I know that this has been discussed before but I can’t find the post.
Just wonder what side I should use on my Xuron 2175B track cutter to get a straight cut? I have heard something about using one side against the rail you want to keep.
Use the totally flat side against the ‘keeper’ rail.
Also, they say to cut the rail from top to bottom not side to side. Make a cut and you will see one piece will be almost perfect and the other will be mashed down and would require filing to get a railjoiner on. The good cut may also require filing, although very little.
What file do you recommend for filing the rail after a cut? I think I must get one.
I use a small fine file, almost like a nail file but thicker. I bought two sets and labelled one set plastic only, very handy.
Ken.
When cutting, with the flat side to the good and cutting from top- bottom, you can slightly angle the cutter back- much less filing if at all.
Bob K.
After you cut the rail, a quick pass with the dremmel sanding drum will usually
get rid of any burrs that may have been left behind. Good luck, Dave
My Xuron 2175B track cutter broke ages ago, although I have not had a need for it lately. I need to get a new one. Any suggestions I would have had have been covered, so good luck.
uspscsx
Just wanted to tell that I tested the Xuron 2175B track cutter for the very first time.
I LOVE IT!!! [:D]
The Xuron is also good for nipping away the plastic ties and de-sprue-ing plastic parts its a great tool.
bill
I used one of my wife’s emery boards [for fingernails] long ago and it was so handy that I bought a set of my own. These are the thick ones from Walmart, with different grits on both sides. I just poli***he top edge of the rail with a pass or two of the finer grit. Not every cut rail will need it – you can tell by running your finger over the end of the rail. If you feel a sharpness, polish it a bit.
Is this the ones made of metal? How long will they last? Maybe you can point me to a picture at Walmart if there is any. I live in Sweden but maybe they have similar things here. I tried to get some needle files but they did not have any. This seems to be something I can use instead.
Ask the ladies in your life where they get their fingernail files.These are great for deburring rail after you cut it .They are also cheap to buy and will last quite awhile .
Suggestion: while you still have the tool in your hand, cut the smashed end off the ‘waste’ piece if the piece is big enought to use somewhere. It will save you time later and keep you from trying to use a piece with a smashed end. (Voice of experience)
Darrell, being mostly quiet…for now
Just a small, flat, fine, regular steel file is all you need and it will last you forever. If your going to be laying a lot of track at one time, then Dave9999’s suggestion of using a Dremel (or equiv.) is the way to go.
REX
These are what I use, needle files, the metal set tends to damage plastic if I file a kit or something so I keep two sets.(A hint from MR a few months ago)
Ken.
electrolove,
I used a Sharpee permanent marker to write “Use on RAIL ONLY!” on the handles of the club’s Xuron nipper. There is always someone who will use the wrong tool, and the Xuron is ruined if it is used to cut a hard metal even once. It only takes a second to keep yourself from forgetting that this tool is for one thing only.
Mark C.
Mark, you are soooo right! It takes very little to put a nick in the cutting edge by using it with hard metal. Same applies to their sprue cutter. Like my Dad always said, “…right tool for the right job.”
Electrolove: I meant to say earlier for you not to apologize for repeating a post. If you think about it, there is not much that hasn’t been posted before, but it doesn’t matter. [;)][:)]
REX
You can get virtually the same tool at Radio Shack, look for “flush cutting pliers”. They cost well under $10 and work the same.
Use any flat sided file with a medium to fine cut. It can be a mill file (flat 2 sides) or *** (flat one side, curved the other). I use 6-8 in long files mostly.
Dave H.
Thank you guys for all your help. Today is the day for file hunting [:D]