TS75 vs HK85

[Coen]

They used to make a CMS module for the AP85, so I expect them to release one for the HK85 as well.

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)

No, he's missing the Precisio

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.

Well, all things relative. If you cut things at an angle, the spring tension distracts more from safety than it adds.

 

[chappardababbar]

They used to make a CMS module for the AP85, so I expect them to release one for the HK85 as well.

If this is the case - I think I'm good. I really hope they do release a CMS module for the HK85. It makes sense to do it for the whole HK powered range, surely

 

[Coen]

The plate itself was the same for AP 85, AP 55, AT 55, etc.

 

[jgowrie]

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

I have been using my new HK55 for about a week and a half now and the plunge operation is easy to do one handed.  I can plunge the blade into the material after setting the saw on the track.  It IS a two handed operation to place the saw on the track since you have to raise blade guard slightly so the riving knife doesnt interfere  but once that is done you can easily plunge with your right hand.  I can even flip the lever to raise the blade back up with just my right hand and a single finger.  Its a brilliant machine IMO. 

I realized the saw is different from my model in the HK line.  The images of the HK85 look like all the features are identical to the HK55 with just a larger blade.  If there is something different about the operation of the saw then I will delete my post if someone says so. 

 

[Kev]

No, he's missing the Precisio

I actually thought long and hard about a CS70, but it's so incredibly overdue for an update .. plus I believe a proper slider is a lot closer for me now (about to move to somewhere that'll either already have or have space for a decent sized workshop), so the portability of the CMS was the right choice for me.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Why exactly does the CS70 need an update? Been using it a lot the last 2 months, and it really didn't occur to me I was doing it in an outdated way.

In fact, it's a delight to have a Festool that doesn't start beeping at me at every turn.  [smile]

 

[Kev]

Why exactly does the CS70 need an update? Been using it a lot the last 2 months, and it really didn't occur to me I was doing it in an outdated way.

In fact, it's a delight to have a Festool that doesn't start beeping at me at every turn.  [smile]

[member=5277]Alex[/member] it obviously cuts! [smile]

I should have been more specific. 70mm is the same as I can get with the TS75 in the CMS, I'd like a table saw with a greater cutting capacity. If they were to update the CS70, I'd expect them at least to match the bigger Mafell Erika.

Honestly though I was very close to buying one. All of the CMS stuff, with the extension tables, rip fence, sliding table, etc and the TS75 itself came in a little under the price of the full CS70 set when it was going for about 10~15% off here.  Because I wanted a TS75 anyway, I convinced myself to go in the CMS direction ... now I've got a HK85 it makes taking the TS75 out of the CMS module redundant [embarassed]

 

[Coen]

No, he's missing the Precisio

I actually thought long and hard about a CS70, but it's so incredibly overdue for an update .. plus I believe a proper slider is a lot closer for me now (about to move to somewhere that'll either already have or have space for a decent sized workshop), so the portability of the CMS was the right choice for me.

Not necessarily the CS70. Contrary to the CS70, the CS50 accessoires is compatible with the CMS. Also, the way you can pull the saw with a Precisio is nice.

In a era long gone, you could get the Basis 2A; a sliding saw in the predecessor of the CMS.

But it depends on how much space you've got. If you do have the space, a CS50 + CMS is really nice. And then Festool should hurry up and release a CMS plate for the HK85.  [smile]
Anyway, this is all just a bit of trolling, considering you already have a nice set, and life being life, you can't have it all.

 

[chappardababbar]

Does anyone know what actually distinguishes the TS range from the HK range?

On the website, there is a circular saw section, and a separate carpentry section. The design in different in a number of ways...plunge has been discussed, but also the dust port is oriented differently. I'm sure there are many many differences.

My point is, why didn't festool simply make the FSK guide rails compatible with the TS saws? Why necessary to design a different saw if it accepts all the same blades?

The HK85 has a couple of extra tricks vs the TS75, but the HK55 is very very similar to the TS55, is it not?

 

[Stone Message]

Does anyone know what actually distinguishes the TS range from the HK range?

On the website, there is a circular saw section, and a separate carpentry section. The design in different in a number of ways...plunge has been discussed, but also the dust port is oriented differently. I'm sure there are many many differences.

My point is, why didn't festool simply make the FSK guide rails compatible with the TS saws? Why necessary to design a different saw if it accepts all the same blades?

The HK85 has a couple of extra tricks vs the TS75, but the HK55 is very very similar to the TS55, is it not?

The differences are huge...

The plunge action of the TS is very much suited to the breaking down of sheet goods or wider solid material where the work is likely to be done on a bench (either MFT3 or a custom top). The TS guide rail is a simple aluminium extrusion designed to be very stable on the surface of the material being cut. Splinter guard features are built into both the TS and the guide rail.

The HK saws are not so easy to use on a bench top as the saw will not sit flat on a rail (which is on the material being cut) because the saw blade has to penetrate the work top. You can do this by making a plunging cut but it is awkward compared to the TS. The HK saws are highly suited to general carpentry where cuts are likely to be made on a saw horse or in the air (like Phil Beckley does at his demos). This makes the HK a great tool for first fix/roofers etc.

The FSK rails have a capture feature which keeps the rail and the HK saw united. There is also a return spring built in. The HK saws can be used on a TS guide rail but an FSK rail cannot be used with a TS saw.

Peter

(modified to correct an error)

 

[jgowrie]

Peter you say the FS saws.. Are you referring to the HK line?  My HK 55 sits dead flat on my FS rail.  The only thing I have to do is push the lever so the blad gaurd's riving knife lifts out of the way.  Once I set the saw onto the track, I can release the lever and the HK sits on the rail exactly the same as I have seen the TS saws sit on the track.

 

[Stone Message]

Peter you say the FS saws.. Are you referring to the HK line?  My HK 55 sits dead flat on my FS rail.  The only thing I have to do is push the lever so the blad gaurd's riving knife lifts out of the way.  Once I set the saw onto the track, I can release the lever and the HK sits on the rail exactly the same as I have seen the TS saws sit on the track.

Oops...senior moment - too much morphine.  I will change that.

Many thanks.

Peter

 

[chappardababbar]

Thank you Peter, I actually purchased both the 85 and battery version of the 55 after watching your videos. Very informative and thanks for the reply

 

[Huxleywood]

Peter you say the FS saws.. Are you referring to the HK line?  My HK 55 sits dead flat on my FS rail.  The only thing I have to do is push the lever so the blad gaurd's riving knife lifts out of the way.  Once I set the saw onto the track, I can release the lever and the HK sits on the rail exactly the same as I have seen the TS saws sit on the track.

Oops...senior moment - too much morphine.  I will change that.

Many thanks.

Peter

Do you know a way to change having senior moments?  If you do let me know.

 

[Stone Message]

Do you know a way to change having senior moments?  If you do let me know.

Yes, share them with someone you love - if you can remember their name !

Peter