Does anyone one out there have a easy way to install tortise switch machines?
I tried usung double stick tape at the top.I couldn’t get the screw to stay in
the phillip screw bit. I Know I was using a magnetic bit holder.
Hi crisco1,
At my old club we used velcro self adhesive tape to mount the Tortoises initially, and then we screwed them into place. I can’t remember if we used the supplied screws, but if you are having trouble with them, get some Robertson screws and give them a try.
The screws in the example are technically for sheet metal but they will work fine in wood. Also, the listing is Canadian so ignore the shipping cost. You will need a #1 Robertson screwdriver (green handle).
The advantage to using the velcro is that it makes it easier to adjust the position of the Tortoise, and it allows you to push the Tortoise up a little bit so you can cut the throw wire flush with the crossbar.
Dave
I have a very easy way to do it.
I made this drilling guide from 1/4" flat bar steel and a 5/16" steel pin. It can drill all 5 holes for the tortoise installation perfectly every time.
It is not hard to make one, and if you are going to install many of them, the effort is worth it.
-Kevin
Hot Glue
Yes, it can burn you so be careful. You’ll need to align things befire they set up. However, you can pop the Tortoise lose again by sticking a stiff putty knife under the edges of the Tortoise and gently prying it apart.
screw the plastic tortoise motor to a thin sheet of wood with predrilled holes for separate screws for mounting the plate to the layout that are started. locate the assembly and finish screwing the the wood plate to the underside of the layout
I used 3M Scotch double stick foam Outdoor Mounting Tape to position the Tortoise, then drilled 2 holes for mounting screws, at opposite corners. Pressing the Tortoise with the tape holds it in place nicely. Then drill 2 mounting screws pilot holes and add the screws to secure firmly. If positioning needs to be adjusted, the Tortoise can be gently pulled off, even after a few months, and the tape comes with the Tortoise. If repositioned, just drill mounting holes at the previously unused corners. Four screws are not necessary.
20200809_091203 by Paul Ahrens, on Flickr
Here’s the Walthers new system description:
https://www.walthers.com/fileuploader/download/download/?d=0&file=attachments%2F09420000000101.pdf
Making a template and using the same techniques will work for a Tortoise just as well.
Circuitron now makes a similar template to the one described in this thread.
With this system you could use large holes and fender washers to get some adjustment to fine-tune the switch machine once it is in place.
-Kevin