What do you use to cut O scale track nice and flush?
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What do you use to cut O scale track nice and flush?
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When I need to cut rail that hasn't been spiked down yet I use a Dremel with a fibreglass reinforced cutoff wheel, or if I am cutting sectional track close to the end of a section. If the rail is spiked down already or if it is sectional track and the cut is further in from the ends I use a Jewelers saw. Just depends on the situation.
I use a band saw and a very fine file.
I use Xuron flush cuts, the big pair. it will deform one side but the other will be flat. I have used them to shave less than a 32nd of an inch off of code 148 rail. If the track is laid, what Chris said.
I use the angle head with the EZ change chuck. I try to cut up from the bottom when ever possible. Worn cutters are good for close work. Set up on a hanger or in a sliding tray you can just buzz around the layout laying flex track. tt
I use Xuron flush cuts, the big pair. it will deform one side but the other will be flat. I have used them to shave less than a 32nd of an inch off of code 148 rail. If the track is laid, what Chris said.
How big are they? About how long? Thanks.
They are about 6 inches long with the orange handles. I purchased them from Micromark.
Ken
I use these, from techni-tool, even on code 148 rail, only cut top to bottom not side to side.
They give a nice, flush cut on non-ferrous metals (do not use on steel rail)
I use a pair of these:
Right through code 125 or code 148, or a 16 penny common nail.
I see that this thread is over a year old, but I still have the same question. I am cutting MTH ScaleTrax which mics out at .190 or code 190 rail. I'm using the Xuron 2157B cutters. The ScaleTrax does tax these cutters, but they do work with a little extra effort.
Jim, you stated "I use these, from techi-tool, even on code 148 rail, only cut top to bottom not side to side. They give a nice, flush cut on non-ferrous metals (do not use on steel rail)."
How do you think the Crescent cutters will work on code 190 rail?
Bob
Why not purchase one of those nice small cut-off saws (actually a cut-off disc for metal work) from Harbor Freight?
I use a powered Miter Saw.
With a Diablo Metal Cut-off Disc. • Not shown in photo
Place track against the fence and get a perfectly squared cut, every time, for curved track follow the same procedures. File if needed.
Click photo to enlarge
The easiest way is to use a Dremel rotary tool with a 2 foot flexible extension and a cutoff disc. You can cut totally vertical if you have the eye for it. Dress up the end with a small file and you are finished. It doesn't matter if the rail is laid or loose. Wear eye protection at all times.
Ed
Posted by Ed:
The easiest way is to use a Dremel rotary tool with a 2 foot flexible extension and a cutoff disc. You can cut totally vertical if you have the eye for it. Dress up the end with a small file and you are finished. It doesn't matter if the rail is laid or loose. Wear eye protection at all times.
Ed
Hands down the best way to cut rail. Simple, clean, fast and no deformation. Be certain to get the two foot extension so you have better angles. I have cut dozens of pieces with this tool. And, you have the ability to cut different lengths for each rail for custom fits. (No two pieces of track have the same lengths on all three rails. No more running out to the band saw and "hacking" away with a saw. Find it right in your local Home depot and be sure to get the Dremel EZ Lock metal cutting disks (EZ456). With a flip of the lock you can replace disks in seconds.
Ditto Ed, flex shaft or 90 degree head. Love them both. EZ mount for outright cutting of rail lengths. Thin old fashioned standard mount disks for cutting electrical gaps. You get a narrower gap that way.
Have done a lot of Atlas 2 and 3 rail, MTH both styles and GG. Have not even touched tubular track in five decades.
Depending on the rail hardness, code 190 solid rail might be pushing it the Crescent Cutters. If you can find a pair of the same size cutters made by Klein Tools I think their extra strength would be enough.
I don't think Klein makes 7 inch cutters any more.
I use a Dremel abrasive cutoff disc (not a wheel), followed by a fine pattern file to square off the cut and remove burrs.
Then I have a beer.
Rip Track
Dremel.
Jim, are these the cutters you are making reference to?
Bob
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