Knives for wool and foam (PIR/PUR)

Knives for mineral wool and PIR/PUR foams – MINOVA W01 and PRO W03

Pro-Cut offers MINOVA brand cordless mineral wool cutters in two models: MINOVA W01 (769 PLN) – a compact knife for cutting rock wool, glass wool, PIR, and PUR, with 150/300 mm blades, and MINOVA PRO W03 (2,799 PLN) – A professional saw with a brushless motor, a 240/350 mm double blade, and a cutting angle adjustment range of 45–135°. Both models are powered by an 18V battery and come with a carrying case.

A mineral wool knife differs from a standard construction knife primarily in the length and profile of its blade. To effectively cut 200 mm-thick mineral wool, a blade at least 220 mm long is required—standard hand knives measuring 150–200 mm in length are insufficient and damage the cut edge. MINOVA cordless knives operate with a reciprocating motion (up to 3,000 strokes per minute), which allows you to cut the insulation quickly, without pulling on the fibers, and with minimal dust.

How do you choose a knife for mineral wool?

The choice of a mineral wool cutter depends on three key parameters: the thickness of the material being cut, the intensity of use, and the type of insulation (wool vs. PIR/PUR). The MINOVA W01 is ideal for panels up to 280 mm thick and standard work intensity. The PRO W03, with a 350 mm blade and a brushless motor, is designed for continuous operation with thick insulation and cutting at non-standard angles.

Manual Knife vs. Cordless Knife – When to Use Which One?

A manual wool cutter is sufficient for occasionally cutting small amounts of material (e.g., during renovations). On construction sites where tens or hundreds of square meters of insulation are processed daily, a cordless insulation cutter pays for itself through time savings: cutting a 100×60 cm panel takes just a few seconds instead of several dozen. The MINOVA W01 weighs 1.48 kg with the battery, allowing you to work all day without getting tired. A hand knife is still useful for precise cuts in hard-to-reach places.

What type of blade should be used for rock wool, glass wool, and PIR/PUR?

Rock wool and glass wool require a blade wavy – glides smoothly through the loose fiber structure without pulling out the fibers. The blade cuts PIR boards and PUR foam more effectively serrated (toothed) – Harder material requires a more aggressive profile, which ensures a clean edge without delaminating the board. Both MINOVA models are equipped with both types of blades: the W01 has a double-sided blade (wavy + straight), while the PRO W03 comes with 2 wavy blades and 2 serrated blades.

Model Comparison: MINOVA W01 vs. MINOVA PRO W03

The Pro-Cut product line includes two MINOVA cordless mineral wool cutters. The table below shows the key technical differences:

When to choose the W01: smaller floor area, budget up to 1,000 PLN, perpendicular cutting of wool and foam in standard thicknesses. When to choose the PRO W03: Continuous operation on construction sites, thick insulation (over 200 mm), bevel cuts around door frames and in corners, and the option to use your own Makita/DeWalt/Milwaukee/Bosch batteries.

What can you cut with a mineral wool knife?

MINOVA cordless wool cutters can cut through a wide range of thermal insulation materials used in construction and insulation projects. Both models can handle:

• rock wool (density 30–200 kg/m³)
• glass mineral wool
• PIR (polyisocyanurate) panels
• PUR (polyurethane) foams
• insulation and thermal insulation foams
• softwood fiberboard
• acoustic panels

Rock Wool and Glass Wool

The MINOVA W01 mineral wool knife cuts rock wool and glass wool with a 150- or 300-mm serrated blade at a speed of 3,000 strokes per minute. The serrated blade glides along the fibers without pulling them out, resulting in a clean edge and less material waste. A 300-mm blade is sufficient for standard-thickness panels of 100–200 mm; the W01 can handle material up to approximately 280 mm thick.

PIR panels and PUR foam

PIR and PUR panels have a denser structure than insulation wool—a serrated blade works better for cutting them. The PRO W03 comes with 2 serrated blades for harder insulation materials and 2 wavy blades for insulation wool, allowing you to handle the entire range of materials on a construction site with a single tool. The 30 mm stroke and the W03’s double-edged blade ensure a more aggressive cut with better edge quality than a single-edged blade.

Other Insulation Materials

Both knives are also suitable for wood-fiber boards, acoustic panels, and thermal insulation boards of various densities. They are not designed for cutting polystyrene foam (EPS/XPS)—for this material, Pro-Cut offers thermal blades and resistance-wire cutters.

Cost of a mineral wool knife

The Pro-Cut lineup includes 2 models at this price 769 PLN (MINOVA W01) i 2,799 PLN (MINOVA PRO W03). Both kits include a battery, a charger, and a carrying case—you don't need to buy any additional accessories to get started.

Hand-held wool cutters available at home improvement stores cost 30–100 zł, but they are intended for occasional use and small amounts of material. For insulation crews, where daily output is several hundred square meters of insulation, a cordless knife pays for itself through time savings within a single season.

Warranty and Service

Pro-Cut provides 12-month warranty for both MINOVA knives. Service is provided exclusively in Poland (Przeworsk)—the equipment is not shipped abroad. Replacement parts and blades (30 cm blade: 49 zł) are available immediately from the Polish warehouse.

How do you use a mineral wool knife?

The MINOVA cordless wool shear operates with a back-and-forth motion—simply place the blade against the fabric and guide the shear along the cutting line without applying excessive pressure. Following a few guidelines will help you achieve a clean edge and extend the life of the blades:

• Choose the right blade for the material: corrugated blades for mineral wool, serrated blades for PIR/PUR
• Place the board on a stable surface and guide the knife along a ruler or angle guide (the W03 comes with a guide included)
• Do not press down on the blade—excessive pressure increases resistance and shortens the blade's service life
• When working with mineral wool, wear gloves and safety goggles—the fibers can irritate the skin and mucous membranes
• After work, clean the blade of any material residue and store the knife in its case

The PRO W03, with an adjustable angle range of 45–135°, allows you to cut insulation at an angle around window and door frames, as well as in corners where a standard perpendicular cut is not possible. The W01 is ideal for standard, straight cuts in insulation boards.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Mineral Wool Knives

How is a mineral wool knife different from a regular knife?

A wool knife has a long (150–350 mm) serrated or wavy blade specially designed to cut fibrous insulation materials without damaging the structure. Standard construction knives are too short for standard 100–200 mm panels and damage the cut edge, resulting in material waste. The MINOVA cordless wool knife operates with a reciprocating motion, which further reduces cutting time and minimizes physical effort.

Which blade should I choose for cutting 200 mm mineral wool?

For 200 mm-thick mineral wool, you’ll need a blade that’s at least 220–250 mm long. The MINOVA W01 features a 300 mm blade (max. cutting depth approx. 280 mm), which is more than sufficient for standard 200 mm panels. The PRO W03, with its 350 mm blade, cuts materials up to 350 mm thick—required for thicker attic and flat roof insulation.

Is a reciprocating saw suitable for cutting wool?

Technically, a jigsaw can cut insulation, but standard jigsaw blades are 150–300 mm long and are designed for wood or metal—they quickly become clogged with fibers and leave a ragged edge. MINOVA blades (W01, PRO W03) are specialized insulation saws with wavy or serrated blades designed for wool and PIR/PUR—the cut is much cleaner, and the blades last longer.

Does a mineral wool knife also cut PIR panels and PUR foam?

Yes. Both MINOVA models are designed for cutting mineral wool (rock and glass), PIR boards, PUR foam, and other insulation materials. For PIR/PUR, a serrated blade is recommended instead of a wavy one—harder materials require a more aggressive blade profile. The PRO W03 comes with both types of blades included in the set.

How do you care for a mineral wool knife?

After each use, clean the blade of any insulation residue with a dry cloth or compressed air. Store the knife in its case, away from moisture. Replace a dull blade—blade replacement on the W01 is tool-free (no wrenches required). 300 mm replacement blades for the W01 are available at Pro-Cut for 49 zł. Do not sharpen the blades for wool—corrugated and serrated profiles require replacement, not sharpening.

Warranty and Service – How Does It Work?

Pro-Cut offers a 12-month warranty on MINOVA blades. Service is provided exclusively in Poland (Gorliczyna 57B, 37-200 Przeworsk)—do not send the equipment abroad. All repairs and replacement of parts are performed on-site. Contact: 660-020-443 or procutpl@gmail.com.

What are the prices of MINOVA mineral wool knives?

The MINOVA W01 costs 769 PLN (regular price: 869 PLN) and includes an 18V/2.0 Ah battery, a charger, 2 blades, and a carrying case. The MINOVA PRO W03 costs 2,799 PLN (regular price: 2,999 PLN) and includes 2 18V/4.0 Ah batteries, a charger, 4 blades, an angle guide, and a carrying case. Shipping via DPD courier within 24 hours; free shipping on orders of 1,000 PLN or more.

Who is the mineral wool knife intended for?

The MINOVA W01 is the ideal choice for DIYers and small construction and renovation crews for whom cutting insulation is not a daily task. The MINOVA PRO W03 is designed for professional insulation crews and installers who need a tool for intensive, daily work with mineral wool, PIR, and PUR at various angles.