What is the best tool to use in cutting track ( HO ). What tool and brand would you recommend.
Well, I don’t know what the best tool is, but there are two commonly used rail nippers that I know of.
One is the Micro Engineering rail nipper. It comes in a light and heavy duty flavor. I use the light duty for N scale. Most RR LHS will have these, Walther’s also.
Another is made by Xuron, available from Micro Mark. Although I’ve never used this tool I have used many Xuron tools in my electronics work. They are good products.
Generally rail nippers cut flush with very little file work required. I do not use my rail nippers for anything but rail.
I use a Xuron rail nipper or an abrasive cutoff wheel in a Dremel.
For track not yet laid, I use the Xuron 2175B.
For cutting gaps etc. in track already on the layout, I use an Atlas #0400 Snap Saw.
Dremal, best so far. I have never had a butter fit. lay track on topof laid track and cut.
Dremel cut-off disk at the end of a flexible shaft. Easy to lay the disk at right-angles to the track and cut accurately. The Dremel tool on its own is rather bulky to put at right-angles.
Dennis
I have the pistol shaped Lithium Ion powered version. This works quite well with a cut off wheel. The fiberglass reinforced disks are larger, and therefore easier to keep vertical. I generally come in from the side.
Yep, fiberglass reinforced cut off disk using a flexible shaft. Very slick.
Chris
Rail nippers or the Dremel. If you use a dremel cutting disk make sure you wear glasses. Those things are known to shatter.
Always wear eye protection with either tool. Cutoff disks can (and do) shatter, and small pieces of rail will fly off into never never land with the rail nippers. I used to wear goggles, until I had a cutoff disk shatter and a piece of it hit me in the neck. Now, I wear a full face shield that protects my neck and long sleeve shirts.