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As stated above many times, the Dremel tool with a metal cutting wheel is the ideal way to cut your track. If you are using a standard Dremel metal cutting wheel, the body of the Dremel will come in contact with the track  before the wheel cuts through the track preventing you from getting a vertical cut. To prevent this I use the extension cable when cutting track.

However, when using the Dremel tool be sure to wear safety glasses as the cutting wheel can sometimes throw up very small bits of metal. 

Jim

 

 

Dremel with a large 2" diameter fiber reinforced cut off wheel and a wooden jig I made for straight cuts.

I usually use painter's tape and put down a few pieces at the cut line on the side of track I want to keep in case the cutting wheel slips or I sneeze or something. I clamp the jig and the track to the edge of the table for stability.

I used to have a flexible shaft dremel that would give me a very nice perpendicular cut to the rail. But that old boy died, now I just use the regular machine, I think a 4000 or something like that. I make the cut a little long (2mm) and square it up with the front face of the wheel using it as a grinder.

Have been doing it this way for 30 years and never had an issue.

OH....and do not forget EYE PROTECTION. I wear glasses most of the time so I cover them with goggles.

Donald

Last edited by 3rail
Hot Water posted:
ogaugeguy posted:

What tool do you use to cut sections of Gargraves track?

The best method, for positively accurate square cuts, would be the inexpensive "chop saw" (cut-off saw) from Harbor Freight.

I also recommend this saw.  Low cost and accurate.  Unfortunately I destroyed mine trying to cut some metal train shelves, so no bigger jobs with this.

You can get fiber glass reinforced discs for a dremel in many hardware stores and hobby shops.   I find them locally quite easily.   

A very fine toothed hand saw such as the Atlas Hobby saw also works.

In both cases you have to hold the track firmly - with a clamp if possible.

I did a layout with gargraves many  years ago.

I have no experience with a chop saw; but, have plenty of experience with a Dremel, with and without the flex-shaft; and, with and without the 90 degree attachment using a variety of cut-off wheels.

For those who use a chop saw, how do you cut the uneven ends created by curving the track?

Pingman posted:

I have no experience with a chop saw; but, have plenty of experience with a Dremel, with and without the flex-shaft; and, with and without the 90 degree attachment using a variety of cut-off wheels.

For those who use a chop saw, how do you cut the uneven ends created by curving the track?

I cut the uneven ends off square, and then attached the next piece of track. For the big curves when using Atlas flex-track, I soldered 3, 4, or 5 lengths together, then with 4 guys, we bent it int place. We then cut the staggered ends off square. 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
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