Side gate - Cutting metal with TS75

[derekg]

I think the TS75 was my first festool purchase and I still love it. Especially the fact that quietly listed with the other accessories is the spark trap and metal cutting blades.

I haven't run across too many posts on this topic so I thought I'd share some pictures.

I'm building a gate and decided to use some leftover corrugated metal. But first, the scraps needed trimming. 22 gauge.

It certainly makes a nice clean cut.
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[nclemmons]

Can you show the spark arrestor?  Curious why it would not work on the smaller saw.

neil

 

[derekg]

Here it is plugged into my CT 26. I think it is basically a metal plate in the middle of the housing so the metal shrapnel hits the plate instead of flying straight into the bag.

I took it with my CTMINI on a trip thinking I could use it, but because the vac house plugs into the top at the corner there isn't room for the spark trap to fit in the hose garage area. However you could probably make it work if you made two short extension hoses with male/female connectors and have it in-line instead of at the vac. Suction is all the same now on the vacs so that shouldn't be an issue.

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[epicxt]

This is one of the many useful things about the ts75. I use it quite often cutting metal roofing back on remodels as it leaves a very clean edge.  In this instance I didn't have the spark arrestor (or vac!) connected as it would have been too much of a hassle to get it into place...

Edit: the spark arrestor would work fine with a smaller saw, but Festool doesn't offer a steel cutting blade for the 55.  I find I use my 75 as a work-horse and just use the 55 for more fine finish cuts.  Unless I'm cutting into fiber-cement siding on a wall...

 

[nclemmons]

Was not even aware this was an option.  Cool accessory and capability.

I wonder if you could find a metal cutting blade for the TS55? 

What is the maximum thickness you can cut with the TS75 and a metal blade?  Would it cut 1/8", for example?

Thanks -

neil

 

[tbellemare]

What is the maximum thickness you can cut with the TS75 and a metal blade?  Would it cut 1/8", for example?

That's a very good question, Neil!

The Steel Blade for the TS 75 is advertised to handle up to 1/8" mild steel.

I think it was really designed to cut steel studs and metallic raceways, like for wiring.

I suspect if you really wanted to, you could probably cut your car in half...

Tom

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Nice to see a realworld usage of the TS75 cutting metal. I'm interested in getting all the available blades for mine... Thanks for showing, I'd like to see the finished result!

 

[tbellemare]

Incidentally, the Spark Trap is designed to work on the front of a CT, meaning that the axis of airflow is horizontal. This causes hot bits to hit the plate in the middle of it and fall to the bottom of the annulus and collect due to gravity. If it were mounted vertically, like with a MINI or MIDI, it could let hot things through.

The design also works for chunks that could otherwise damage the bag as they shot through and buried in it.

It's kind of like an air wier.

Tom

 

[epicxt]

Good to know. I've only used it on my ct26 but was thinking of using it on my midi with an extension tube. Now I know better...