Author: Matt Page - What Tradies Want Magazine
Festool Stablemates
So you’ve decided to add an 18volt Rolls Royce to your garage, but you’re not too sure which model will best suit your requirements and needs? Both Festool’s TSC 55 and HKC 55 have their advantages in different areas. The HKC 55 is more suited to your everyday construction and joinery needs. It comes in slightly lighter and is a little more compact than the TSC 55. It’s great for framing; especially roofing applications when combined with the FSK track systems. The HKC 55 clicks into the FSK guide rail and allows you to carry the full system one-handed up a ladder and onto the roof. Cutting angles with the angle guide rail is extremely easy and insanely accurate. The idle engine speed of the HKC 55 sits around the 4500rpm – it’s plenty of power for framing and general construction.
The HKC 55 also uses only one 18v Li battery, which gives you enough power for most applications and helps keep the weight down a little bit which is great for portability. The TSC 55 is also a cordless saw, but has a few extra features the HKC 55 does not. It’s also a plunge-cut saw and also has the option of using two batteries in any platform, such as 18v/18v, 18v/15v, 15v/15v, or even just one battery for full or minimised weight. The TSC 55 is a little heavier than the HKC 55, but it boasts absolute precision and that means it really shines when you’re working with detailed joinery. The rpm spins 24 per cent faster at around 5200rpm and also features a variable speed setting for sensitive materials. The TSC 55 is compatible with the standard FS guide-rail system for superior finishes and accuracy splinter-free cuts and the plunge-cut feature is very precise and very easy to use (does not feature on the HKC 55).
So there you have it... The HKC’s weight and portability is a huge asset in regard to general timber construction work. It’s an easy, portable solution for framing and roofing etc. The TSC 55’s faster rpm, power and ability to add and remove batteries for power-to-weight ratio are better suited for highly detailed or superior - f inish joinery, but it’s also capable of framing. It’s just not as compact and light as the HKC 55. They’re both extremely good saws. You just need to weigh up the features you require. You should get both. I’m going to.
HKC 55
Main Applications
- Rip cut and cross cut in materials up to 55 mm thick
- Cross-cutting rafters and beams
- Plumb cuts on angles / roofs / pitched pergolas
- Plunge cut applications
- Cutting a range of building materials and trimming posts
Technical Data
- Battery voltage : 18 V
- Saw blade diameter : 160 mm
- Angular range : 0-50 °
- Cutting depth 0°/90° : 0-55 mm
- Cutting depth at 45°/50° : 42/38 mm
- Connection Ø d/e : 27/36 mm
- Weight with battery : 4.1 kg
TSC 55
Main Applications
- Cutting doors to length and width using the guide rail
- Cutting full sheet materials to size
- Cutting and processing cement sheet products
- Plunge cutting applications (Sink cutouts, vents in doors etc.)
- Trimming up to 12mm from edges
Technical Data
- Battery Voltage : 1 x 15V - 2 x 18V(36V)
- Saw blade diameter : 160 mm
- Inclination : 45-90
- Cutting depth at 45°/90° : 0-43 / 0-55 mm
- Connection Ø d/e : 27 / 36 mm
- Bevel angle range : -1° - 47°
- Weight (with 1 x 18V/ 2 x 18V battery pack) : 4.6 kg/5.3 kg
