Protool UniverS SSP 200 EB, Sword saw

Hi All,

Today we’re going to have a look at a relatively new tool from Festool’s sister company Protool. The SSP 200 EB is a bit of an unusual beastie and I remember the the first time  saw it I was a bit perplexed by it.

The SSP is in essence, a chain saw that’s mounted onto a circular saw base. It has a  maximum cutting depth of 200mm (about 8 inches) and it runs along standard Festool or Protool, guide rails for accuracy and ease of cut.

Its not a tool that you have to have but if you’re regularly cutting sleepers, timber beams, or LVL, (laminated veneered lumber) boards or girders, the SSP is guaranteed to make your life easier

Designed for cutting large beams the SSP which weighs in at only 6.5 KG ( 14 Pound) is a lot easier and safer option than circular saws with a comparable cutting depth such as the Protool CSP 165 which weighs in at 22kg, (48 pounds)

I’ve used both the CSP 165 and the SSP extensively and, personally i’d now always choose the SSP over a large and heavy circular saw.

When docking beams to length with the SSP you can tilt the blade forwards at a 10 degree angle which exposes more blade to the timber and gives you a proportionately faster cut. The maximum mitre angle on the SSP is 60 degrees and when used on a guide rail will pivot on the scribe line in the same manner as a TS 55 or TS 75 will.

Lets have a look at the features of the SSP;

1, Blade,

2, Fast Fix Blade Changing

3, Guide Slot for Guide Rail

4, Mitre Angle indicator

5, Tool less chain tension adjustment

6,Tool Less chain lubrication

7,MMC, (constant speed under load) electronics

8, Bar oil level indicator

9, Dust Extractor Connection

10, Auxiliary Handle

11, Clearly visible cut indicator.

Not being a major fan of chainsaws, I must admit to being a bit nervous when using the SSP for the first time but, within 5 minutes I was as happy as a pig in …….., and had chopped up a large beam into small pieces before I realised it. When connected to a CT26 dust extractor,  with the 36mm hose about 2 thirds of the dust was collected leaving only a relatively small amount to clean up.

Click below to watch a video of the SSP in action.

As you can see from the video there is plenty of different applications for the SSP. Ive used it on both softwoods an Australian Hardwoods and found that it didn’t struggle with either of them.

No review of the SSP would be complete without giving you the chance to watch the Official Protool film on the SSP. Its the first Big Budget advert for a power tool that I can remember seeing in a long time.

Enjoy !!!!!

Well I hope you enjoyed that.

As always, your comments and questions are appreciated.

Be safe and have fun

Cheers,

Bryan