Good afternoon
A beginner’s question:
I am putting in an Atlas Truss Bridge using the Atlas ATL-81 Bridge Piers. I need to cut the bridge piers from their 3" height to about 2", what is the best way to cut them?
Thanks,
John
Think a razor saw would be the best bet…Mike
If you are careful, you can use a hacksaw or hacksaw blade.
A razor saw is your best bet – it has lots of teeth and a stiffener across the spine to help keep you cut straight. You can use a hacksaw, but the flexibility of the blade can cause problems.
You can also use a table-mounted jigsaw or sabre saw clamped in a vice. If you’re going to do this, make sure it has a slow speed which won’t melt the plastic. Also, please make sure you have a piece of scrap wood to keep your fingers away from the blade.
Use a metal ruler to guide your cut, and have a flat mill file handy to dress up the edge when you’re done. This is especially true if you use a power tool (believe it or not, it’s easier to get a straight cut with a hand tool).
I have chopped Atlas piers in all kinds of directions. I even split them in half vertically to serve as bridge abutments.
A razor saw would be my first choice.
But if you don’t have one handy, I would try a coping saw with fine tooth blade. A hack saw, although it may work just seems like overkill to me.
I bought a “jeweler’s saw” and some fine and ultra fine blades from Micro Mark.
That is really the way to go for fine cuts.
Rich
Thanks all, I will give the razor saw a try. Thanks for the suggestions.
John