HI guys
I would like to cut a piece of track using a cutting disk from a dremel motor tool. The only problem is that I don;t have a motor tool so Is there any way that I can put the disk in my variable speed drill? Or does anybody have another way that I can get a clean but very narrow cut using something else.
Jeremy
There are basically three ways to cut rail. It might be possible for you to use a variable speed electric drill, but the body of the drill may keep you from getting the cutting disk close enough to the rail, especially if you’re wanting to cut a piece of rail that is already fastened in place. A fine-toothed hobby saw such as the one made by Atlas and sold at most hobby stores will cut rail, and is relatively inexpensive. You can sometimes find these saws at Wal-mart, K-mart, Sears, etc., in their crafts or tool department. Third is a Xuron rail cutter, which is a rather expensive hand tool made specifically for cutting rail and nothing else. I have seen other brands of rail cutters advertised, but don’t know about their quality. If you’re in a real bind and the track you want to cut is still loose, you could use a pair of diagonal cutters (wire cutters), but they would leave a rough cut that would need to be filed smooth, and it’s hard to get an accurate cut with them due to their large jaws.
Buy some rail nips. One of the most important tools when laying track IMO. Dave
The key to Dremel and other similiar Roto-tools is their high speed and compactness. I don’t believe you will get the speed from a drill and because of the size of the chuck you will be forced to cut the track at a 45 degree angle /_ Not recommended.
I would suggest a Xuron side cutter, which is designed for cutting track and does it quite well. If you use a generic side cutter be prepared for a lot of filing.
Good Luck
actually I have to do is get a piece of track out so I can replace it with a new one, so It doesn’t matter what happens to the old piece of track.
Yes, but if you remove the track section by cutting through the rail, you will be left with the other part of the rail that you didn’t cut out. If you’re talking about removing a section of snap-track and plan to remove it whole, then your best bet is probably to use a razor saw and cut the connectors at the rail joint. A Dremel cutting disc in a big ol’ drill is a very imprecise application of what is supposed to be a precise tool–because the drill is probably a lot heavier than a Dremel it will be harder to control and you’ll bust a couple of discs into pieces (WEAR THOSE SAFETY GOGGLES!!!) trying to cut out the rail. A razor saw or a pair of Xuron rail cutters (really not that expensive, less than $20 I think) is a simple and inexpensive solution–and, since I assume you’ll want to cut rail again someday, a long-term investment in something you’ll use a lot.
A Dremel is a nice thing to have, though.
I have a dremel and Xuron rail cutters and I only cut rail w/the xuron’s. To me it’s quicker and they leave a smooth, flush edge. Although the Dremel get it share of service for other things. Both will work fine for rail
cutting though. Dave
I’ve used the Xuron cutters for N-scale track, but for HO track, I have a pair of heavier Mascot rail nippers. The Xuron are nice feeling, but I’d feel a lot better cutting the heavier rail with the heavier nippers. The Mascot nippers were available, I believe, from MicroMark.
Joe
Radio Shack sells flush cutting pliers that are cheap and work great for cutting rail.
Dave H.
Jeremy,
If at all possible get yourself a moto-tool, it will be one of the best investments ( forget about buying one more engine)!
Using the Dremel cut-off discs works like a charm, cutting to length or gapping for blocks. Always wear safety glasses!!
When gapping for blocks you’ll have the perfect size to insert a piece of HO 2x8 styrene, secure with a dab of CA, let set and then trim with an Xacto knife.
Of course there are hundreds of uses for a Dremel on a model railroad!
BTW I doubt that your vari-drill will reach the required speed, but if it does there are flexshafts from Dremel and others that can be used to get close enough to your work.
Check your Home-Depot, they have a large selection of those tools and accessories.
By a Dremal tool. It is a important thing to have. Keep some bandaides rady. I had just got done reading something about this[X-)] said i don’t need any bandaides[:O] and went and cut myself[B)][#dots][xx(]