Hi, What is the best tool to cut track length into smaller pieces, And what’s the best file grade to clean up tracks after cutting them?
I use Xuron track cutters, available many places. They cut so cleanly I don’t normally need to file, until the Xuron gets dull anyway. To file, I use a double cut fine fine, small size or fine single cut mini file. Also use Dremel with fiber reinforced cut off wheel.
Richard
Yes, get the Xuron Rail Nippers. Use them only for track. Don’t get lazy and use them for wire or other cutting, as that will reduce their lifetime.
Any small file with a medium-to-fine surface will do. I like a triangular file because it’s easy to get inside the rail with the corner, but the flat sides are good for the top and bottom of the rail.
I know that a lot of people swear at them and many swear by them, but many years ago, (10 to12) I bought a set of six small files in a pouch from Radio Shack that fit in my shirt pocket. It cost me $4.95. I am still using them today. After each use, I use a small brass wire brush to clean the files before I put them away. I am modelling in N Scale and I only use them to clean up the ends of the track cuts and to put a SMALL angle at the top inside corner of the rail-head so that there is no protrusion for flanges to snag on and cause a possible de-rail.
I also recommend the Xuron Rail Nipper over the Dremel Tool for cutting track. The speed of the Dremel can heat up the cutting wheel and melt the plastic ties and leave a bit of a rough end. The Xuron nipper leaves a nice smooth end cut that for the most part will not need much of a touch up with a file.
The only reason that I do use the files is because the rail joiners slip on much easier and those tiny N Scale joiners slip into your thumb and/or fingers real easy if you hit a bit of a snag edge. After removing the second rail joiner from my thumb [banghead] in 3 days was when I bought the file set. They are not used for anything except rails.
Blue Flamer.
I disagree about the xuron tool. Used it exactly twice before I gave it back to the person I borrowed it from. I prefer a dremel with a 1 1/2" Ruby Cutoff wheel (.039" thick). It cuts through the rail quickly and leaves a nice clean end. It’s also great for cutting gaps for electrical isolation. If used incorrectly it will heat up the rail and melt the ties. I like as well because I don’t have to worry about a file to clean up the ends after a cut. Safety Glasses are A MUST however!
Well, see, that’s why they call you Renegade. [(-D]
The xuron tool is the way to go.
Rich
The best way depends on the situation. Are you cutting raw rail before it is installed, are you cutting sectional track, are you cutting track that is in place on the layout? All of those could dictate a different cutting scenario.
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For raw rail and sectional track I will agree with the Xuron Rail Nipper. I now have one in each tool box. Just make certain the slicing blade is on top of the rail and the holding blade is on bottom. Never cut side to side. I’ve been able to shave off 1/32" slices with my nippers.
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For track that is already in place I have a 1 1/2" rotary tool saw. I use it in a Dremmel with the narrow shank. That way I can get the blade perpenducular to the track. Cut off disks are too thick. Normal Dremmel bodies are to thick and force one to cut at an angle.
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in some situations it is hard to beat the Atlas Rail Saw. Nice thin blade, can cut both rails of a track simultaniously. Make certain something is holding the track nice and firm.
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Micro-mart also makes a thin blade saw with a flexible blade. That can come in handy if one is working with laid track when the scenry or benchwork is in the way.
Since I do not make my own turnouts and use only flex track, I tend to never have a need to cut rail “off-layout”. 100% of my cutting is done with track nailed down and this is done on curves mostly, of course. I use only a dremel tool with the long flex shaft and a grit cutoff wheel. I hang the tool well above the work from a hook and can, thus lay the small handpiece and chuck parallel to the work.
It is a bit of an art to do this as many here will surely attest. The tool speed is critical. Too slow and you snag and chatter the rail, too fast and you heat a lot. The cut must move rapidly through the rail. The rail ought to be pressed on hard to stabilize it, too. Quite a feat for only two hands. I always file a bit afterwards with ultra tiny files as the code 70 narrow gauge rail is tough to work with these 65 year old hands. Also the best rail joiners, (micro-engineering), are the devil’s own business to put on those rail ends.
I rejoice with each 3 foot section cut, attached and soldered after years of easy work with HO code 100 rail. HOn3 narrow gauge rolling stock and engines are far less forgiving to sloppy or even acceptable track work compared to HO. I never gauged track until now! Never had to. I test each joint with my most finicky engine and rolling stock before moving on.
I pitty the people in narrow gauge bold enough to cut and solder light rail, code 55.
Richard
Hi thanking you for your reply, out of all the reply’s your’s was the most detailed. I have printed and kept on file. (No pun intended). As a Newby myself, look out for more Q’s in the not to distant future.
Regards Newby63
I know the Xuron tools are popular, and I’ve used them, but my favorite tool for cutting rail is a pair of Wiss brand aviation snips. In my area they’re available at various hadware places and big box stores. They make nice, clean cuts and I’ve always had an easier time cutting with them than the purpose-designed rail nippers.
For filing, I have a flat mill file and a couple sets of small “jeweler’s files.” Both are also readily available in hardware sections.
Radio Shack also sells “flush cutting pliers” (what rail nippers really are) . So if you don’t have a hobby shop nearby, you might have a Radio Shack.
I use flush cutting pliers for cutting rail prior to being laid and a abrasive disc in a Dremel tool for cutting rail that has been laid.
I use several different files for dressing the ends of the rails. Mostly 6" fine cut bastard files.
from what I get in my country the best is the Dremel!
I find rail nippers easier to use at the workbench and the Dremel with cutoff wheel on the layout. Whichever I have used I always check the cut ends for burrs and deformities and clean up any with files.
Early on I used a razor saw and that worked well also.
No matter which method you use it usually takes a few cuts to get the hang of it.
Enjoy
Paul
Good point, Paul. Once on the layout, the Xuron tool is going to be harder to use than a Dremel.
Rich
I’m with the Zepher. It IS situational. I cut track that hasn’t been installed with the Xuron nippers. For cutting track that is already in place, I use a Dremel with the heavy duty cut off disk. It IS a little thicker, but I fill the gap with a small piece of styrene, secured with CA (Super-Glue, or a similar product). Afterwards, I clean up the joint with a fresh blade in an Xacto knife and file.
Oh, and someone else posted their preference with a triangular file, so do I.
With regard to the use of the Xuron rail cutters, the instructions that came with my pair specifically state, “For maximum cutting life and optimal finish, HO track should be cut top to bottom, N and Z cut from side to side.” I use my pair to cut N scale code 80 track using this method, i.e., side to side and then touch up the edges of the cut rail with a fine toothed file, as suggested above. I’ve not had an occasion to cut rail after it’s in position with a Dremel since I try to place insulated joiners in the positions where I need gaps as I lay the track.
Bob
I use needle nose pliers to push the rail joiners on. Cuts down on blood loss from the thumbs.[:-^]