TS55 for cutting....drywall?

[JoggleStick]

So, do we believe that there is a need for a discipline such as "Mold Remediation" or is it all just kind of like hype and stuff?

You know I paid a professional researcher- a fully trained Librarian who regularly does research for people doing their Doctorate Degree's, etc to find as much actual evidence- at a proper scientific level of exactly this question?

The result; well the best example of comparison I can give is that it's like the Climate Change question?

Which, if possible, I will dilute to say, "you will find evidence to support your position, seemingly regardless of what that position is"

You know- bad stuff happens- Just yesterday, here in one of Brisbane's elite private hospitals a 60 yo man died of Legionares Disease. A new state of the art hospital that DOES have monthly cultures done. They believe so far the Bacteria was in the hot water system.... He was infected having a shower... A tragedy for the family, indeed. BUT does that mean the whole city should stop using it's water supply?

I have to deal with all manner of toxic materials, every day. Asbestos in old houses, Silica dust in the wall sheets, MDF dust, Solvents, others cigarette smoke, it's endless...

Have a look at the rates of 'common allergies' in countries like USA, Aust, UK, much of Europe, etc, etc. Rates of common allergies per head of population have skyrocketed, compared to places like India, etc where accurate data is available in poorer nations. This has also coincided with massive improvements in cleanliness, hygiene, etc in these same wealthy countries.

The more sterile we make our environment, it seems, the weaker we make our bodies to reject nasties in that environment.

The solution- it seems crazy- but let babies eat dirt, and engage with their environment... to build and develop a strong healthy immune system? Can the solution be so simple?

My parents used to wipe down the kitchen benches with a damp cloth. Maybe hot soapy water if it was a messy meal. I grew up (sneakily) licking the last remnants of the meal off those same benches. As did our dog and cat. I grew up and remain (touch wood) Strong, fit and very healthy.
Now, I ask you.... At what point in time did it become necessary to use a kitchen spray that Guarantees to kill 99.9% of household germs? When did that become the 'minimum standard'? It's bullshit. It is big company marketing hype. It is very profitable! BUT is it really Healthy? Do we make ourselves better by killing 99% of germs in our environment?

 

[tjbier]

If it were my house/job,  I would plastic off the area and use a utility knife to cut the wall. Make as little dust as you can, and whatever you do don't use water or solutions.  You then will be making hazardous waste, use baby wipe ect to clean up instead.
Obviously this is without seeing it and not knowing how bad the mold is.

 

[Scott B.]

So, do we believe that there is a need for a discipline such as "Mold Remediation" or is it all just kind of like hype and stuff?

Have a look at the rates of 'common allergies' in countries like USA, Aust, UK, much of Europe, etc, etc. Rates of common allergies per head of population have skyrocketed, compared to places like India, etc where accurate data is available in poorer nations. This has also coincided with massive improvements in cleanliness, hygiene, etc in these same wealthy countries.

I totally respect your stance with regard to the topic of mold, and you certainly have all the right in the world to take a cavalier approach to it, and even advise others to do the same.

I think it is pretty easy to accept the reality that the different types of mold spores harbor over 200 toxins that are potentially harmful to the human immune and nervous systems. Not something I personally or professionally roll dice on when it is so easy to protect ones self. Its just not  very far from the nose to the brain. Not a chance worth taking. Of course, this is just my opinion.

To your point above, allergy like symptoms are the most commonly associated with toxic mold exposure. Could just be a coincidence.

In any event, mold or not, I personally think that cutting out drywall squares with a track saw is a silly way to look for reasons to use a cool, but overqualified (for this application) tool.

Festool's are cool, but they don't give you super powers. Please, be smart out there everyone.

 

[JoggleStick]

So, do we believe that there is a need for a discipline such as "Mold Remediation" or is it all just kind of like hype and stuff?

Have a look at the rates of 'common allergies' in countries like USA, Aust, UK, much of Europe, etc, etc. Rates of common allergies per head of population have skyrocketed, compared to places like India, etc where accurate data is available in poorer nations. This has also coincided with massive improvements in cleanliness, hygiene, etc in these same wealthy countries.

I totally respect your stance with regard to the topic of mold, and you certainly have all the right in the world to take a cavalier approach to it, and even advise others to do the same.

I think it is pretty easy to accept the reality that the different types of mold spores harbor over 200 toxins that are potentially harmful to the human immune and nervous systems. Not something I personally or professionally roll dice on when it is so easy to protect ones self. Its just not very far from the nose to the brain. Not a chance worth taking. Of course, this is just my opinion.

To your point above, allergy like symptoms are the most commonly associated with toxic mold exposure. Could just be a coincidence.

In any event, mold or not, I personally think that cutting out drywall squares with a track saw is a silly way to look for reasons to use a cool, but overqualified (for this application) tool.

Festool's are cool, but they don't give you super powers. Please, be smart out there everyone.

I'm not interested in a flame war eriod

I have the facts about mould. I paid handsomely to get them.
I use that material in my Marketing to present "facts" not hearsay, opinion or 'Urban Myth'
I neither act cavalier about any safety issue nor recommend others to do same.
Your personal slur on me is neither true, correct or appropriate. It is not welcome.

 

[Paul G]

You know I paid a professional researcher- a fully trained Librarian who regularly does research for people doing their Doctorate Degree's, etc to find as much actual evidence- at a proper scientific level of exactly this question?

The result;  well the best example of comparison I can give is that it's like the Climate Change question?

Which, if possible, I will dilute to say, "you will find evidence to support your position, seemingly regardless of what that position is"

You know- bad stuff happens- Just yesterday, here in one of Brisbane's elite private hospitals a 60 yo man died of Legionares Disease. A new state of the art hospital that DOES have monthly cultures done. They believe so far the Bacteria was in the hot water system.... He was infected having a shower... A tragedy for the family, indeed. BUT does that mean the whole city should stop using it's water supply?

I have to deal with all manner of toxic materials, every day. Asbestos in old houses, Silica dust in the wall sheets, MDF dust, Solvents, others cigarette smoke, it's endless...

Have a look at the rates of 'common allergies' in countries like USA, Aust, UK, much of Europe, etc, etc. Rates of common allergies per head of population have skyrocketed, compared to places like India, etc where accurate data is available in poorer nations. This has also coincided with massive improvements in cleanliness, hygiene, etc in these same wealthy countries.

The more sterile we make our environment, it seems, the weaker we make our bodies to reject nasties in that environment.

The solution- it seems crazy- but let babies eat dirt, and engage with their environment... to build and develop a strong healthy immune system? Can the solution be so simple?

My parents used to wipe down the kitchen benches with a damp cloth. Maybe hot soapy water if it was a messy meal. I grew up (sneakily) licking the last remnants of the meal off those same benches. As did our dog and cat. I grew up and remain (touch wood) Strong, fit and very healthy.
Now, I ask you.... At what point in time did it become necessary to use a kitchen spray that Guarantees to kill 99.9% of household germs? When did that become the 'minimum standard'? It's bullshit. It is big company marketing hype. It is very profitable! BUT is it really Healthy? Do we make ourselves better by killing 99% of germs in our environment?

The often overlooked aspect of killing about 99.9% of germs is they help control the few that we have a hard time killing, not to mention the germ mutations we encourage through the overuse and missuse of antibiotics. We've made many advances but also make things worse in the process. As for mold, is it just me or is there a correlation between making homes more air tight and increased mold problems? Another self induced situation cloaked in good intentions.

To the OP, I'll echo the opinions to not saw near the mold like that.

 

[panelchat]

thanks for all the above input-

its just a kooky idea i had, and might try it out cautiously to see if it works, and see if it makes life easy...
anyway, nice to hear one can cut drywall w a track saw without hurting the tool.

the idea again, was to set the blade in only partway into the material, and finish off the last few mms of the cuts with a matte knife so no spinning blade runs thru any mold, and the matte knife could then cut thru fast and easy in one pass. i'll see if it does any good. the effected area is right by a garage door so it can safely go straight outside into bags.

 

[Paul G]

So, do we believe that there is a need for a discipline such as "Mold Remediation" or is it all just kind of like hype and stuff?

"Need" from which perspective? There's certainly safety issues for everyone involved when a wall is caked in mold, states love increased licensing revenue, and insurance companies need something official that they can point to that a claim has been successfully resolved. But then there's the overblown hype of seeing one spot and running for the hills (or is that the Hilton). There's an abundance of ignorance and misguided fear about mold.

 

[peter halle]

This topic was about using a TS-55 to cut Sheetrock.  The fact that there might be something harmful / benign / growing on the product to be cut is irrelevant to whether or not the saw can cut.  Whether or not it SHOULD be used in this situation is for another thread.

Respectfully, please leave the mold conversations and feelings for another thread.

Thanks.

Peter Halle - moderator

 

[JoggleStick]

Like I've said, I've been doing Bathroom Reno's full time for 15 odd years now (construction well over 30 years) sometimes doing multiple jobs per week (big crew). I've had my TS 55 for maybe 6-7 years of that time and I love it.
Having said all that, I couldn't imagine a scenario like the one you've described where I would use the Festool saw; as you've described.

Can TS 55 do it without damage to saw = absolutely
Would "I" use it as you've described = No way- to me you're making a relatively straightforward procedure unnecessarily complex and I cannot see any perceivable advantage to what you've proposed.... But that is just MHO....

I have a multimaster and that is certainly a very good option that looks very professional, which can really count, depending on the client.

A Stanley knife will work too- but scribing and cutting through standing dry way can be 'testy'...

I'm usually cutting through tiles and Villaboard (6mm fibre cement sheet) and less so plasterboard.... So I'm usually using a 100mm grinder and diamond wheel AND appropriate PPE.

You know I'd probably use a level (Stabilla), pencil, Jack Saw (cheap panel saw) and a Stanley knife...

 

[panelchat]

Peter- yes, the mold topic is never ending, very sensitive to individual cases, and for another thread.
Otherwise, thanks everyone for all the useful input above.
This is a tiny job I plan to do in my own workspace so most professional considerations, other than safety, can be set aside.

It seems that stone based solid surface countertop type materials are the ones to avoid with the track saw(?) but drywall is doable.

 

[JoggleStick]

Protool has all the diamond cutting gear set up on a Track.... Why would you try and use a Festool saw when you can use a Protool 9" grinder with all the right wheels, etc? And the Protool DC's have the filters to cope with stone dust, etc
It's a bit like using a screwdriver as a hammer isn't it?

 

[Paul G]

Protool has all the diamond cutting gear set up on a Track.... Why would you try and use a Festool saw when you can use a Protool 9" grinder with all the right wheels, etc? And the Protool DC's have the filters to cope with stone dust, etc
It's a bit like using a screwdriver as a hammer isn't it?

OP is in the US, no protool

 

[Scott B.]

JoggleStick

I didn't mean for any of my comments to be received by you as derogatory. It was more a reflection on the fact that we probably agree to disagree on the topic of personal protection from mold in work situations. I think we do disagree on that, and that is ok. If we all agreed on everything on the FOG, it would be pretty boring reading. I do think that we can disagree without hurt feelings.

What is more important is that it appears that we do agree that the TS55 is probably not the appropriate method for the original poster, which as Peter noted, is the topic at hand.

Cheers!

 

[JoggleStick]

OP is in the US, no protool

OK. I sort of figured something like that, reading between the lines...
I didn't realise it was a total exclusion. Nuff said...

 

[Rob Z]

For cutting drywall, we use a Rotozip with their proprietary dust collection shroud/attachment.  DC is nearly 100%.  If a long cut needed to be made, the RZ would be slower than a track saw.  I never considered to use the TS to cut drywall, but I'm filing this away for future reference in case we would need to try it on a job.

For Rick and the others who have done this, which blade did you use? I'm guessing that all will cut with no problem.  Did it skunk up the blade?

 

[JoggleStick]

JoggleStick

I didn't mean for any of my comments to be received by you as derogatory. It was more a reflection on the fact that we probably agree to disagree on the topic of personal protection from mold in work situations. I think we do disagree on that, and that is ok. If we all agreed on everything on the FOG, it would be pretty boring reading. I do think that we can disagree without hurt feelings.

What is more important is that it appears that we do agree that the TS55 is probably not the appropriate method for the original poster, which as Peter noted, is the topic at hand.

Cheers!

@Scott B,
I have no idea what you "imagine" or "assume" I said.
In particular- I have made no mention on the topic of 'personal protection from mold in work situations' , except that 'appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) should be used' so there is nothing for you to either agree or disagree with.
You labelled me 'cavalier'. You were wrong to do that and i've made that clear to you.
End of story. Nuff said. : lurk

 

[Rick Christopherson]

For Rick and the others who have done this, which blade did you use? I'm guessing that all will cut with no problem.  Did it skunk up the blade?

Not that I recall. However, if I had to do it again, I would put a dull blade back on the saw that I have laying around. Gypsum certainly doesn't need a sharp blade to cut it.

 

[tjbnwi]

I had to cut 96 1'x12' 1/2" drywall strips. Stacked the sheets, cut through the top 3 sheets, at the same time it marked the 4th. No dust, no blade damage. At the time I only had the 48 tooth.

Tom

 

[fshanno]

Multimaster is a great tool but i don't own one (yet).

Harbor Freight has it's multi tool on sale for $15.  Mine works great.  Got it when it first came out years ago and still works fine.  The HF blades are weak but the universal blades fit and they're pretty good.

The variable speed and cordless are $40.  I gave cordless version to my son in law for Christmas.  He had some sheet rock to cut out in a very similar situation.  Water damage and mold behind a vanity.  Worked great. 

Sounds like a good excuse to get one.

 

[bmikl]

I would not use a circular saw to cut dry wall. As others have said, hitting nails, EMT or nail plates, if you have romax can easlily cause the saw to kick. I have much experience with dry wall. A festool rail would work but a 8 foot section of 3/16" X 2" bar or close would work well in combination with a razor knife with many replacement razors. (this is where you talk to a buddy who has every tool imaginable and borrow his laser level). If you are unable to locate the aluminum stock  look online for a machine shop or machine builder in your area, good chance there may be one closer than you think. Talk nice to the guys on their smoke break and you will be amazed on how helpful they maybe for the aluminum. I know it is a given but I must mention to turn off the fan your AC or heat for the entire day of the project and keep windows closed, anything to keep air movement through house to am minimum. I apologize if my post is somewhat off the original question.