Festool HKC 55 EB Cordless Circular Saw Instruction Manual

: October 30, 2023
: FESTOOL

Festool HKC 55 EB Cordless Circular Saw

Product Information

Cordless Circular Saw

The HKC 55 EB is a cordless circular saw that is designed for easy handling and high precision cutting. It features an oscillating hood that provides excellent dust extraction and visibility of the cutting line. With a weight of 3.4 kg, it is lightweight and easy to use for extended periods of time. The saw is powered by a battery pack and has a constant speed control feature that ensures consistent cutting performance even under load.

Product Technical Specifications

Maximum cutting depth: 38 mm
Recommended blade size: 160 x 1.8 x 20 mm, 160 x 2.2 x 20 mm
Weight without battery pack: 3.4 kg

Product Usage Instructions

Before using the HKC 55 EB cordless circular saw, please read and understand the safety instructions provided in the user manual.

Step 1: Battery Pack Installation

Make sure the saw is switched off.
Press the release buttons [2A] on both sides of the battery
pack to remove it from the saw.
Insert a fully charged battery pack into the saw until it
clicks into place [2B].

Step 2: Cutting Operation

Adjust the cutting depth according to your requirements.
Place the saw on the workpiece with the blade aligned with the cutting line.
Switch on the saw and wait for the blade to reach full speed before starting the cut.
Guide the saw along the cutting line using both hands to ensure stability and accuracy.
Once the cut is complete, switch off the saw and wait for the blade to stop rotating before lifting it off the workpiece.

Step 3: Battery Pack Removal

Make sure the saw is switched off.
Press the release buttons [2A] on both sides of the battery pack to remove it from the saw.

Note: Always wear protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask while using the HKC 55 EB cordless circular saw. Never use grinding or cutting discs with this saw.

Symbols

Warning of general danger
Warning of electric shock
Read the operating instructions and
safety instructions.
Wear ear protection.
Wear protective gloves when changing tools!
Wear a dust mask.
Wear protective goggles.
Do not dispose of it with domestic waste.
Direction of rotation of saw and the saw blade
STOP Electro-dynamic run-down brake
Saw blade dimensions
a = diameter
b … Locating bore
Tool contains a chip which stores data. See section 12.1
CE marking: Confirms the conformity of the power tool with the European Community directives.
UKCA marking: The United Kingdom Conformity Assessed symbol is a marking for products being placed on the market in the United Kingdom. It is a manufacturers indication that the product is in conformance with the relevant regulations in the UK.
Tip or advice
Handling instruction
Removing the battery pack.
Inserting the battery pack.
Risk of pinching fingers and hands!
Danger area! Keep hands away!

Safety warnings

General power tool safety warnings

WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool. Follow the operating manual for the charger and the battery pack.

Safety instructions for specific circular saws

Cutting procedures

_ DANGER: _Keep hands away from cutting area and the blade. Keep your second hand on auxiliary handle, or motor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, they cannot be cut by the blade.
Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The guard cannot protect you from the blade below the workpiece.
Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of the workpiece. Less than a full tooth of the blade teeth should be visible below the workpiece.
Never hold the workpiece in your hands or across your leg while cutting. Secure the workpiece to a stable platform. It is important to support the work properly to minimise body exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring .Contact with a “live” wire will also make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
When ripping, always use a rip fence or straight edge guide. This improves the accuracy of cut and reduces the chance of blade binding.
Always use blades with correct size and shape (diamond versus round) of arbour holes. Blades that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run off-centre, causing loss of control.
Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or bolt. The blade washers and bolt were specially designed for your saw, for optimum performance and safety of operation.

Causes of kickbacks and corresponding safety instructions

kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, jammed or misaligned saw blade, causing an uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the workpiece toward the operator;
when the blade is pinched or jammed tightly by the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back toward the operator;
if the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the blade can dig into the top surface of the wood causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back toward the operator.

Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.

Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position your arms to resist kickback forces. Position your body to either side of the blade, but not in line with the blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump backwards, but kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.
When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut for any reason, release the trigger and hold the saw motionless in the material until the blade comes to a complete stop. Never attempt to remove the saw from the work or pull the saw backward while the blade is in motion or kickback may occur. Investigate and take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre the saw blade in the kerf so that the saw teeth are not engaged into the material. If a saw blade binds, it may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
Support large panels to minimise the risk of blade pinching and kickback. Large panels tend to sag under their own weight. Supports must be placed under the panel on both sides, near the line of cut and near the edge of the panel.
Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be tight and secure before making the cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
Use extra caution when sawing into existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade may cut objects that can cause kickback.

Lower guard function

Check the lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the saw if the lower guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the open position. If the saw is accidentally dropped, the lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the retracting handle and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the spring are not operating properly, they must be serviced before use. Lower guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits,
or a build-up of debris.
The lower guard may be retracted manually only for special cuts such as “plunge cuts” and “compound cuts”. Raise the lower guard by the retracting handle and as soon as the blade enters the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically.
Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing the saw down on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is released.

Function of the guide wedge [1-5]

Use the correct saw blade for the guide wedge, where possible. The function of the guide wedge is restricted if using saw blades with a thicker blade core. To ensure that the guide wedge functions properly, make sure the blade core of the saw blade is thinner than the guide wedge and that the tooth width is greater than the thickness of the guide wedge. Expect increased risk of kickback when using a thicker saw blade.
Do not operate the saw if the guide wedge is bent. Even the slightest problem can cause the guard to close more slowly.

Further safety instructions

This electric power tool cannot be installed in a work bench. The electric power tool may become unsafe and cause serious accidents if installed in benches from other manufacturers or self-manufactured work benches.
Never place your hands into the chip ejector. You may injure yourself on rotating parts.
Use suitable detectors to determine if utility lines are hidden in the work area or call the local utility company for assistance. Aontact with electric lines can lead to fire and electric shock. Damaging a gas line can lead to explosion. Penetrating a water line causes property damage or may cause an electric shock.
Wait until the power tool stops completely until placing it down. The tool can become entangled and lead to a loss of control of the power tool.
Do not use the machine for overhead work.
Harmful/toxic dust may be produced during your work (e.g. paint containing lead, certain types of wood and metal). Inhaling or coming into contact with this dust may represent a hazard for operating personnel or persons in the vicinity. Comply with the safety regulations that apply in your country.

Wear a P2 dust mask to protect your health. Ensure that enclosed spaces are adequately ventilated and, if necessary, connect a mobile dust extractor.

Wear suitable personal protective equipment: Ear protection, safety goggles, a dust mask for work that generates dust.
Harmful/toxic dust may be produced during your work (e.g. paint containing lead, certain types of wood or metals). Contact with or inhalation of this dust may pose a risk for the operating personnel or persons in the vicinity. Comply with the safety regulations that apply in your country.
Check whether there are any signs of damage to the housing components, such as cracks or stress whitening. Have any damaged components repaired before using the power tool.
Do not use power supply units or third-party battery packs to operate cordless power tools. Do not use third-party chargers to charge the battery packs. The use of accessories not expressly authorised by the manufacturer can result in electric shocks and/or serious accidents.

Residual risks

In spite of compliance with all relevant design regulations, hazzards while operating the machine still occur e.g.:

Touching the saw blade in the area of the front opening below the saw table,
Touching the parts of the saw blade that protrude below the saw table while cutting,
Touching rotating parts from left and right sides: saw blade, clamping flange, flange screw.,
Kickback of machine due to jamming in the workpiece,
Touching live parts when the casing is opened and the mains plug is in the socket,
the flying off of parts,
the flying off of machine parts from a damaged machine,
noise emission,
dust emission.

Sawing aluminium

When sawing aluminium, the following measures must be taken for safety reasons:

Wear protective goggles.
Connect the power tool to a suitable dust extractor with an antistatic suction hose.
Regularly clean dust deposits from the motor housing on the power tool.
Use an aluminium saw blade.
When sawing panels, they must be lubricated with petroleum, but thin-walled profiles (up to 3 mm) can be sawed without lubrication.

Emission levels

The levels determined in accordance with EN 62841 are typically:

Sound pressure level: LPA = 96 dB(A)
Sound power level: LWA = 107 dB(A)
Uncertainty: K = 4 dB

CAUTION

Noise generated when working
Risk of damage to hearing

Use ear protection.

Vibration emission level ah (vector sum for three directions) and uncertainty K measured in accordance with EN 62841:

Sawing wood: ah ≤ 2.5 m/s2
- K = 1.5 m/s2
Sawing aluminium: ah ≤ 2.5 m/s2
- K = 1.5 m/s2

The specified emission levels (vibration, noise)

are used to compare machines.
They are also used for making preliminary estimates regarding vibration and noise load during operation.
They represent the primary applications of the power tool.

CAUTION

The emission values may deviate from the specified values. This is dependent on how the tool is used and the type of workpiece being machined.

The actual load during the entire operating cycle must be evaluated.
Depending on the actual load, suitable protective measures must be defined in order to protect the operator.

Intended use

Portable circular saw designed for sawing

wooden materials and wood-based materials,
plaster and cement compoud fibres,
plastic materials,

When fitted with the special saw blades offered by Festool, the machines can also be used for sawing unhardened ferrous metal and non-ferrous metal.

Only use saw blades with the following dimensions:

Saw blades in accordance with EN 847-1
Saw blade diameter 160 mm
Recommended cutting width 1.8 mm, max.
- 2.2 mm with restricted function of the guide wedge
Location hole 20 mm
Recommended standard blade thickness 1.2 mm, range of 1.1 to max. 1.25 mm possible
Suitable for speeds of up to 9500 rpm

Do not use cutting or abrasive wheels. Only saw materials for which the saw blade in question has been designed.

Warning: The user is liable for improper or non-intended use.

This power tool is suitable for use with BP Festool battery packs of the same voltage class.

Technical data

Cordless circular saw HKC 55 EB

Motor voltage                                 14.4–18 V
Speed (no-load)                               4500 rpm
Inclination                                      0° to 50°
Cutting depth at 0°                          0–55 mm
Cutting depth at 50°                           38 mm
Cordless circular saw| HKC 55 EB
---|---
Saw blade dimensions
recommended| 160 x 1.8 x 20 mm
max.| 160 x 2.2 x 20 mm
Weight excl. battery pack| 3.4 kg

Parts of the device

Handles
Switch-on lock
Lever for changing blades
Retractor lever for pendulum guard
Guide wedge
Pendulum guard
On/Off switch
Lever for plunge function
Split scale for cutting depth stop (with/without guide rail)
Extractor connector
Angle scale
Knob for angle setting
Cutting depth adjuster
Capacity display button on battery pack
Capacity display
Battery pack
Button for releasing the battery pack
Adjustable jaws

The specified illustrations appear at the beginning of the Operating Instructions. Accessories shown or described are not always included in the scope of delivery.

Battery pack

Before using the battery pack, check that the battery interface is clean. Any contamination of the battery interface may impair correct contact and lead to the contacts being damaged. A faulty contact may result in the machine overheating or being damaged.

Remove the battery pack.
Insert the battery pack – until it clicks into place.

Attention: Further information about the charger and battery pack with capacity indicator can be found in the corresponding operating manual.

Settings

WARNING: Risk of injury, electric shock

Always disconnect the battery packs from the machine before performing any type of work on the machine!

Electronics

Smooth start-up

The electronically controlled smooth start-up ensures that the machine starts up jolt-free.

Constant speed

The motor speed remains constant through electronic control to ensure a uniform cutting speed even when under load.

Current limiting

Current limiting prevents excessive current consumption under extreme overload, which can lead to a decrease in the motor speed. The motor immediately restarts after the load is removed.

Brake

The HKC 55 EB is fitted with an electronic brake. When the saw is switched off, the saw blade slows to a stop electronically within approx. 2 seconds.

Restart protection

The integral restart protection prevents the electric power tool from automatically starting up again after an interruption in power when the ON/OFF switch is pressed. In this case the electric power tool must be switched off and then switched back on again.

Temperature cut-out

When exceeding a certain engine temperature level, the machine power supply and speed are capped. The power tool continues operating at reduced power to allow the ventilator to cool the motor rapidly. The power tool resumes to full performance automatically once the motor has cooled sufficiently.

Adjusting the cutting depth

The cutting depth can be set at 0 – 55 mm.

Press cutting depth adjustment [3-1].
Pull up or push down saw at main handle.
Cutting depth without guide rail/track rail max. 55 mm
Cutting depth with guide rail/track rail max. 51 mm

Adjusting the cutting angle

The saw table must be on an even surface when adjusting the cutting angle.

Between 0° and 50°:

Open the rotary knob [4-2].
Swivel the saw unit to the required cutting angle [4-1].
Close the rotary knob [4-2].

Both adjustments (0° and 50°) are set at the factory and can be readjusted by the customer service team. For angled cuts, the cutting depth is smaller than the value displayed on the cutting depth scale.

Adjust pendulum guard

CAUTION: Risk of injury! Sharp edges!

The pendulum guard swings back quickly in the event of sudden release.
The pendulum guard [1-6] must only be opened with the retractor lever [1-4].

Selecting the saw blade

Festool saw blades are identified by a coloured ring. The colour of the ring represents the material for which the saw blade is suited.

WARNING: Risk of injury! Pendulum hood mechanism not working correctly! Diamond saw blades must not be used to saw cementbonded fibreboard.

Changing the saw blade

WARNING: Risk of injury

Remove the battery pack from the power tool before performing any work on the power tool.

CAUTION

Risk of injury from hot and sharp insertion tool

Do not use any blunt or faulty insertion tools.
Wear protective gloves when handling an insertion tool.

Removing the saw blade

Swivel saw to 0° position before replacing the saw blade and set maximum cutting depth.
Position saw on motor cover when replacing [5-1].
Turn the lever [5-4] as far as the stop.
Open the screw [5-8] using the Allen key [5-3].
Hold the pendulum guard open [5-7] only with the retractor lever [5-5].
Remove the saw blade [5-9].

Inserting the saw blade

WARNING: Check the screws and flange for contamination and only use clean and undamaged parts.

Insert the new saw blade.

WARNING: The direction of rotation of the saw blade [5-10] and saw [5-6] must match. Serious injuries may occur in the event of non-compliance.

Insert the outer flange [5-11] so that the pin engages in the recess on the inner flange.
Release retractor lever [5-5] and allow the pendulum guard [5-7] to swivel back to its final position.
Tighten the screw [5-8].
Reposition the lever [5-4].

Dust extraction

WARNING: Health hazard posed by dust

Always work with an extractor.
Comply with national regulations.
When sawing carcinogenic materials, always connect a suitable extraction mobile in accordance with national regulations. Do not use the chip collection bag.

Independent extraction

Secure the connection piece [6-2] of the dust collection bag [6-3] at the extractor connector [6-1] with a clockwise rotation.
To empty, remove the connection piece of the dust collection bag from the extractor connector with an anti-clockwise rotation.

Festool mobile dust extractor

A Festool mobile dust extractor with a suction hose diameter of 27/32 mm or 36 mm (36 mm recommended due to the reduced risk of clogging) can be connected to the extractor connector [6-1].
The adapter on a 27 diameter suction hose is inserted into the angle adapter . The adapter on a 36 diameter suction hose is inserted over the angle adapter .

CAUTION: A static charge may build up if no antistatic suction hose is used. The user may receive an electric shock and the power tool’s electronics may be damaged.

Working with the electric power tool

When working on the machine, observe all of the safety warnings that are listed at the start as well as the following rules:

Only guide the power tool towards the workpiece when it is switched on.
Before each use, check that the pendulum guard is working correctly using the retractor lever [1-4]. Ensure that the pendulum guard can move freely and does not come into contact with the saw blade or other parts at any cutting angle or depth. Only use this power tool when it is in perfect working order.
Always secure the workpiece in such a way that it cannot move during machining.
Make sure that the extractor hose does not snag the entire saw cut, either on the work workpiece, the workpiece support or hazards on the ground.
When working, always hold the power tool with both hands on the handles [1-1]. This is a prerequisite for precise work and is essential for plunge-cutting. Plunge into the workpiece slowly and evenly.
Always push the saw forwards [8-9], and never towards yourself.
Adapt the infeed speed to prevent the cutters on the saw blade from overheating and prevent plastic materials from melting during cutting. The harder the material to be sawn, the lower the feed speed needs to be.
Make sure that the rotary knob [1-12] is tightened before starting work.
CAUTION: Risk of overheating. Before use, make sure that the battery pack is securely clicked into place.

Switch on/off

Slide switch-on lock [1-2] upwards.
Press the ON/OFF switch [1-7].
- Press = ON
- Release = OFF

Acoustic warning signal

Acoustic warning signals sound and the power tool switches off in the following operating states:

Battery flat or power tool overloaded:

Sawing along the scribe mark

The cut indicators display the cutting sequence without a guide rail:

0° cuts: [7-1]
45° cuts: [7-2]

Cutting sections

Position the saw with the front part of the saw table on the workpiece, switch on saw and push forward in cutting direction.

Sawing cut-outs (plunge cuts)

In order to avoid kickbacks, the following instructions must always be followed when plunge cutting:

Always position saw with the rear edge of the saw table against a fixed stop.
When working with the guide rail, place the saw against the kickback stop FS-RSP (accessories) clamped to the guide rail.

Caution: Danger of crushing!

Always keep a firm grip on the machine with your free hand when adjusting plunge cuts. Never position your fingers behind or below the saw blade.

Procedure

Adjusting cutting depth, see section 7.2.
Press lever [8-1] down.
Sawing unit swivels upwards to plunge-cut position.
Hold retractor lever [8-2] downwards as far as stop. Pendulum guard [8-4] opens and the saw blade is exposed.
Position saw on workpiece and position against a stop (kickback stop).
Switch on saw.
Slowly press down saw to the set cutting depth until the saw engages, release retractor lever [8-2] and push forward in cutting direction [8-9].

The notch [8-3] indicates the absolute rear cutting point of the saw blade (diameter 160 mm) when using the saw at maximum cutting depth with the guide rail.

Service and maintenance

WARNING: Risk of injury, electric shock

Always remove the battery pack from the power tool before performing any maintenance or service work.
All maintenance and repair work which requires the motor housing to be opened should always be carried out by an authorised service workshop.

Customer service and repairs must only be carried out by the manufacturer or service workshops. Find the nearest address at: www.festool.co.uk/service
Always use original Festool spare parts. Order no. at: www.festool.co.uk/service

Cleaning the machine regularly, especially the adjusting devices and guides, is an important safety factor.

Observe the following instructions:

Damaged safety devices and parts, such as a faulty lever for changing tools [1-3], must be properly repaired or replaced in a recognised specialist workshop, unless otherwise indicated in the operating manual.
To ensure constant air circulation, always keep the cooling air openings in the housing clean and free of blockages.
Use an extractor on all openings in order to remove wood chips and splinters from the power tool. Never open the protective lid .
The pendulum guard must always be able to move freely and close independently. Always keep the area around the pendulum guard clean. Clear from dust and chippings by blowing out with compressed air or using a brush.
Keep the contacts on the power tool, charger and battery pack clean.
When working with plaster- and cementbonded fibreboards, clean the tool particularly thoroughly. Clean the vents of the power tool and on/off switch using dry, oilfree compressed air. Otherwise, gypsum dust deposits may build up inside the power tool’s housing and on the on/off switch and harden when exposed to humidity. This may impair the switching mechanism.

Accessories

Refer to the Festool catalogue for the order numbers of accessories and tools or find them online at www.festool.co.uk. In addition to the accessories described, Festool also provides a comprehensive range of system accessories that allow you to use your saw more effectively and in diverse applications, e.g.:

Parallel stop, extension table PA-HKC 55
Kickback stop FS-RSP
Parallel stop FS-PA and guide extension FS-PA-VL
Side-mounted cover, false joint ABSA-TS 55

Saw blades, other accessories

In order to saw different materials quickly and cleanly, Festool offers saw blades for all applications and these are specially designed for your Festool saw.

Guide rail

The guide rail enables you to make clean, accurate cuts while simultaneously protecting the surface of the workpiece from damage. In conjunction with the extensive range of accessories, exact angled cuts, mitre cuts and fitting work can be completed with the guide system. The option of attaching the guide rail securely using clamps [8-7] ensures safer working conditions.

Adjust the guide play between the saw table and the guide rail using the two adjustable jaws [8-8].

Bed in the splinter guard before using the guide rail for the first time[8-5]:

Position saw with the entire guide plate at the rear end of the guide rail.
Swivel saw to 0° position and set maximum cutting depth.
Switch on saw.
Slowly drop the splinter guard across the entire length without setting down.

The edge of the splinter guard now corresponds exactly to the cutting edge. Position the guide rail for sawing the splinter guard on a test piece of wood.

Cross cutting guide rail

The cross cutting guide rail is designed for sawing wood and panel materials. It enables precise and clean cuts, in particular angled cuts can be performed simply and with repeat accuracy. The saw automatically moves back to the initial position after the sawing process.

Observe the instructions in the operating manual for the FSK cross cutting guide rail.

Environment

Do not dispose of the device in the household waste! Recycle devices, accessories and packaging. Observe applicable national regulations.

Before disposal, users must remove discharged batteries, accumulators that are not enclosed by the device and lights that can be removed from the old device without causing damage, if these are present. The old batteries and rechargeable batteries can then be recycled systematically. In accordance with the European Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment and implementation in national law, used power tools must be collected separately and handed
in for environmentally friendly recycling. Information about collection points for correct disposal is available at www.festool.co.uk/recycling. Information on REACH: www.festool.co.uk/reach

General information

Imported into the UK by

Festool UK Ltd
1 Anglo Saxon Way
Bury St Edmunds IP30 9XH
Great Britain

Information on data privacy

The power tool contains a chip which automatically stores machine and operating data. Thedata saved cannot be traced back directly to an individual. The data can be read in a contactless manner using special devices and shall only be used by Festool for fault diagnosis, repair and warranty processing and for quality improvement or enhancement of the power tool. The data shall not be used in any other way without the express consent of the customer.

Bluetooth®

The Bluetooth® word mark and the logos are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.; they are used by TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG, and therefore by Festool, under licence.