Track cutter.

Any questions about designing a model railway layout or problems with track work.
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Steamingon
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Track cutter.

Post by Steamingon »

What is the best for cutting track. I see these 'Modelcraft PXU2175B Xuron Track Cutter'? Is there an alternative? I used a Dremel like tool & it did the job, but a tad messy. I would prefer some kind of cutter like the Xuron.
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Ironduke
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Re: Track cutter.

Post by Ironduke »

I prefer to use a dremmel-like rotary tool. In what way was it messy?

I've used track cutters but I didnt like them.

https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/hea ... k-cutters/
https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/tra ... per-sharp/
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Rob
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Flashbang
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Re: Track cutter.

Post by Flashbang »

Xuron cutters are the Bees Knees. Just ensure you obtain the correct one for your track and how it cuts - Top to bottom or across the rail.
Remember only one side of the cut is made cleanly the other side is a rough cut and really needs the cutters turned around and then re cut!
I always file the rails underside foot and the upper part of the foot with a needle file to remove any possible burrs, so as the rail joiner (Fishplate) slides on easily. :)
Dremel's I have found do not cut square due to their angle when cutting!
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Ironduke
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Re: Track cutter.

Post by Ironduke »

Flashbang wrote:Dremel's I have found do not cut square due to their angle when cutting!
True. You really need the flexible shaft extension which has a much smaller diameter.

there's also this
https://www.hobbytools.com.au/right-ang ... hment-575/
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Rob
Steamingon
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Re: Track cutter.

Post by Steamingon »

Ironduke wrote:I prefer to use a dremmel-like rotary tool. In what way was it messy?

I've used track cutters but I didnt like them.

https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/hea ... k-cutters/
https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/tra ... per-sharp/
Thank you Ironduke & Flashbang for the help & links.

Messy? I wore a mask & goggles, but you get fine pieces of metal & plastic in the air, that is my main concern, the angle was another, but not too much of a problem as I did file it afterwards.
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Mountain
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Re: Track cutter.

Post by Mountain »

I do not recall having a problem using a minidrill but my minidrill is not a Dremel so maybe its shape works better as I may be able to get much lower then a wider drill can. I have an old but useful Minicraft drill (MB1012) which has had a lot of use in the last 30 or so years. The transformer gave up last year but I have more then one transformers so it was not a problem. (My drill is 12 volts).
Yes, there is a slight angle with my drill but it is not a lot, so I am guessing that Dremels must have much wider bodies to them?
You are right about wearing eye protection! If one of those cutting disks shatter, the bits fly around the room at warp speed!!!
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centenary
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Re: Track cutter.

Post by centenary »

If using a dremel or similar to cut track in situ, you really need to use the flexi shaft extension and larger diameter cutting discs that are about 2" diameter. If you use anything smaller, you end up with a sloping or angled cut of the rail.
pete12345

Re: Track cutter.

Post by pete12345 »

I'm using Xuron cutters for my current tracklaying job and they work well. On the 'clean' side of the cut, you need to do deburr the cut end a bit with a fine file, but otherwise they do the job quickly and neatly. Certainly easier than using a fine-cut saw and a block of wood to hold the rails.
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Bufferstop
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Re: Track cutter.

Post by Bufferstop »

Dremels aren't the best rotary tool for track cutting Minicraft or Expo are a better size. I did get some larger diameter slitting disks which reduce the angle even further, but I haven't seen them recently. Before they went bust Maplin did a promotional offer of a small "no name" drill kit which has a really small casing but no lack of power, it's my tool of choice when working on the layout, whilst I have a Proxxon mains powered drill for use on the bench.
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