Festool HK55 and HKC55 Carpentry Saws

Festool have introduced three carpentry saws. The HK 85 has been covered in a previous video. In this video I take you on a tour of the HK 55 and the cordless HKC 55. I also introduce the FSK guide rails which are designed specifically for the HK saws. I have paid particular attention to the cordless HKC 55 and demonstrate that it has plenty of power, helped by a very efficient brushless motor. These tools were on loan from Festool.

[@JGV_IX]

Thank you Peter for the very informative video. I’ve taken the plunge and ordered one. It will extend the mitre capacity for my projects beyond the reach of the Kapex and the accuracy of a long mitre cut on the table saw. Take care and warm regards from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Johannes, Good luck and stay safe. Cheers. Peter

[@SWALLER740]

Always a clear and understandable presentation - thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

You're very welcome!

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, that’s great advice I will do just that. Dan

[@markrussell9719]

Great review Peter just what I was looking for.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mark, Many thanks. Peter

[@johnlewis8759]

Oh and I forgot, Happy New Year to you !

[@nippychippy]

Great review peter very impressive thanks for making that. I will speak to you and Festool in the next few days as I am in holidays Cheers robert

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+nippychippy Hi Robert, Many thanks. Speak to you soon. Peter

[@kostyuha]

Tack för den här utmärkt presentation! Wery god!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Kostja G Many thanks Peter

[@pennyroyal3813]

I already have a TS55 so don't need either of these saws but your reviews are always worth watching. After months of thinking and saving I ordered a Domino 500. Your review on it and the 700 are excellent. Happy New Year Peter.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Penny Royal Hi Penny, Many thanks and I really hope that you enjoy your new Domino - it has changed the way that I do woodwork. Happy New Year. Peter

[@kd300]

Best review for this

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cheers. Peter

[@vileguile4]

Excellent!!!

[@roncooper6302]

Great presentation as always Peter. I can fully understand the pricing because R & D and design do not come cheap. Happy New Year.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Ron Cooper Hi Ron, many thanks. Happy New Year. Peter

[@MrBez007]

thanks peter. impressive battery. Im of to APTC next week, I might take a look

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+o bez When I first read about the HKC 55 I was worried that it only had one battery (whereas the TSC 55 is fitted with two batteries). As you can see from the video, the HKC 55 has bags of power and does exactly what Festool say it will do. Good luck at Axminster. Peter

[@MrBez007]

+New Brit Workshop (Peter) Thanks. iv never been before, but they have opened a store an hour or so away at Newcastle, and im armed with about four years worth of birthday and Christmas vouchers !

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+o bez Excellent - have fun. Peter

[@SingleTrack66]

pretty impressed with the cordless one. And I see that the corded one is available in site legal 110v. Such a shame that its big brother isnt.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+SingleTrack66 I was impressed by it too. Peter

[@ronh9384]

Great review and the tools were great as well. I bought the HKC55 before the holidays and it is a great tool and the FSK works exceptionally well. When I bought it here in the states they had a package deal going on for multiple tools as a package with extra blades for the tools that used blades. But due to Covid, Festool could not meet demand and I believe they were using some of their manufacturing capability to help out with medical equipment, (Well done Festool)! I wish they would bring the HK85 to the U.S.. Especially as an HKC85 but I could make do with the 220volt version you folks have. Peter, I hope things are getting better there in the U.K. (and elsewhere) as the seem to be doing in most of the U.S.. Stay safe my friend. Cheers Ron

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ron, Many thanks for your best wishes. My wife and I have had our first vaccinations and expect to have the booster shots any day. The UK provided financial help to several vaccine research and manufacture companies in February 2020. We struct a deal with Astra Zeneca that they would produce their vaccines at cost and on a no profit basis. We also placed orders with those companies to help give confidence to their research. As a result we have had contracted supplies for some time. We took the risk and ordered supplies from many companies expecting some of their trials to fail. However, things have been so successful that we now have guaranteed supplies, all under contract, for our needs for 2021. We have also donated the largest sum of money of any country to the international pool to vaccinate the world. Meanwhile, the EU have continued to fail in their vaccine strategy and are now forcing companies within the EU to breech their contracted obligations by stopping vaccine exports to countries not within the EU. Australia is the most recent victim of this. Stay safe my friend. Peter

[@davidm2645]

Ah yes...another quality video! Always the best, Peter. After watching your video, a saying came to mind that I wanted to share with you. I am retired after 37 years in military service, and part of the motto of the Air Force is "Excellence In All We Do". Just wanted to share that with you, Peter. I think it fits your work, ethics and tools. Have a wonderful New Years celebration - not too much egg nog, mind.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+David M Many thanks David - perhaps I am reaching for the stars ! Happy New Year. Peter

[@parker4551]

Thanks for the great video. Sold me, release date is Sept 12 US.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi James, The HK series are great carpentry saws and very easy to use and maintain. The HKC55 is a very gutsy machine given that it has just the one battery. Peter

[@parker4551]

Thanks for all the info, appreciate all your videos. Anxious to get new tool

[@handyjim]

great video as always well done happy new year peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Theoldguys 8 ... and happy New Year to you too. Peter

[@carbb5760]

Great review, picked one up a month ago and was wondering if there was some sort of trick to move the angle on the rail more easily. Otherwise it’s a great machine, a bit underpowered compared to my m18 7 1/4”. Added functionality makes it extremely valuable

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ben, I do not have one and so have not learnt any tricks. It should be easy to do though. Cheers. Peter

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, great honest review as always. I own the Festool HK 55 (corded version) as a direct result of watching this video and as a carpenter I could not be happier with this saw. I had a question I hoped you could help me with. I was planning on purchasing the side fence for free hand cutting but every video I have seen demonstrates this fence with the hkc (cordless version) a different wondered if you knew if the fence worked on both saws before I purchased one? Cheers Dan

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, I am sorry but do not know the answer. Try checking the product page on the Festool site and see what accessories can be used - check to see if the part number is the same for both saws. Peter

[@johnlewis8759]

Hi Peter, wondering is the 5.2 A/H battery a dedicated battery or does it exist on other machines ? Great review as usual !

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+John Lewis Hi John, It is a standard Festool battery. Happy New Year. Peter

[@ricos1497]

Did you try this on the MFT table? I just wondered if the stops (90Degree, 45 etc) would interfere with the cut, depending on the depth of wood, or are they sprung so that they push up depending on depth? Basically, is it possible to have a piece of wood lying flat on the MFT and take the saw with rail to the cut, or does it always have to protrude over the edge of the table? If it is the latter, could this equally be described as an alternative to the Kapex saw as much as the TS55 plunge saw? I'm trying to think of advantages of the Kapex over this (other than depth of cut and permanent fixture perhaps), and I can't think of any.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Rico S This is not a tool that I would use on the MFT3 as it is not a true plunge saw. That said, with the wood overhanging it would work. This is not an alternative to the Kapex. Peter

[@ricos1497]

Yep, The more I thought about it, the more stupid the Kapex suggestion sounded. It seems to me that the true portability of the HKC55 is its best attribute over the TS55 then. It's a shame that the attachable short track wasn't available for the TS55, as the idea of bringing the track to the piece is very cool. Given I've got the TS55R already, I probably can't justify the outlay for the HK55 unfortunately - great video though!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Rico S If you have the TS55 already then you can use that on the MFT3 as it makes an excellent workstation. You cuts should be near perfect and if you use Parf Dogs then you will get superb results. Peter

[@merlecarter329]

Hi Peter, have u tried ripping 150mm wide using the guide fence, maybe I am doing something wrong but seems like max on one side is 110mm and min on the other side is 185mm please help

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Merie, I do not have access to the HK55 any more as it was only on a short term loan from Festool and so I cannot check this out for you. Please contact your local Festool dealer and ask them this question. Peter

[@BillyMustang101]

If you need a precision construction site saw then the Mafell is the answer with its 110v options

[@stephenhone7229]

It won’t cut 45 degrees at 15 degrees bevels in 2 by timber, this is aimed at framers. Wow, Is it fit for purpose. And my knuckles activate the plunge mechanism when I’m doing relief cuts.

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, I purchased the HK55 (corded version) after watching your videos. As always your advice was spot on and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. That was some time ago now and I am still using the original saw blade. I am soon going to cut the roof for my new workshop and I will be cutting plenty of 9x2 inch rough timbers for rafters and ceiling joist. I wondered if you knew if festool provide a spacific blade for rough work in that saw, something with fewer teeth perhaps? Cheers Peter, hope you are keeping safe. Dan

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, Good to hear from you again - I hope all is well with you and the family. Festool do several blades for the HK which are similar in usage as the TS55 range. For general work as you describe the standard blade (that comes with the saw) should be ideal. If you were doing mainly ripping then the Panther blade should be used and there is a fine tooth blade for a better finish cross cut and, of course, a special blade for softer metals (aluminium, brass and copper I think). If you need to get a blade sharpened the try Axminster if you have a store nearby. I started using their sharpening service before Covid and it was a lot less expensive than my previous firm and just as good. Take care. Peter

[@danthechippie4439]

@@NewBritWorkshop hi Peter, thank you so much for the sound and fast advice. I think I will just get my blade sharpened as you suggested. Thanks again for taking the time to read this and respond

[@danthechippie4439]

@@NewBritWorkshop hi Peter, sorry to keep bothering you but I had a question about festool blades that nobody else seems able to answer for me and I thought you be just the guy to turn to. After seeing many of your videos and recommendations I purchased the festool HK55 and ts 55, both corded. Usually I use the ts55 track saw on the track and the HK55 on its bunggie cord track or simply on its own. I am working on a particular job site now that's hard to access so I can only bring one saw with me, so I chose the HK55 as it can be used on its own, on the track that cones with the saw and of course on my rails from my ts55. I will be pursuing new blades for the HK55 which I believe are 1.8mm thick. My question is this_ when I purchase new 1.8mm blades for the HK55 can I then in turn use the same blades on the ts 55? The only reason I ask is that if both saws have the same thickness of blade then I can accurately use them both on the rails without ruining the splinter guard on the rail.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

@@danthechippie4439 Hi Dan, I am unable to check this but in theory the inner edge of the Kerf line (that should be against the sacrificial strip on the track) should be the same for both blades. The blades are tightened against the arbor on the saw which is on the same side of the saw as the track. As long as the centre of the blade is the same thickness as the the blade itself that inner edge should be the same for both blades. I am also assuming that there is no technical reason for using the thinner blades in the TS. Good luck. Peter

[@danthechippie4439]

@@NewBritWorkshop hi Peter, thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly and for the helpful information 👍

[@semsami1443]

How do u have on hkc battery indicator mine not

[@alrasekhoon1]

Wich do you advise to.buy.. the tsc 55 or.the hkc 55 ? .. for the overal bang for bucks

[@NewBritWorkshop]

It really does depend on what type of woodwork you do. For me this is a no brainer - the TSC55 wins every time. Peter

[@alrasekhoon1]

New Brit Workshop thank you very much .. i will go for the tsc 55 keep up the good work.

[@gustavovenegas5012]

Hi I'm from the states and I wanted to know if u can give me any info on how I can buy an HKC 85 I really need one and any info would help thank u

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Gustavo Venegas Hi Gustavo, I do not know about the availability in the US - check with Festool USA. Good luck. Peter

[@TheRangeControl]

can the TS75 do crosscuts on 2x4 lumber like that?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+TheRangeControl You can. Peter

[@TheRangeControl]

+New Brit Workshop (Peter) My concern is safety, as I slowly/cautiously build onto my tool set. could you please do a short video walk through on how you would crosscut 2x4 with ts75 so that I may execute with a semblance of guidance? p.s.-any idea on when your saw comes to the US?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+TheRangeControl I do not have a TS75 and they are unlikely to lend one to me just for one short test. Perhaps you could pop into your Festool dealer - usually they are more than happy to do a demo. Good luck. Peter

[@TheRangeControl]

+New Brit Workshop (Peter) I have asked a few questions at my local festool dealer. The only qualified Festool guy is a manager "who attended training years ago" claims that he can't remember anything. He doesn't even seem to care that he isn't aware of things even far more basic than this. :-/

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+TheRangeControl Are you a member of the Festool Owners Group (FOG) ? I assume that you are in North America. Festool USA will take a dim view of your dealer and should get involved. Join the FOG and make your problem known and Festool US will step in I am sure. Peter

[@stephenhone7229]

I’m not sure you have. This saw is aimed at framers and roofers, were 2 by timbers are used constantly. If it won’t cut a 45 degree by 15 degree bevel in a 4by2. How will it fair in real life cutting 45/50 degree by 45/50 bevels on hips valleys and other framing work. You demonstrated with a scrap of 18mm mdf, how’s that real life. Come on. I’m not knocking your clips, they are cry well produced. But please give an accurate review. I bought this saw partly on your review. I have written to the other reviewers with my concerns. People look to you and your ilk on these sites for honest and unbiased reviews. Regards steviehone

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Stephen, I now understand your point and I am sorry that you feel this way. I did deliberately show it cutting at 45 deg / 15 deg with a piece of sawn 4x2. It did not cut all the way through as it left about 1 mm of wood behind. It is at about the 10 min 40 sec mark. Peter

[@stephenhone7229]

Why are you singing it’s praises when it has so many downfalls. Seems to me you haven’t done your research.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Stephen, I gave a factual description of the two saws and demonstrated their capability - I did not sing at all ! Cheers. Peter