Tool to cut Atlas Flextrack

[davera]

I have tried using a hacksaw but the track just bends. I even built a benchwork platform to hold the track.

At a recent train show (Bedford Boomers in Bedford, NH) someone there mentioned to try use a pair of nippers that are somewhat flat to avoid getting that pinched end result. But I think I forgot where I could get something that would suit HO track.

any ideas?

 

[Fred_M]

I use a cold chisel and a 5 pound sledge hammer. A dremel cutoff disk works great as does a rail nipper which should be found at most Local Hobby Shops (LHS) or Walthers or other online hobby shops EXAMPLE http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/490-2175

Fred

 

[Eddie Landreth]

Davera - I use the Xuron rail nippers and they work beautifully. You can nip and nip at the track to nibble it down to exactly the length you need. I would never use anything else. To me, they are the perfect, fast, precise solution.

 

[ak-milw]

I usually use the rail nippers then clean up the end with a Dremel tool!

 

[60103]

Davera: a hack saw wont work with anything that can slip between the teeth. You can get a blade called a Razor Saw that has very fine teeth. Some stores sell a version with plastic handle and back; others have one that fits in an X-Acto handle. This was traditional before the flush cutting pliers; it's also in the top dozen tools for scratch-building and some kit-building.

 

[Doc Holliday]

While I believe most people use nippers, I used an Atlas Super Saw to cut all of my track (and almost everything else on my layout). It is a fine toothed razor saw with a sturdy plastic handle. Cost about $3.95 online. Best money I ever spent. I've also used it to cut copper tubing, hardwood flooring, aluminum, moulding and a host of otherthings around the house. After two years, it is finally getting a little dull. Wish I bought a dozen. :thumb:
Doc

 

[RioGrande]

Ya ya!

Xuron or Dremel with cutoff disk... wear eye protection cause those discs have a way of breaking apart.

 

[CalFlash]

I use a good pair of diagonal cutting pliers and clean up (minimal) with a file. Simple and fast. Hint: I cut with the "good" side of the rail on the left and apply a slight top to bottom "twist" as I cut.

 

[Glen Haasdyk]

I use my Craftsman rotary tool (demel clone) zings right through anything!

 

[CN1]

Dremel :thumb:

 

[brakie]

Well overlooking the fact that I would be lost without my trusty Dremel I have used the Atlas super saw or a razor saw..But,I must say I perfer my good old Dremel for cutting track. :thumb:

 

[SAL Comet]

I've been using a good pair of tin snips and filing. But I'm sure the dremel would speed the job up.

 

[jwmurrayjr]

Davera - I use the Xuron rail nippers and they work beautifully. You can nip and nip at the track to nibble it down to exactly the length you need. I would never use anything else. To me, they are the perfect, fast, precise solution.

Ditto! Xuron is hard to beat. They work great. Seldom need any filing either. :thumb:

 

[Ralph]

I use an Atlas razor saw to mark where to cut when I have track in place and then use my Xuron tool. I rarely need to file the cut either.
Ralph

 

[rcline]

I have "THE" very best tool that I ever found! I just wait till my wife starts chewing my tail end and I jam the track into her mouth, a clean cut every time and it shuts her up!
he he he!!!! not really! I use razor saw and file.

 

[kchronister]

I have a pair of very small bolt-cutters (I bought them to snip chain-link fence mesh) which work very nicely and leave almost no filing necessary.

 

[Fred_M]

When I worked at Area 51 we cut track with a 5.000.000 MeV positron particle accelerator we were building for the Stratic Defense Initiative . It cut code 100 (and real rail too) like butter with no slag or residue. Then one night Jimmy cut some track without checking the radar and he cut an Aurora in half with the beam 65 miles away (oops). They made us quit using it for cutting track after that. Fred

 

[vanda32547]

I like using the Dremel cut disc to cut my flextrack. Use goggles and be careful because at that high speed sometimes a small piece of track will fly off. Not only does the Dremel do a neat & clean cut but it sands the cut end at the same time.

Regards,

 

[rcline]

Hay Fred? Can I send you my caboose and would you use your particle acceleactor to do a chop top on it for me? Maybe cut in a gull wing door on the side while your at it?

 

[SAL Comet]

I have "THE" very best tool that I ever found! I just wait till my wife starts chewing my tail end and I jam the track into her mouth, a clean cut every time and it shuts her up!

You're treadin' on thin ice there rcline