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amalie
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 Posted - 01/18/2006 : 08:23:18
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Does anyone have a specific tool recommendation for cutting nickel silver and steel Atlas O high-rail track to custom length? If possible, I am looking for a flush cutter that will not require a lot of file dress work after the fact. Thanks.
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Country: USA
| Posts: 16 |
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bhamly
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Posted - 01/18/2006 : 10:08:45
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I bought a Roto-Zip. Cuts the track like butter. Haven't used it since I switched to 2-rail. I might consider selling it.
Bruce
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Country: USA
| Posts: 420 |
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tom thorpe
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Posted - 01/18/2006 : 11:42:52
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Roto Zip or Dremel with a flex shaft for right angle cuts. Always dress edges with a rat tail file, it's just the nice thing to do. Plus a quick easing 2/3 pass in the inside edge.
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Tom Thorpe
www.curvedbenchwork.net |
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Country: USA
| Posts: 805 |
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amalie
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Posted - 01/18/2006 : 12:35:47
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Tom, Ive used the Dremel with the cable and the cutting wheels, but the wheels come apart pretty easily after a few cuts. I was hoping for some kind of larger wire/bolt cutters (articulated if nessecary) that could flush cut to the back. It may not be possible with the size and shape of the rail, but was worth asking about. Thanks for the advise. Bruce, what is a Roto-Zip?
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Country: USA
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tom thorpe
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Posted - 01/18/2006 : 18:38:36
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Have a pair of shear cutters for code 100 and smaller. Little rough on code 148.
Have several of both Roto Zips and Dremels and yes wheels do break however it never occured to me as an issue.
These tools "zip" through the heavy three rail track w/ ease yielding very clean cuts. It may be possible your chain cutting rail snips are yet to be developed.
Even if there is such a tool, I have to believe the freshly cut rail ends will need to be dressed up a bit.
Sometimes expectations fall short of reality. At least thats how my life has gone so far.
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Tom Thorpe
www.curvedbenchwork.net |
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Country: USA
| Posts: 805 |
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CBQer
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Posted - 01/18/2006 : 20:42:01
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Dremel makes a large fiber based cut off dick. They are about a buck each. I find that, with care, you can cut a lot of rail. The key is not to bent the disk while cutting and don't bump it againt anything. The disks are about 1 1/4" dia.
Dick
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Charter Memer Golden Spike Club
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Country: USA
| Posts: 1000 |
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amalie
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Posted - 01/18/2006 : 21:00:27
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Well, then Ill stick with the Dremel; just looking for an 'easy out'. Thanks for the advice.
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Country: USA
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Sroten
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Posted - 01/18/2006 : 21:46:40
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I'd go with the fiber reinforced dremel cut off disk but WEAR EYE PROTECTION thses things are nasty when they shatter -- if you bend them while grinding they will break-- and more often than you would think, bits of them (and metal fragments) go flying towards your eyes and face. Don't let your dremel be a short cut to needing a white cane!!!!!
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Sroten
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Posted - 01/18/2006 : 21:53:30
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I'd go with the fiber reinforced dremel cut off disk but WEAR EYE PROTECTION thses things are nasty when they shatter -- if you bend them while grinding they will break-- and more often than you would think, bits of them (and metal fragments) go flying towards your eyes and face. Don't let your dremel be a short cut to needing a white cane!!!!!
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amalie
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Posted - 01/19/2006 : 15:33:49
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NO doubt goggles are always a must with the dremel.
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Country: USA
| Posts: 16 |
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prrhorseshoecurve
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Posted - 01/20/2006 : 00:56:14
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Definitely go with the fiberglass Disks. Get rid of those cheesy Dremel Cut off Wheels that Easily break. I use a brand called GYRO and it has 3 sizes. the largest will cut your rail in one swoop but you DEFINITELY need to use googles on that one!
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Country: USA
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Dale H
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Posted - 01/22/2006 : 21:57:44
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I used a cut off machine with a carborundium cuttoff disk. I purchased this for $39 at a tool clearing house. It is like a mitre saw only for metal.It is great for cutting track and other household items. It has a clamp that holds the track at right angles and cuts perfecly leaving little if any burrs. On Atlas steel it does leave burrs which is easily removed with a file.
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| Dale h |
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flags
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Posted - 01/29/2006 : 19:04:10
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Try placing two "Cheesy" Dremel cutoff wheels on the mandrel at the same time. Works real well for me. And take ALL the necessary safety precautions. 
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| Al |
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Country: USA
| Posts: 89 |
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amalie
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Posted - 01/30/2006 : 07:24:47
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Thanks again for all the advice.
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Country: USA
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