Large Scale Central

Cutting Track in Place?

General Discussion
#1

I am looking for a track cutting method to be able to cut track (.332 Brass in particular) in place. I have used razor saws, and they do work nice, but, they take a while, and sometimes there is limited space to get a good range on the saw’s motion. In some cases I have actually removed the track and took it into the shop and use a hack saw. I am toying with using a Dremel Tool, but not sure if the cutting disks will survive cutting .332 stock. Needless to say, any thoughts, suggestions and/or direction is appreciated.
Thank you.

#2

I use a Dremel tool with a flexible shaft. It works good, but I tend to tear up Dremel tools quite often. I think the flexible shaft is hard on them. I have a couple of 110 volt Dremels and always get them from Sears with the extended warranty and if it burns up, I just send it in to be repaired. I don’t do as much track work as I was doing over about a 10 year period and during that period, they worked quite well.

#3

I use both a cordless Dremel and the 110v one with a flex shaft. The flex shaft gets a straighter cut. As for disks, I use the reinforced ones. They last longer and aren’t as brittle as the ones Dremel sells.

http://www.pjtool.com/112reinforcedcutoffwheels.aspx
http://www.pjtool.com/101pc112reinforcedcutoffwheels.aspx

#4

Thanks for the link Ken

#5

Dave,
That Hobby Tool guy back in the far corner of the layout room at York usually carries them. Last time I bought some I got a bag of about 50.
Ground a few down to a small circle…:wink:

#6

I use a right angle grinder with a cutoff wheel. I found with my dremel that i couldn’t get a flush cut because the wheels were to small so i would have to cut then file. With the right angle grinder the wheels are 5 or 6 inch diameter and cut through track, even stainless like a hot chainsaw through butter. Now, I wouldn’t advise going and buying one just to cut track, i had one prior to railroading…

#7

I use a small (battery powered) Dremel with a large reinforced cut-off wheel. That gets me pretty close to straight–close enough to where I’m not going to grouse. If you use the same direction of cut for all your rails, the rails will but together–like a mitered joint on trim molding.

If you did want to go with the right-angle grinder, look at Harbor Freight. They have them for decent prices from time to time. Seems a bit overkill for me–like using a Sherman tank to go squirrel hunting–but it will definitely get the job done.

Later,

K

#8

I use a Royobi 18 volt battery operated cut-off grinder with a 4-1/2 metal cut-off wheel. Works great, plus I can take it any where on my layout without having to worry about extention cords. Royobi products are sold at Home Depot stores and they are in-expensive.

Chuck