GOING TO RCS THIS WEEKEND , AND BRINGING HOME TRACK. I AM READY TO CUT, SO WHICH DREMEL WHEELS TO USE?

None, purchase the Micro-Mark cutter for even cuts. 

http://www.micromark.com/RS/SR/Product/83418_R.jpg

I like Dremel's own cut-off wheels.  I generally use their "Heavy Duty" cut off wheels.  Alanrail's recommendation is also good but you pretty much have to bring the track over to the cutter.  There are lots of times where I've had to do some last minute cuts right on the train table and the Dremel works well for this.  One Heavy Duty cut-off wheel will cut about six Gargraves rails, unless, of course, if you turn it sideways and break it.

Paul Fischer

I used these to cut all the Gargraves track on my layout:

http://www.gyrostools.com/Cut-...forced/c5/index.html

One pack cut my whole layout. I found the Dremel brand to be pretty much junk compared to these.

If Dremel made a miniature radial-arm saw that could be laid across the track and by moving the arm you could cut vertically across the rails, I'd buy it in a NY minute!  Using the Dremel by hand to make straight vertical cuts on gargraves  is not so easy.

I have to agree with both of the immediately preceding comments. The Gyros cutting wheels are far more durable for cutting track (I've used them to cut Atlas 3rail).

And if you are using a standard Dremel Moto Tool it's very hard to get a straight cut (you end up having to grind the edges of the cut rails flat, which makes getting an accurate length on them very difficult). 

However Dremel makes this product, called the Saw Max, also available at Micro-Mark:

While cutting across "I" profile rails is never easy I have found this type of tool rather better and easier to use.

I use a Dremel. If the track is cut before installation, I use a one inch stationary belt sander to square off the rails.

For tubular track I took a piece of 2x4 wood and cut grooves for the track to sit in upside down.  I cut straight across the track and into the 2x4.  The 2x4 quickly became a 90 degree miter box.  The 2x4 made it easy to hold the track while cutting.  I used a grinder , wire brush or file to smooth out the ends.  Don't know if that is applicable to fasttrack, ross and other types of track.

Bought this 6'' cut off wheel at harbor Freight with coupon for under $40. been using it to cut Atlas track. Good straight cuts it leaves some burrs but they are easily filed off. I am very happy with it.

As Alan HN pointed out, use the Micro Mart chop saw. If you are making the investment in Ross switches and GarGraves track the Micro Mart chop saw is the way to go. The picture below shows the Micro Mart chop I purchased to build my layout.

Here is the layout I built using the Micro Mart chop saw.

Another useful tool is the Dremmel right angle attachment. Here is Mike using my Dremmel tool with the right angle attachment while cutting curves on our Casey Jones High Railers modular layout expansion project. The last picture is of the finished curves we made using the Dremmel with a right angle attachment.

Here is the cut off wheel we used with the Dremmel right angle attachment. It is a 2 inch cut off wheel.

This cut off wheel requires the larger mandrel.

Here is the cut off wheel after 3 Saturdays of cutting the curves on our layout expansion.

The 3 inch cut off wheel shown in Scott's post is also great to use when it is not practical to use the chop saw.

Hopes this helps,

Richard Gonzales

I like the 3 inch cutting wheels from E-hobby tool.

http://www.ehobbytools.com/contents/en-us/d11.html

Scott Smith

Wow!!!

Lots of good suggestions.

I like the Micro Mart chop saw. I might look into that, or one of the many other great suggestions. Lots to consider.

Thanks,

Roger

I've been using Gyro cutting wheels - available from Gargraves for cutting Ross track. One wheel lasts a long time. The key to getting 90 degree cuts is by using a flexible wand that attaches to the Dremel tool - this has been invaluable and allows you to make perfect vertical cuts.

We bought a chop saw to build the tables then I used it to cut all my track with a metal cutoff blade.

Paul Kallus posted:

I've been using Gyro cutting wheels - available from Gargraves for cutting Ross track. One wheel lasts a long time. The key to getting 90 degree cuts is by using a flexible wand that attaches to the Dremel tool - this has been invaluable and allows you to make perfect vertical cuts.

I have the flexible wand that you speak of. Does it make it easier to control where and how you are cutting?

scott.smith posted:

I like the 3 inch cutting wheels from E-hobby tool.

http://www.ehobbytools.com/contents/en-us/d11.html

Scott Smith

 

Thanks for the link Scott,

3" diameter would be nice to use.

Did you have to buy a special mandrel?

If so what number part and where did you get it?

Roger

When I built my layout fifteen or so years ago, I bought the cutoff wheel for my Dremel from RCS.  One will last for three layouts, at least, probably ten.   No sense getting any more complicated than that.  Maybe they still sell them.  A cutoff wheel, speed square, pencil and a file are all you need.  Good luck.

For my previous layout, I used the Gyros 2" cutting wheel and a flex shaft on my Dremel Moto-tool.  I had to file the burrs and I didn't always get an accurate cut.  This time around, I went with Atlas track and used a metal cutting blade on my chop saw.  I am almost done cutting track and I have to say that I get a nice, straight, true cut every time.  I am very happy with it.  And for safety's sake, PLEASE wear goggles!!

Jim S posted:

For my previous layout, I used the Gyros 2" cutting wheel and a flex shaft on my Dremel Moto-tool.  I had to file the burrs and I didn't always get an accurate cut.  This time around, I went with Atlas track and used a metal cutting blade on my chop saw.  I am almost done cutting track and I have to say that I get a nice, straight, true cut every time.  I am very happy with it.  And for safety's sake, PLEASE wear goggles!!

Thanks again guys,

All good ideas to consider.

Roger

Here is a good looking Ryobi 7.25", 9 Amp compound miter saw that is carried at Home Depot for $89

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryo...Afg&gclsrc=aw.ds

It is also sold at Amazon, Factory Reconditioned for $72 and I have posted this link, because it has very good ratings that I wanted to show.

http://www.amazon.com/Factory-...-Miter/dp/B00QSS9VTO

Anyone using this saw to cut track?

Roger

That looks good.  You will want a blade similar to this:

DEWALT Model # DW3511
7 in. x 1/8 in. Metal Abrasive Saw Blade Bulk

Wow,

this saw is much cheaper than the Micro Mart chop saw, and could be used for larger cutting projects. The Micro Mary saw is limited to 3 inches I believe, but it does have a built in vice for securing the track or the item you are cutting.

Richard

Susan Deats posted:

That looks good.  You will want a blade similar to this:

DEWALT Model # DW3511
7 in. x 1/8 in. Metal Abrasive Saw Blade Bulk

Thanks, and thanks for the heads up on the blade.

Susan Deats posted:

That looks good.  You will want a blade similar to this:

DEWALT Model # DW3511
7 in. x 1/8 in. Metal Abrasive Saw Blade Bulk

I just went over to my local Home Depot, and they have this saw in stock, and it is a full blown 7 1/4" chop saw. It also has two horizontal clamps, one on each end of the table. For $89 compared to $230 for the Micro Mart and/or Proxxon micro chop saws, it is really tempting.

I am not sure how I would cut curves, but I think that could be fixtured well enough. The really hard part would be cutting turnouts on switches. The straight part should be easily enough held in place.

If it has a clamp then go fort it!

For curves and switches a Dremel is the only real option.

Richard

Richard Gonzales posted:

If it has a clamp then go fort it!

For curves and switches a Dremel is the only real option.

Richard

I think I just might, as it would cut 2x4's as well

You might need to consider the thickness of the cut off wheel shown above when you are cutting track. The cut off wheels used on the Micro Mart chop saw and Dremmel tool are much thinner. I have looked at the Dewalt cutting disk. They look as if a very large chunk of track will be removed by the larger miter saw and the thicker cutting wheel.

Richard

Richard Gonzales posted:

You might need to consider the thickness of the cut off wheel shown above when you are cutting track. The cut off wheels used on the Micro Mart chop saw and Dremmel tool are much thinner. I have looked at the Dewalt cutting disk. They look as if a very large chunk of track will be removed by the larger miter saw and the thicker cutting wheel.

 

Richard

Good point, as the thinnest Diablo cut off wheel, at Home Depot, is 1/8". But if the mark is on the correct side of the wheel it shouldn't be a problem. 

If you're picking a Dremel blade off the shelf. 456 Blade, there is a mandrel required for these blades. The Right angle attachment is also a plus.

Bench Disk sander is a plus.