Is there anything thinner and reliable for cutting expansion gaps using my Dremel than a cut off disk. I have several razor saws but the Dremel has high speed and won’t catch as easily has the razor saw. Doug
I do not use the thin Dremel discs that shatter easily (some guys always use two for the added strength) but rather a metal reinforced disc that can even apply sideways pressure. I can also get the metal discs large enough that the gap can be truly vertical and not at the slight angle that the smaller ceramic-based discs always involve.
For sawing gaps, it may be an oldie but it still works – the Atlas saw. the plastic reinforcement at the top seems to prevent some of the “catching” that Zona or Xacto saws sometimes fall prone to, although I think if the saw is held with light downward pressure and fairly high speed sawing action that the catching is made less likely.
I have never tried this but if I had chronic problems with a saw catching when cutting rail, I wonder if a version of the old carpenter’s trick of oiling the saw would do the trick: wiping the saw face and teeth with a paper towel on which some lubricant such as WD40 had been sprayed might help.
Dave Nelson
Thanks Dave. I have never heard of the larger metal discs. Where do you find them? Doug
At hardware stores where tools of all kinds are sold, or tool specialty stores, you can get cut-off disks of several types. My ‘Dremel-type’ rotary tool kit came with a solid thin disk that is maybe 3/4" in diameter…a tad small for those wanting vertical cuts. I went to a large box store and found in their tools section a selection of larger disks, most of them with large holes in them for cooling.
Most Dremel-type kits have a cable attachment that allows use much like a dentist uses his/her tools. The cable flexes, allows you to hang the motorized part, and the smaller chuck allows you to get really close, even with the smaller disks.
I have used the hobby fine-toothed razor saws, jewelers’ saws, and the cut-off disks. The jeweler’s saw is the best, but not quick. The razor saw is quick, but getting a decent range of motion in the sawing action, and not having the blade hitting something you don’t want to cut or dent, can be a problem. So, a good combination of quickness and reasonably thin gaps can be had with a patient and practiced approach using a cut-off disk, one that you can use that isn’t so unwieldy that it cuts things you don’t want to cut nearby…say the next rail over.
Crandell
The Dremel flex tool extension with the dentist drill body is indeed the way to go. the thin cross section of this handpiece/body allows the inexpensive, smaller abrasive wheels to be used and delivers a good vertical cut while, at the same time, allowing the user, especially the older shakey guys like myself, to anchor the tool in their fingers right down on the track. High speed should be used and the work done rapidly with good downward pressure or the plastic fake rail spikes will melt and you can drift out of gauge.
Richard
I have one of those cable attachments and find it indispensable. Sometimes I clip the main unit to my belt as that enables me to walk around the trainroom doing little touch ups of this and that while holding the cable end like a pen.
Brent[C):-)]
Thanks everyone. My Dremel is a pistol grip model and recharge type. I’ll look into the cable attachment. Never thought of that. Doug
Crandall already gave the direct answer – a well stocked regular hardware store is likely to sell these discs. Often they sell Dremel tools as well. The Ace Hardware near me keeps them in a locked case. The size I like is about the size of a silver dollar (heh – well at least guys my age know what size that is!). I also see them at train shows particular those where Billy Carr “The Tool Man” sets up shop. I hope Billy will be at Milwaukee’s trainfest in a couple of weeks.
The main reason for this additional post is simply to add the important thought – EYE PROTECTION. While I have never had one of the reinforced discs shatter it could happen and they do of course throw off plenty of shavings or other material. It is also a good idea to thoroughly vaccum an area after cutting through metal to avoid you or your pet from tracking the shavings into the house. And this may sound pretty dumb but while using a motor tool of any kind keep your mouth closed. Somewhere (maybe from Michael Jordan?) I picked up the bad habit of slightly sticking out my tongue while concentraing on fine work … [D)]
Dave Nelson
Thanks Dave, I always have eye protection on, mainly my opti-visor as my eyes have been well used over time. And yes my mouth does droop sometimes while cutting. I have an Ace hardware in town and will check about those disc’s and the other stuff mentioned. Doug
As to the cutoff wheels shattering - I don’t know if I’d call it that; more like ‘disappearing’ - it was there, then it wasn’t.
I was using the brown cutoff disc that came with my Dremel 100 (I just thought I’d start with a simple one for my first). I have since gotten a pack of the reinforced discs and so far have had no problems.
But eye protection is a must - if that disc decides to shatter, or disappear, you won’t have time to second-guess it…
I found everything I needed at Home Depot yesterday. I Did buy the reinforced disc’s that you are talking about in two thicknesses. 45/100ths and 32/100ths X1 1/2 inch dia. I have always had a face shield for protection. Thanks for all comments on the subject. Doug