cutting steel sheets with a TS 75 saw

[missionman]

I was recently on a project where I needed to cut several 4' x 8' sheets of 14ga mild steel sheets into 8" to 10" strips.  I was using a two year old TS 75 saw with the steel cutting blades.  I was using the guide rail and had the guide rail clamped to the workpiece and a sturdy bench.  The problem I encountered was after about two feet of cutting into the sheet, the blade would start to flex and get bound up.  I had the speed setting set at 3 and was not pushing this saw very hard. I had the depth set ot just clear the the material.  Has anyone else ever had this problem.  It was really embarassing to have a $600 saw being out performed by a $50 skil saw and a Freud steel demon blade....

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I wonder if your saw might be out of calibration and need the toe-in adjusted.

The TS 75 should be able to cut steel about twice that thickness, up to 1/8".

Check out page 12 of the supplemental manual for calibrating to a rail. http://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/TS_55_EQ_US.pdf

 

[aptpupil]

What thickness SS can the TS55 cut? Which blade model # is recommended?

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

What thickness SS can the TS55 cut? Which blade model # is recommended?

The TS 55 is not capable of cutting steel.

 

[nclemmons]

Shane

Looks like that steel cutting saw had the vacuum attached.  Should we  not be worried about a fire when cutting steel?  I'd think the grinds would be pretty hot, though they might cool down through the hose.

But still curious.

Thanks

neil

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Looks like that steel cutting saw had the vacuum attached.  Should we  not be worried about a fire when cutting steel?  I'd think the grinds would be pretty hot, though they might cool down through the hose.

Neil, it says it in the description of the video, but you need to use the spark trap when cutting metal.

http://festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/hepa-dust-extractors/other-accessories/spark-trap-484733

 

[missionman]

I wonder if your saw might be out of calibration and need the toe-in adjusted.

The TS 75 should be able to cut steel about twice that thickness, up to 1/8".

Check out page 12 of the supplemental manual for calibrating to a rail. http://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/TS_55_EQ_US.pdf

I checked the toe in/out as per the pages in the manual, and it appears to be where it should be. It was as if the blade was bending to the side.  I have not had a chance to cut steel since then and I usually cut wood so I was really confused as to why this was happening.  Thanks for the input.
Larry

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Larry,

Since I don't have any personal experience cutting steel, I would suggest you give the service department a call and talk to them or one of our application guys. Maybe they have some other recommendations.

Shane