SSU 200 sword saw

[Bigchasbroon]

I bought this saw to cut rigid insulation boards. I've about 100 8x4 sheets at 140mm thick to cut up and about 70 at 100mm.

I ordered the special chain but it didn't come in time so I've just used the standard chain for now. First observation is that the chain is an Oregon chain and when I google it, I find it for sale at 40% of the cost of the festool one.

I have the ts55 and this is a bit bigger and heavier. But I have managed to use it one handed. Because of the size you needn't a bit extra length on your guide rail on the feed in section. I was using a 1400 rail to cut across the 1200 and it was about 150mm short ideal. The weight also makes the rail move a bit as you try to start the cut so You need to clamp the rail, I used the fs rapid. The tool just looks a bit crazy and I guess it would do a bit of damage if you weren't too careful.

It cuts the insulation great, 100 times better than trying to do it by hand. The waste produced is awful it's nasty stuff and gets everywhere not using DC is not an option. With my midi attached it takes a lot away and the bag fills up pretty quickly. I have to admit I was a little disappointed with the DC and I had to wear a face mask and goggles. It seems if there was a plate on the side like the one available for the ts the DC would be improved. It may be that the correct chain may not cause as much sawdust and this may improve also a 36mm hose will likely help but right now I don't have one.

 

[andyman]

I bought this saw to cut rigid insulation boards. I've about 100 8x4 sheets at 140mm thick to cut up and about 70 at 100mm.

I ordered the special chain but it didn't come in time so I've just used the standard chain for now. First observation is that the chain is an Oregon chain and when I google it, I find it for sale at 40% of the cost of the festool one.

I have the ts55 and this is a bit bigger and heavier. But I have managed to use it one handed. Because of the size you needn't a bit extra length on your guide rail on the feed in section. I was using a 1400 rail to cut across the 1200 and it was about 150mm short ideal. The weight also makes the rail move a bit as you try to start the cut so You need to clamp the rail, I used the fs rapid. The tool just looks a bit crazy and I guess it would do a bit of damage if you weren't too careful.

It cuts the insulation great, 100 times better than trying to do it by hand. The waste produced is awful it's nasty stuff and gets everywhere not using DC is not an option. With my midi attached it takes a lot away and the bag fills up pretty quickly. I have to admit I was a little disappointed with the DC and I had to wear a face mask and goggles. It seems if there was a plate on the side like the one available for the ts the DC would be improved. It may be that the correct chain may not cause as much sawdust and this may improve also a 36mm hose will likely help but right now I don't have one.

use my ts55 on speed 1 with dc next to no debris but obviously limited to 55mm thickness unless you turn the board

 

[wrightwoodwork]

Just curious, has anyone used the insulation blades for jigsaws and what do they think of them?

 

[SittingElf]

Just curious, has anyone used the insulation blades for jigsaws and what do they think of them?

If you're referring to the long wavy blades, I used one to cut all the insulation boards for my garage doors, and the blade worked really well.  My single blade cut more than 16 boards down to slot sizes for the doors.  Fast and easy!

[attachthumb=1]

Cheers,

Frank

 

[wrightwoodwork]

Thats the ones thanks. Dill question do the ly make less dust than a normal jigsaw blade

 

[Brent Taylor]

I had a Prazi saw for a number of years to cut SIP's & heavy timbers for homebuilding. The Prazi attaches to a c saw or a wormdrive(which I used), the cut in the SIP's left the foam core a little ragged & foam beads every where, it would have been nice to have had a SSU 200 W/ vac hook-up. But it worked like a dream, used it for years & wished I still had it.

 

[WelshWood]

Was contemplating buying the sword saw as I'm often fitting 100mm insulation between rafters and studwork and thought this would be perfect,

After having it a while, what are your thoughts on it now?

~WW

 

[Bigchasbroon]

I think it's great. I've probably cut 100 sheets of 140mm kingspan. I managed to add 10% on the boards which more or less paid for it.
The proper chain makes a big difference to the dust collection. Before with the standard chain I still needed a mask and goggles but not with the proper insulation chain. My midi also fills up pretty quick. I've been using Henry bags so not too expensive but I've probably filled at least 12.