New HKC 55 on the way?

[surfjungle]

With the TSC 55 track saw updated last April and the HK 55 (corded) currently unavailable, I cannot help but wonder if the HKC is due an update. It's been at ~5 years now.

Does anybody know anything to substantiate my gut? I ask as I'm close to buying one and would hold off if a new saw was imminent.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Nothing is known here about an update, so don't hold your breath. The unavailability of some tools is due to corona virus measures.

 

[surfjungle]

Nothing is known here about an update, so don't hold your breath. The unavailability of some tools is due to corona virus measures.

Thanks - the thought did cross my mind but 5 years is a long time. That coupled with the TSC 55 update and that some say the saw is underpowered... It certainly gave me pause for thought.

 

[squall_line]

If the HK/HKC used the 2.2 kerf blade instead of the 1.8, I would say that maybe they had a change coming.  Since they already had the narrower blade and the FSK rail is captured by the sole plate on the HK/HKC, I don't know that there's any low-hanging fruit to go after on an update.

 

[imdking]

Go on and get the saw that's available now. Before the stock runs out. Then you'll be waiting because you can't find it anywhere.

It's like waiting for the brushless CXS drill (cough). Don't hold your breath. Festool is gonna ride that wave right onto the beach!

 

[Coen]

5 years is a long time

In cutting wood with a circular saw it's not.

 

[demographic]

There's already two versions out in the wild anyway.
The first has the battery meter LEDs on the machine and the later one got rid of the LEDs on the machine and relies on the ones on the battery.
Which is pretty damn annoying if some of the bateries you use are the old type that dont have a built in battery meter.
Its a definite downgrade in my opinion.
The beancounters got to make a decision, Yay.

 

[Coen]

Well, you can just roughly hear how full it is?

 

[demographic]

Well, you can just roughly hear how full it is?

Not very well, no.
If its close to being discharged I can maybe telk the difference from a full charge but its about as much use as a chocolate fireguard.
If I bad all  new batteries wih the charge indicators it wouldn't be an issue but I have two 5.2Ah ones without.

 

[steadyliam]

What’s the likelihood that a new HKC is around the corner now? I understand it’s been out for in the vicinity of ten years. I would like to get one but it would really pain me to drop that quantity of cash on what might turn out to be a soon-superseded machine. I’m under the impression that Festool is likely to be releasing a lot of new products next year for their 100th anniversary and wondered what members’ thoughts were on the likelihood that a new HKC might be among them.

 

[usernumber1]

maybe a new cordless version of hk 85. i dont see them updating the existing highly niche hkc55

as far as saw power goes it's more like a musical instrument compared to makita/dewalt/milwaukee
however it's the only one with the good dust collection without a vacuum and the rail is something you have to learn to take advantage of.
mafell is the only competition in those regard that i can think of but at double the price

 

[luvmytoolz]

maybe a new cordless version of hk 85. i dont see them updating the existing highly niche hkc55

as far as saw power goes it's more like a musical instrument compared to makita/dewalt/milwaukee
however it's the only one with the good dust collection without a vacuum and the rail is something you have to learn to take advantage of.
mafell is the only competition in those regard that i can think of but at double the price

I'd really be surprised if they brought out a cordless HK85. It's pretty big and heavy already, and adding batteries would definitely impact both aspects, as well as the balance and manageability on such a grunty saw.

 

[petar73]

Dual battery hk with 190mm blade would be a good size.

 

[Sauvecreates]

I really want a GOOD framing saw from Festool. I just got my first FSK track (420) and I was super disappointed with the HK 55 my colleague has. I figured I would try the HK 55 with the track before my TS60. The darn riving knife kept getting stuck on compound bevel cuts. I purchased the parallel edge guide for the HK and was also a bit disappointed with the design, don't think I will be using it much.

I was looking at Mafell, but I would like to stick to Festool. The HK 85 here in Canada would be nice. Agh.