for the $$$. However, if you have one of the early 500's where the fence always slipped no matter what you did to it, then this may be an ideal solution.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Good video as usual from Peter, I love that Benchdog base, looks even better than the Bigfoot!

Curious though, I thought it was confirmed by Festool the new fence wasn't compatible with the older DF500, unless it was part of the fence components not the entire frame they were talking about?

I wouldn't buy it but I do like the look of the DFC. If I didn't have a 500 already I'd jump on it if the corded version definitely won't get the D handle.

 

[Cheese]

Curious though, I thought it was confirmed by Festool the new fence wasn't compatible with the older DF500, unless it was part of the fence components not the entire frame they were talking about?

It was also confirmed by Festool that the 150mm pad would not be useable on the ETS EC 125 because of balance issues...then it was braking issues...then it was...

There's history here that's worth remembering.

 

[Cheese]

Just realized that the new HKC 55 now uses 1.6mm kerf blades. I wonder how much that improves run time using just a single battery? I'm going to purchase the 18 tooth version and try it on my HKC.

Festool Cordless circular saw HKC 55 KEB-Basic online

Festool Cordless circular saw HKC 55 KEB-Basic ➜ Greater power and endurance ✔ Mobile mitre saw system ✔ More safety thanks to KickbackStop ✔ ➜ All information directly from the manufacturer ➨ www.festool.co.uk

www.festool.co.uk

 

[Imemiter]

Won't it bind up on the 1.8mm riving knife/blade guard?

Just realized that the new HKC 55 now uses 1.6mm kerf blades. I wonder how much that improves run time using just a single battery? I'm going to purchase the 18 tooth version and try it on my HKC.

 

[P_K]

The 1.8mm knife attached to the end of the HKC's blade guard barely projects into the cut, it isn't like the one on the plunge saws. A .2mm difference probably wouldn't be an issue for the thinner blade.

 

[Imemiter]

The 1.8mm knife attached to the end of the HKC's blade guard barely projects into the cut, it isn't like the one on the plunge saws. A .2mm difference probably wouldn't be an issue for the thinner blade.

I've had the kerf close up on me on that saw's knife. It was a show stopper. I'll be interested to hear if it works, though.

 

[Lincoln]

Any updates about the release date on the HLC planer? I'm in need of an electric planer on a project, but would prefer to wait for the cordless one if it's just around the corner. Thanks!

I'm still very disappointed that they didn't keep the same format as the EHL65 - still the best, most comfortable planer I've ever used. I'll check out the cordless, but don't think I'll bite.