Author Topic: Consolidated FAQ for the TSC 55, PDC 18 and BHC 18. (Read 139000 times)

jacko9 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 11, 2015, 08:46 PM »

Quote from: SittingElf on May 11, 2015, 08:42 PM

Quote from: jacko9 on May 11, 2015, 08:38 PM
Is there any information about the dust/chip control efficiency for the TSC 55 with the onboard bag? If this is as good as using a saw with the CT extractor it will be very useful for cutting sheet goods without the hose and wire dragging behind.

Jack

It actually works pretty well, but you have to empty the bag pretty frequently. Call it about 85% of the collection that you would get with a CT.

There is a Festool produced video from Germany showing a very long cut using the bags. Search for it, and you'll get a really good feeling about whether it will meet your needs without the CT.

Cheers,

Frank

Thanks Frank,

I'm thinking that if I can rip a few 8' sheets of plywood with that bag I might be ordering one of them soon. Since I have the T-18 drill with two 18v batteries this saw might be a very good solution for my track saw needs in cutting full sheets of plywood.

Jack

jacko9 · « **Reply #31 on:** May 11, 2015, 08:51 PM »

I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut. Are those bags the kind where you just unzip and dump? If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Jack

Shane Holland · « **Reply #32 on:** May 11, 2015, 08:52 PM »

Quote from: jacko9 on May 11, 2015, 08:51 PM

I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut. Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump? If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

jacko9 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 11, 2015, 08:58 PM »

What is the weight of the TSC with two batteries inserted?

Shane Holland · « **Reply #34 on:** May 11, 2015, 09:00 PM »

Quote from: jacko9 on May 11, 2015, 08:58 PM

What is the weight of the TSC with two batteries inserted?

10.1 pounds with 1 battery, 11.7 with two.

Captainwrinkles · « **Reply #35 on:** May 11, 2015, 10:05 PM »

Will the dust collecting bag designed for the TSC55 cordless saw fit on the old school TS55?

I understand the TS55 saw wasn't designed to be used with out the dust collector, but sometimes just a quick little cut doesn't justify pulling out the vac and getting all set up.

Also, i like the look of the dust drilling nozzle. Does it come with larger size fittings for drilling larger holes? that would be great! i could use when drilling with paddle/speed bits

Thanks

Shane Holland · « **Reply #36 on:** May 11, 2015, 10:10 PM »

Quote from: Captainwrinkles on May 11, 2015, 10:05 PM

Will the dust collecting bag designed for the TSC55 cordless saw fit on the old school TS55?

I understand the TS55 saw wasn't designed to be used with out the dust collector, but sometimes just a quick little cut doesn't justify pulling out the vac and getting all set up.

Well, yes and no. The TSC 55 has a different port design. You could easily replace the port so that it accepts the dust bag, except Festool USA doesn't have that part yet according to my most recent inquiry. Once available, I would think the port would be fairly inexpensive, but that's a guess. To replace, you'd just need to remove the side cover on the saw (a few screws).

Quote from: Captainwrinkles on May 11, 2015, 10:05 PM

Also, i like the look of the dust drilling nozzle. Does it come with larger size fittings for drilling larger holes? that would be great! i could use when drilling with paddle/speed bits

Nope, don't think so.

jonny round boy · « **Reply #37 on:** May 12, 2015, 04:02 AM »

Quote from: Shane Holland on May 11, 2015, 08:52 PM

Quote from: jacko9 on May 11, 2015, 08:51 PM
I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut. Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump? If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

jacko9 · « **Reply #38 on:** May 12, 2015, 08:23 AM »

Quote from: jonny round boy on May 12, 2015, 04:02 AM

Quote from: Shane Holland on May 11, 2015, 08:52 PM
Quote from: jacko9 on May 11, 2015, 08:51 PM
I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut. Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump? If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?

Cheese · « **Reply #39 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:13 AM »

Quote from: jacko9 on May 12, 2015, 08:23 AM

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?

At around 1:38 of the video there seems to be quite a mist of fine dust coming from the saw, I didn't expect to see that.

DB10 · « **Reply #40 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:35 AM »

Quote from: jacko9 on May 12, 2015, 08:23 AM

Quote from: jonny round boy on May 12, 2015, 04:02 AM
Quote from: Shane Holland on May 11, 2015, 08:52 PM
Quote from: jacko9 on May 11, 2015, 08:51 PM
I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut. Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump? If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?

You would be surprised how good the dust extraction on the TSC 55 with the dust bag is, I'm very happy with Mine. Check out the videos on You Tube, Phil from Festool UK has made a good one.

Brice Burrell · « **Reply #41 on:** May 12, 2015, 12:44 PM »

Quote from: Shane Holland on May 11, 2015, 10:10 PM

Quote from: Captainwrinkles on May 11, 2015, 10:05 PM
Also, i like the look of the dust drilling nozzle. Does it come with larger size fittings for drilling larger holes? that would be great! i could use when drilling with paddle/speed bits

Nope, don't think so.

I remember someone talking about how limited you are with the small diameter of the dust drilling nozzle. This seems short sighted. I'd love to have one of these if it could accommodate larger bits. As is, I'll be passing on this one.

SittingElf · « **Reply #42 on:** May 12, 2015, 01:09 PM »

First, the drilling dust nozzle was designed as an accessory for the BHC 18 and PDC 18. It will work with other drills, but that was the original intent

As for drill sizes, it is designed for up to 12mm bits. Roughly 1/2". I'm in our Georgia rental, away from my home shop in Florida, but being the fabulously smart guy I am and a former Boy Scout ("Be Prepared").... I happened to have brought the Dust Nozzle with me!

(Purchased last year in Germany)

I have used the nozzle with my T18, PDC 18 and BHC 18, and it performs brilliantly. And YES... it WILL work with up to a 1/2" Bit!

.... And maybe just a hair larger.

Here's a picture of the nozzle with a 1/2" bit in it... and it's still pretty loose.

Consolidated FAQ for the TSC 55, PDC 18 and BHC 18.

It's not designed for use with spade bits or forstners, but it works exceedingly well for collecting waste with bits up to 12mm/1'2".

Cheers,
Frank

Phil Beckley · « **Reply #43 on:** May 12, 2015, 05:01 PM »

Quote from: DB10 on May 12, 2015, 10:35 AM

Quote from: jacko9 on May 12, 2015, 08:23 AM
Quote from: jonny round boy on May 12, 2015, 04:02 AM
Quote from: Shane Holland on May 11, 2015, 08:52 PM
Quote from: jacko9 on May 11, 2015, 08:51 PM
I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut. Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump? If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?
You would be surprised how good the dust extraction on the TSC 55 with the dust bag is, I'm very happy with Mine. Check out the videos on You Tube, Phil from Festool UK has made a good one.

This is the link to the video

The T.S.C 55 is my personal favourite - Pick up and cut, a cut quality equal to the corded T.S.

rg
Phil

Cheese · « **Reply #44 on:** May 12, 2015, 05:51 PM »

@SittingElf
Here's a shot with a 9/16" drill in the dust nozzle. So 14mm would be its metric limit.

TelcoRandy · « **Reply #45 on:** May 12, 2015, 07:06 PM »

Quote from: Throwback7r on May 06, 2015, 09:22 AM

Does the PDC have a all metal chuck?

Quote from: Throwback7r on May 08, 2015, 09:21 AM

Well that is disappointing, might as well just keep my 6 year old Hitachi.

I used to think an all metal chuck would be synonymous with quality. But after working a construction-oriented job for nearly 5 years I realize that all metal chucks just lead to more conspicuous damage when the drill chuck comes in contact with a metal frame/cabinet/support structure/equipment, etc. If I had a choice my Metabo drill would have a plastic coating on the chuck.

It is in my opinion that companies only make all metal chucks because they know a percentage of their consumer base will associate that with a higher quality product. I know I used to think that way, but I don't anymore. I wonder what Festool's motivation was for creating this chuck: https://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Accessories/Pages/Detail.aspx?pid=769065&name=Accessories-for-drills-percussion-drills-DR-18-4-and-PD-20-4-cordless-impact-drill-PDC-KC-13-1-2-MMFP

DB10 · « **Reply #46 on:** May 12, 2015, 08:28 PM »

Quote from: Phil Beckley on May 12, 2015, 05:01 PM

Quote from: DB10 on May 12, 2015, 10:35 AM
Quote from: jacko9 on May 12, 2015, 08:23 AM
Quote from: jonny round boy on May 12, 2015, 04:02 AM
Quote from: Shane Holland on May 11, 2015, 08:52 PM
Quote from: jacko9 on May 11, 2015, 08:51 PM
I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut. Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump? If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?
You would be surprised how good the dust extraction on the TSC 55 with the dust bag is, I'm very happy with Mine. Check out the videos on You Tube, Phil from Festool UK has made a good one.

This is the link to the video

The T.S.C 55 is my personal favourite - Pick up and cut, a cut quality equal to the corded T.S.
rg
Phil

I'll second that, If I was only allowed one Festool product, then it would be the TSC 55.

leakyroof · « **Reply #47 on:** May 15, 2015, 02:52 PM »

Quote from: Brice Burrell on May 12, 2015, 12:44 PM

Quote from: Shane Holland on May 11, 2015, 10:10 PM
Quote from: Captainwrinkles on May 11, 2015, 10:05 PM
Also, i like the look of the dust drilling nozzle. Does it come with larger size fittings for drilling larger holes? that would be great! i could use when drilling with paddle/speed bits

Nope, don't think so.

I remember someone talking about how limited you are with the small diameter of the dust drilling nozzle. This seems short sighted. I'd love to have one of these if it could accommodate larger bits. As is, I'll be passing on this one.

As a small note Brice, I bought a Bosch version of this Festool dust nozzle that will handle up to 2 1/2" max bit size with the inner brush ring removed. Stock size with the ring installed is 5/8" to 1 3/8". I bought it on Amazon. Part # is HDC200. I bought it for my much larger drill bits, I also have the small Festool nozzle for interior work where anchor sized bits will easily fit the smaller bushing of that nozzle.

jacko9 · « **Reply #48 on:** May 15, 2015, 03:41 PM »

Quote from: DB10 on May 12, 2015, 08:28 PM

Quote from: Phil Beckley on May 12, 2015, 05:01 PM
Quote from: DB10 on May 12, 2015, 10:35 AM
Quote from: jacko9 on May 12, 2015, 08:23 AM
Quote from: jonny round boy on May 12, 2015, 04:02 AM
Quote from: Shane Holland on May 11, 2015, 08:52 PM
Quote from: jacko9 on May 11, 2015, 08:51 PM
I may have to look at that video a few times but, it looked like he changed bags every 16 - 24' of cut. Are those bags th eknid where you just unzip and dump? If they are one time use, that can get very expensive in a hurry.

Yeah, unzip and dump. Note that material in the video is thicker than 3/4".

Yes, it's 40mm worktop, so 1 1/2" material. He changed the bag every 5m, so about every 15'. I suspect that wasn't strictly necessary; the bags didn't look particularly full (I've used it to the point where the bag is rammed, and sawdust is spilling out when you remove it!).

How effective would you say the bag was vs hooking up your CT extractor?
You would be surprised how good the dust extraction on the TSC 55 with the dust bag is, I'm very happy with Mine. Check out the videos on You Tube, Phil from Festool UK has made a good one.

This is the link to the video

The T.S.C 55 is my personal favourite - Pick up and cut, a cut quality equal to the corded T.S.
rg
Phil
I'll second that, If I was only allowed one Festool product, then it would be the TSC 55.

I've looked at that video several times and I can help but notice the cloud of wood dust being blown away by the wind. That's not the kind of dust protection I want in my shop so this cordless saw might be well suited for outside application or it needs to hooked up to the dust extractor in the shop.

Jack

Brice Burrell · « **Reply #49 on:** May 15, 2015, 07:32 PM »

Quote from: leakyroof on May 15, 2015, 02:52 PM

As a small note Brice, I bought a Bosch version of this Festool dust nozzle that will handle up to 2 1/2" max bit size with the inner brush ring removed. Stock size with the ring installed is 5/8" to 1 3/8". I bought it on Amazon. Part # is HDC200. I bought it for my much larger drill bits, I also have the small Festool nozzle for interior work where anchor sized bits will easily fit the smaller bushing of that nozzle.

How does it fit with Festool hoses?

Throwback7r · « **Reply #50 on:** May 16, 2015, 08:59 AM »

I have found that all plastic chucks leave black marks on things that they shouldn't. Also, the plastic chucks end up looking chewed up from rubbing against screws and other assorted things. I just find it lacking to put a plastic outside on a hammer/ percussion drill that will get used on concrete and other really hard surfaces. I know I can buy the 600$ drill and then spend another 65$ on a different chuck just so I can have a metal one but why should I ?

Quote from: TelcoRandy on May 12, 2015, 07:06 PM

Quote from: Throwback7r on May 06, 2015, 09:22 AM
Does the PDC have a all metal chuck?
Quote from: Throwback7r on May 08, 2015, 09:21 AM
Well that is disappointing, might as well just keep my 6 year old Hitachi.
I used to think an all metal chuck would be synonymous with quality. But after working a construction-oriented job for nearly 5 years I realize that all metal chucks just lead to more conspicuous damage when the drill chuck comes in contact with a metal frame/cabinet/support structure/equipment, etc. If I had a choice my Metabo drill would have a plastic coating on the chuck.

It is in my opinion that companies only make all metal chucks because they know a percentage of their consumer base will associate that with a higher quality product. I know I used to think that way, but I don't anymore. I wonder what Festool's motivation was for creating this chuck: https://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Accessories/Pages/Detail.aspx?pid=769065&name=Accessories-for-drills-percussion-drills-DR-18-4-and-PD-20-4-cordless-impact-drill-PDC-KC-13-1-2-MMFP

campbellcraft · « **Reply #51 on:** May 16, 2015, 03:32 PM »

Will the BHC and Carvex be able to exchange batteries?
Will the 5.2 ah batteries charge on a carvex charger?

Thanks

Shane Holland · « **Reply #52 on:** May 16, 2015, 03:36 PM »

Quote from: campbellcraft on May 16, 2015, 03:32 PM

Will the BHC and Carvex be able to exchange batteries?
Will the 5.2 ah batteries charge on a carvex charger?

Yes and yes.

neeleman · « **Reply #53 on:** May 16, 2015, 03:37 PM »

Yes both machines will take 12, 15 and 18V batteries.
The TCL 3 battery charger will take 5.2 Ah batteries.

campbellcraft · « **Reply #54 on:** May 16, 2015, 04:13 PM »

Thank you both, makes the BHC a little easier to buy.
(Shane, I'm still playing tennis and still going to Festool classes. Good luck in your new job.)

Bob Campbell

Shane Holland · « **Reply #55 on:** May 16, 2015, 05:41 PM »

Thanks, Bob!

Rollin22Petes · « **Reply #56 on:** May 16, 2015, 08:53 PM »

I went to see a conturo demo today and they had a new tsc55 also, although I'm not in the market for a cordless tracksaw I did play with it a little bit. The first thing I noticed is Festool added a positive stop on the the saw at the front location at the bevel gauge something the 55req lacks. So leads me to believe Festool knows this is a flaw in the 55req and if the are going to update the req or offer a fix for us guys that already have req as the new tsc55 looks to use the the exact same base

SittingElf · « **Reply #57 on:** May 17, 2015, 06:03 AM »

Quote from: Rollin22Petes on May 16, 2015, 08:53 PM

I went to see a conturo demo today and they had a new tsc55 also, although I'm not in the market for a cordless tracksaw I did play with it a little bit. The first thing I noticed is Festool added a positive stop on the the saw at the front location at the bevel gauge something the 55req lacks. So leads me to believe Festool knows this is a flaw in the 55req and if the are going to update the req or offer a fix for us guys that already have req as the new tsc55 looks to use the the exact same base

I wouldn't describe the feature like that. Yes, it IS nice to have the positive stop on the TSC, but to state that it was a "flaw" on the REQ alludes that there was something wrong with it. Manufacturers improve their products all the time, based on user feedback, and design engineering updates. It doesn't mean that the previous model had a design problem, or needed a "fix". Maybe it was oversight, or that feedback from customers drove an improvement in new models. Describing features that you may have wanted, but are lacking on an existing tool as a "Flaw", is like saying that brushless new motors were designed to "fix" a "flawed" previous motor design.

Glad to see Festool continuing to incrementally develop their tools with new features and improvements as successive designs are introduced. Looking forward to grabbing a few 5.2amp batteries and seeing how they will improve...not "fix"... the endurance of the TSC55!

Cheers,
Frank

leakyroof · « **Reply #58 on:** May 18, 2015, 08:53 AM »

Quote from: Brice Burrell on May 15, 2015, 07:32 PM

Quote from: leakyroof on May 15, 2015, 02:52 PM
As a small note Brice, I bought a Bosch version of this Festool dust nozzle that will handle up to 2 1/2" max bit size with the inner brush ring removed. Stock size with the ring installed is 5/8" to 1 3/8". I bought it on Amazon. Part # is HDC200. I bought it for my much larger drill bits, I also have the small Festool nozzle for interior work where anchor sized bits will easily fit the smaller bushing of that nozzle.

How does it fit with Festool hoses?

I will recheck for you tonight since I haven't used it in a long time. I seem to remember that the 27mm hose fit just fine, but I can't remember about the 36mm hose.
The 27mm hose fits snugly in the Bosch nozzle. The 36mm hose fits, but will need a wrap of tape to keep it in since it looks like Bosch is using a hose end with tabs like the Planex hose to mate fully/tightly with its Dust Nozzle.
The Festool nozzle has the added advantage of the hose connection end being a swivel, so it's less likely to get hung up in your way against say, a wall or corner as you're placing the nozzle where you need to drill.

jcp2wood · « **Reply #59 on:** May 28, 2015, 11:44 AM »

Dear Festool/Brent
its now a few days before launch, perhaps festool would officially anwser the following(no web page
offically in usa?)
is this festool's view on difference between BHC and PDC?
and how is the PDC different from the BHC internally?
or are both the PDC and BHC really a "hammer drill" internally and the difference
is the bpm or top rpm produced?

Quote from: bkharman on May 05, 2015, 03:19 PM

Quote from: copcarcollector on May 05, 2015, 03:14 PM
Can someone please explain the main differences between the BHC Hammer Drill and the PDC Percussion Drill

Why would someone choose one over the other?

My .02...

BHC is best suited for a lot of hammer drilling in masonary. PDC is best for wood/steel and the occasional use of the "hammer" portion. I am in the latter boat so that is the direction i went. @jonny round boy had a nice write up on this one when he got it... look for that thread on the best uses for the PDC.

Cheers. Bryan.