TS75 vs HK85

[festy]

I've read all I can find regarding the HK85 and watched the small selection of videos. It appears to be an extremely versatile saw that does everything the TS75 can and more. Does the HK85 make the TS75 redundant, or am I missing something?

The products:

TS75
HK85

Edited: Have had some great feedback so far. There appears to be some confusion regarding the HK85, so to clarify:

• HK85 can run on all tracks - FS, FS/2 and FSK
• HK85 does have plunge capabilities

 

[Kev]

Well ... the HK is designed to run on FSK rails as well FS and you can get the grooving device for the HK85.

The TS75 can be fitted to the CMS TS75 module.

If you don't have a need to plop the saw into a CMS module, I'll probably go with mostly redundant!

All that said, If I didn't have the TS75 in a CMS module and the fact that I've got TS55's I'd say I'd have a need to use it out of the module almost never!

I REALLY, REALLY WISH they'd bring out a user installed upgrade to the Sword Saw so it ran captured on the FSK track!!! [cool]

 

[sancho57]

The tracks are different . The TS 75 can be used with any festool track. The HK85 is limited to only tracks make for the HK85. They have a limited selection in track lengths right now and Im not sure if they can be joined to increase the length of cut.

Im also not sure of the debth of cut for the HK85 v TS75 and the availability of different saw blades for the HK85 but those would be  considerations for me.

 

[neeleman]

I think you're wrong about the tracks.
The TS 75 can only be used at the FS and FS/2 tracks.
But the HK(C) 55/85 can be used on all kind of tracks: FS, FS/2 and FSK.

 

[jools]

It runs on the FS rails just fine. The special HSK rails are for cross cutting and come in the three sizes only 250,420 and 670mm  and can not be joined. These have an additional profile that locks them to the saw. It cuts at 85mm at 90', 62mm at 45' and 47mm at 60'.
Is that my credit card whimpering in the corner  [big grin]. I have the HKC55 and love it but nothing bigger in my current saws. It be cheaper to have a drug habit!! Damn you festool

Jools

 

[Stone Message]

The tracks are different . The TS 75 can be used with any festool track. The HK85 is limited to only tracks make for the HK85. They have a limited selection in track lengths right now and Im not sure if they can be joined to increase the length of cut.

Im also not sure of the debth of cut for the HK85 v TS75 and the availability of different saw blades for the HK85 but those would be  considerations for me.

Hi Ron,

The HK 85 (and the HK 55 and HKC 55) can run on any of the Festool tracks - take a look at the video on the thread that I have recently created under Festool Reviews.

Peter

 

[Stone Message]

As far as the TS v HK debate might go let me mention what I have discovered since playing with the HK and HKC machines.

The HK 85 has a greater depth of cut than the TS 75.

The HK 85 can take the optional Dado kit.

The HK range of saws will all work on both the FS and FSK rails.

The TS range of saws only work on the FS rails.

When using an HK on an FS rail you need a little more free rail at the end where you start the cut in order to allow for a safe raising of the blade guard.

The dust collection is better with the TS range of saws as more of the blade is enclosed during cuts.

From my limited experience with the HK saws I would prefer to use a TS saw for cutting sheet goods. That said, the HK saws will do a good job and can have the advantage of the FSK approach for cuts up to 670 mm across.

I feel that the TS range may be safer as the blade is retracted at the start and end of cuts and the saw can be safely put aside even if the blade were still spinning. The HK range are perfectly safe if used as per the manufacturer's instructions.

added later after Alex reminded me:
The TS saws can be operated one handed whereas the HK need two hands when plunging.

Take a look at the excellent remarks supporting the HKC 55 by Jools at reply #2 in the HK 55 and HKC 55 thread:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/hk-55-and-hkc-55-video-demonstration/

Peter

 

[AlexThePalex]

I've read all I can find regarding the HK85 and watched the small selection of videos. It appears to be an extremely versatile saw that does everything the TS75 can and more. Does the HK85 make the TS75 redundant, or am I missing something?

Yes, you are missing something and I am surprised nobody above mentioned it yet.

The TS75 is a plunge saw while the HK85 is not.

 

[neeleman]

All the HK(C) 55/85 saws can also be used as a plunge saw and that's the brilliant part of these saws.
Although it doesn't function as easy as the TS versions.

 

[Stone Message]

Alex is right to point out the fact that the TS are designed as a plunge saw but the HK can plunge. That difference is not subtle as one needs to do more to make the HK plunge than just the simple one handed operation with the TS.

If you are comfortable using what we used to call circular saws then the HK may well serve all your needs.

Peter

 

[jools]

You need both hands to plunge the HK and I personally find it clumsy. It also exposes the blade so you need to use due diligence. You can also catch the rail with the saw if your not careful.  [scared]. Don't ask! Peter is right in that you need more of the rail on overhang to ensure the saw is on the rail before you plunge. Horses for courses as they say.

 

[festy]

Thanks all for the advice. It does seem there is quite a bit of confusion regarding the HK85 e.g. rails, capabilities. I'll update the original question to summarise what has been discussed so far.

I suppose one thing that hasn't been mentioned, although Jools did touch on it, is the cut quality between the two saws. If both were fitted with fine cut blades would the TS75 return better results?

Peter, great review of the HK55. Would be good if you could get hold of the HK85 too!

 

[Svar]

HK85 is also heavier than TS75. 7 vs 6.2 kg. Something to consider when cutting all day long.

 

[festy]

Good shout on the weight Svar.

Does anyone have any experience/opinion on the cut quality vs the TS75 if both were fitted with a fine tooth blade?

 

[chappardababbar]

I now have three festool circular saws:

TS55 for sheet work, and for use in the CMS module for finer cuts on a table saw
HKC55 as the cordless, go anywhere saw
HK85 for the extra depth that the TS55 and HKC55 can't do, plus I think it means I can avoid having to get an OF2200 for dados.

Cordless. Fine sheet work. Thick work + dados. All bases covered?

Got the HK85 rather than the TS75, because I don't think I need 75mm depth on a table (in CMS), TS55 will do fine in CMS, and HK85 can do greater depth on a rail PLUS it has the dado ability.

Let's see how it goes...I do feel like i have one saw too many

 

[Coen]

I've read all I can find regarding the HK85 and watched the small selection of videos. It appears to be an extremely versatile saw that does everything the TS75 can and more. Does the HK85 make the TS75 redundant, or am I missing something?

Yes, you are missing something and I am surprised nobody above mentioned it yet.

The TS75 is a plunge saw while the HK85 is not.

But look at this;=4m18s
[eek]

 

[Kev]

I now have three festool circular saws:

TS55 for sheet work, and for use in the CMS module for finer cuts on a table saw
HKC55 as the cordless, go anywhere saw
HK85 for the extra depth that the TS55 and HKC55 can't do, plus I think it means I can avoid having to get an OF2200 for dados.

Cordless. Fine sheet work. Thick work + dados. All bases covered?

Got the HK85 rather than the TS75, because I don't think I need 75mm depth on a table (in CMS), TS55 will do fine in CMS, and HK85 can do greater depth on a rail PLUS it has the dado ability.

Let's see how it goes...I do feel like i have one saw too many

Nah!! by my reckoning you have 2 too few [wink]

TS75 pretty much lives in the CMS module, but it's ready for the big clean cuts when you need it.
TS55 (early version) which I feel gives a better mitre accuracy and is the sheet goods weapon of choice.
TSC55 because it's brilliant for the odd jobs and gives great freedom with the dust bag.
HKC55 as it makes messing about away from power with the FSK rails a breeze.
HK85 with the grooving unit because it's a beast.

So ... my thinking is that if you have the 5 above, the one you don't need is the corded HK55 (as you have that option well covered)

 

[AlexThePalex]

I've read all I can find regarding the HK85 and watched the small selection of videos. It appears to be an extremely versatile saw that does everything the TS75 can and more. Does the HK85 make the TS75 redundant, or am I missing something?

Yes, you are missing something and I am surprised nobody above mentioned it yet.

The TS75 is a plunge saw while the HK85 is not.

But look at this;=4m18s
[eek]

One of the characteristics of a plunge saw is that is has a spring that makes it go up again once you let it go. Important safety mechanism.

Of course you can plunge with any circular saw, but it does not work as smoothly and safe as with a real plunge saw.

 

[chappardababbar]

I now have three festool circular saws:

TS55 for sheet work, and for use in the CMS module for finer cuts on a table saw
HKC55 as the cordless, go anywhere saw
HK85 for the extra depth that the TS55 and HKC55 can't do, plus I think it means I can avoid having to get an OF2200 for dados.

Cordless. Fine sheet work. Thick work + dados. All bases covered?

Got the HK85 rather than the TS75, because I don't think I need 75mm depth on a table (in CMS), TS55 will do fine in CMS, and HK85 can do greater depth on a rail PLUS it has the dado ability.

Let's see how it goes...I do feel like i have one saw too many

Nah!! by my reckoning you have 2 too few [wink]

TS75 pretty much lives in the CMS module, but it's ready for the big clean cuts when you need it.
TS55 (early version) which I feel gives a better mitre accuracy and is the sheet goods weapon of choice.
TSC55 because it's brilliant for the odd jobs and gives great freedom with the dust bag.
HKC55 as it makes messing about away from power with the FSK rails a breeze.
HK85 with the grooving unit because it's a beast.

So ... my thinking is that if you have the 5 above, the one you don't need is the corded HK55 (as you have that option well covered)

Ha! Oh boy...

I'm thinking, for sheet goods, the cordless HK55 is good enough when used with the FS guide rails. I'll get loads more use of of it using it this way.

So my TS55 will live in the CMS module.

...The whole reason for this post is because I couldn't decide between HK85 and TS75, bought the HK85 and now think i want the TS75 in the CMS module! But I've got to draw the line somewhere. I'm a hobbyist...I had a proper joiner come to my house to do some work the other day and I actually felt embarrassed when the he saw my tool set

 

[Xoncention]

TS55 for sheet work, and for use in the CMS module for finer cuts on a table saw

HK85 with the grooving unit because it's a beast.
So ... my thinking is that if you have the 5 above, the one you don't need is the corded HK55 (as you have that option well covered)

I have to agree with you on the HK85.  It certainly has the grunt to do most things.  Being a big lad, it it easy to to use, but I have seen it almost get away from some people.  Hold your breath, I also enjoy using a cross cut hand saw for a lot of site work.  I think it is important to maintain your hand saw skills.  I would not use the HK85 on a roof - unless you have real sure footing.  I think it is a ground based tool.