track cutting...

[survivor]

good morning all,  as i mentioned in an earlier post...i am building a small 027 layout..on a 38 x 82 inch platform. i have most of the track,switches etc wired...and will soon start landscaping. in a few places...mostly on spur s...i would like to add just a few inches...(longer than a half straight...shorter than a full)     is there a good way to cut this tubular track with out it distorting??? i've been thinking of cutting out a "track holding jig" on a piece of 2x6 on my tablesaw...with the appropriate notches for 3 rails and ties..or,should i make one notch as wide as a rail...and just 'take the 9 inch section ' apart? to cut each piece?,then reassemble them? any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated...thanks  

[srguy]

I cut O tubular by holding it by hand firm on a workbench using a sharp hacksaw ... works fine for me.

[lionelsoni]

Here's my method using tinsnips:

Mark the tops of the rails, with a Sharpie, for example.

Cut straight down through each railhead and the web, but don't try to cut the flange.

Flex the track until the flanges break.  Straighten the flanges with long-nosed pliers and trim them with the tinsnips if needed.

Spread the end of each rail open with a screwdriver.

Flatten the crease left by the tinsnips at the top of the railhead, using small long-nosed pliers.

Stick the shank of a 3/32-inch (for O27) drillbit into each railhead and squeeze the web tight around it with the long-nosed pliers.

[TrainLarry]

 I have put the whole track section in a miter box and cut through all 3 rails at once. If you go easy, you won't distort the rails. Be sure to file the cut edges after you're done. Use a pair of track pliers to form the cut end of the rail for the track pins, if necessary, or you can do as Bob suggests with a drill bit.

Larry

[rtraincollector]

TrainLarry

 I have put the whole track section in a miter box and cut through all 3 rails at once. If you go easy, you won't distort the rails. Be sure to file the cut edges after you're done. Use a pair of track pliers to form the cut end of the rail for the track pins, if necessary, or you can do as Bob suggests with a drill bit.

Larry

I do as above but I made a template for the track to fit in and a slot where I line my cut up for. I'm up a creek if it breaks as don't have the tools to do anoyther but may look into it in the future

[Seayakbill]

If you have a Dremel power tool it makes short work in cutting tubular track, like a hot knife through butter.

[balidas]

In the current issue of CTT on page 22, there is a track cutting jig for sale made from 3/4 plywood.

[John MS]

 I use this clamped to the track to hold the rails from moving. laying the hacksaw against the block produces a square and plumb cut

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I like this block, easy to make with a table saw, and looks effective.  I'd probably recommend a modification.  Make it from thicker stock and support both sides of the track with a deeper cut to allow sawing all the way through in the middle.

[John MS]

John, that one was designed for Gargraves/Ross track. the track fits flush to the tie. notice that extra chamfer on top of the groove, that accomodates the rail base so you get a snug fit from top to bottom. when the face gets worn from cutting, just take a fresh slice on a miter saw and you are good. I made a 6' length,o I am good for a while.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I'm thinking tubular track, just drop it into the slots and saw away.  I'll have to make one and see how it looks, should be a 5 minute job on the bench saw.

[survivor]

thanks John...this is exactly what i had in mind!!!    

[gunrunnerjohn]

Here you go, O-gauge track cutting block.  I may have spent 10 minutes, but no more.

 

 

[balidas]

What is that, a 4x4? That's a good idea.

[survivor]

thats what i had in mind...excellent pics John...thanks for the help

[survivor]

...excellent pics John...thanks for the help

[gunrunnerjohn]

It's actually a 2x4 cut down some.  The angle makes it look taller than it is.  I tried it out, works great and makes it very easy to do a clean cut.  I'm glad someone gave me the prod to make one.

[balidas]

I need to make one myself.

[gunrunnerjohn]

If you have a bench saw, it's very easy.  Maybe I should start whacking them out and selling them on eBay for $10.   I've seen dumber things being sold there!