FESTOOL 576126 Circular Saw Instruction Manual

: June 12, 2024
: FESTOOL

Table of Contents

FESTOOL 576126 Circular Saw
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Symbols
Safety warnings
Intended use
Technical data
Machine features
Operation
Settings
Working with the electric power tool
Service and maintenance
Accessories
Environment
General information
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

FESTOOL 576126 Circular Saw

FESTOOL-576126-Circular-Saw-product-image

Product Information

Product Name: Circular saw
Model: HK 55 EBQ HK 55 EQ
Manufacturer: Festool GmbH
Country of Origin: Germany
Serial Number: 204876, 204875
Conformity: Complies with directives 2006/42/EG, 2014/30/EU, 2011/65/EU
Standards: EN 62841-1: 2015 + AC:2015, EN 62841-2-5:2014, EN 55014-1: 2017, EN 55014-2: 2015, EN 61000-3-2:2014, EN 61000-3-3:2013, EN 50581: 2012
Weight: 4.4 kg

Product Usage Instructions

Before using the circular saw, make sure to read the operating instructions and safety precautions.
Connect the circular saw to a power source by plugging in the power cord.
To start the circular saw, press the power switch located on the handle.
When using the circular saw, always wear protective gloves, a breathing mask, and safety glasses to ensure personal safety.
To change the cutting depth, adjust the cutting depth setting according to your requirements. The maximum cutting depth is 55 mm.
Adjust the cutting angle by using the angle adjustment feature of the circular saw.
When operating the circular saw, make sure to hold it firmly with both hands for better control and stability.
After use, unplug the power cord from the power source and store the circular saw in a safe place.

Note: Please refer to the complete user manual for detailed instructions and safety guidelines.

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.
Safety class II
Direction of rotation of saw and the saw blade
Electro-dynamic run-down brake
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
Risk of pinching fingers and hands!
Danger area! Keep hands away!
Pull out the mains plug
Connecting the mains power cable
Disconnecting the mains power cable

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.

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 minimize body exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
Hold the power tool by the insulated handle surfaces if you intend to perform work that entails a risk of cutting into hidden power cables or the tool’s own power cable. Contact with live cables transfers an electric current to metal components on the electric power tool and causes electric shocks.
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 offcentre, 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.

Kickback causes and related warnings

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, center 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 minimize 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 power tool cannot be installed in a work bench. The 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 appropriate detection devices to look for any hidden supply lines or consult your local utility company. If the insertion tool makes contact with live cables, it can result in fire and electric shock. Damage to a gas pipe can lead to an explosion. Penetration of a water pipe can result in damage to property.
Wait until the power tool has come to a complete halt before placing it down. The insertion tool can get caught 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 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.
Wear suitable breathing protection to protect your health. In enclosed spaces, ensure that there is sufficient ventilation and connect a mobile dust extractor.
Wear suitable personal protective equipment: Ear protection, safety goggles, a dust mask for work that generates dust.
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.
Only for AS/NZS: The tool shall always be supplied via residual current device with a rated residual current of 30 mA or less.

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.

Aluminum processing
When sawing aluminum, the following measures must be taken for safety reasons:

Install an upstream residual-current circuit breaker (FIG, PRCD).
Connect the machine to a suitable dust extractor.
Regularly remove dust deposits from the motor housing.
Use an aluminum saw blade.
Close the viewing window/chipguard.
Wear protective goggles.
When sawing panels, they must be lubricated with paraffin but thin-walled profiles (up to 3 mm) can be sawed without lubrication.

Emission levels
The levels determined in accordance with 62841 are typically:

Sound pressure level LPA = 89 dB(A)
Sound power level LWA = 100 dB(A)
Uncertainty K = 3 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 62841:

Sägen von Holz ah = < 2.5 m/s2 K=3 m/s2
Sägen von Metall ah = 3.0 m/s2 K = 3 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

Circular saw designed for sawing

wooden materials and wood-based materials,
plaster and cement compound fibres,
plastic materials,
aluminums (only with a special saw blade for aluminum offered by Festool)

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

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

Technical data

4	Technical data

Circular saw                                       HK 55
Power                                               1200 W
Speed (no-load)                      2000 – 5400 rpm
Inclination                                         0 – 50°
Cutting depth at 0°                         0 – 55 mm
Cutting depth at 50°                           38 mm
Saw blade dimensions
recommended                     160 x 1.8 x 20 mm
max.                                  160 x 2.2 x 20 mm
Weight (without mains ca                    4.4 kg ble)

Machine features

[1-1] Handles
[1-2] Switch-on lock
[1-3] Lever for changing blades
[1-4] Retractor lever for pendulum guard
[1-5] Guide wedge
[1-6] Pendulum guard
[1-7] On/Off switch
[1-8] Lever for plunge function
[1-9] Split scale for cutting depth stop (with/without guide rail)
[1-10] Extractor connector
[1-11] Angle scale
[1-12] Knob for angle setting
[1-13] Cutting depth adjuster
[1-14] Mains power cable
[1-15] Adjustable jaws
[1-16] Speed control

The illustrations specified are located at the beginning and end of the operating instructions.

Operation

WARNING
Unauthorized voltage or frequency. Risk of accidents

The mains voltage and the frequency of the power source must correspond to the specifications on the name plate.
In North America, only Festool machines with the voltage specifications 120 V / 60 Hz may be used.

CAUTION
Heating of the plug it connection if bayonet fitting is not completely locked

Risk of burns

Before switching on the power tool, make sure that the bayonet fitting at the mains cable is closed fully and locked.

Always switch off the machine before connecting and disconnecting the mains power cable.
Connecting and detaching the mains power cable [1-14] see Fig. [2].

FESTOOL-576126-Circular-Saw-2

Switch on/off

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

Settings

WARNING
Risk of injury, electric shock
Always pull the mains plug out of the socket before performing any type of work on the machine!

Electronics
Smooth start-up
The electronically controlled smooth start-up function ensures that the power tool starts up smoothly.

Speed control
You can regulate the speed sleeplessly within the speed range using the adjusting wheel [1-16] (see chapter 4). This enables you to optimize the cutting speed to suit the surface (see chapter 8.4).

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 HK 55 EBQ 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°:

FESTOOL-576126-Circular-Saw-4

Open knob [4-2]
Swivel sawing unit to the desired cutting angle [4-1].
Close knob [4-2].
Both positions (0° and 50°) are set at the factory and can be readjusted by the after-sales service team.
For angled cuts, the cutting depth is smaller than the value displayed on the cutting depth scale.

Adjust pendulum guard
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 cement-bonded fibreboard.

FESTOOL-576126-Circular-Saw-32

Changing the saw blade

WARNING
Risk of injury, electric shock

Always disconnect the mains plug from the socket before performing any work on the machine.

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 [5-2].
Turn the lever [5-4] as far as the stop. Open the screw [5-10] using the Allen key [5-3].
Hold the pendulum guard open [5-11] only with 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 [5-7] and saw [5-6] must match. Serious injuries may occur in the event of non-compliance.
Insert the outer flange [5-8] so that the pin engages in the recess on the inner flange.
Release retractor lever [5-5] and allow the pendulum guard [5-11] to swivel back to its final position.
Tighten the screw [5-10].
Reposition the lever [5-4].

WARNING
Risk of injury
If a clamping flange is loose, the cutting edges of the saw blade may break off, and if a screw is loose, the saw blade may become detached.

Whenever you replace a saw blade, always check that it is securely in place.

Dust extraction
WARNING
Heath hazard posed by dust

Always work with an extractor.
Comply with national regulations.

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.

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.

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 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.
Do not work with the machine if the electronics are defective, because this may lead to excessive speeds. You can tell if the electronics are defective if there is no smooth start-up or if it is not possible to regulate the speed or where smoke is present or if there is a smell of burning coming from the machine.

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.

Speed setting for each material

Material	Speed range
****	Solid wood (hard, soft)
Chipboard and hardboard	3–6
Laminated wood, blockboard, veneered and laminated panels	6
****	Plastics, fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP), paper and mesh
Acrylic glass	4–5

| Gypsum and cement-bonded fiberboard| 1–3
****| Aluminum panels and profiles up to 15 mm| 4–6

Service and maintenance

WARNING
Risk of injury, electric shock

Always pull the mains plug from the socket before performing any servicing and maintenance work.
All maintenance and repair work which requires the housing to be opened should always be carried out by an authorized 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 recognized 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.

When working with plaster- and cement-bonded fibre boards, clean the tool particularly thoroughly. Clean the vents of the power tool and on/off switch using dry, oil-free 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-TS55/60

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.

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.
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. The data 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.