Word of Warning

[CTValleyRR]

And people wonder why I use my Dremel tool to cut rail.

I've used both a xuron and the dremel. I think the dremel is worse. When those cutting disks break apart...man look out!

Been there...Felt that!

Use the fiberglass reinforced cut-off wheels (which you should anyway for cutting hard metals).  They don't shatter (unless you REALLY torque on them).

That said, I can't believe what I'm reading.  ANY time you're using a tool which generates force (rotary, linear, or impact), you wear safety glasses.  Period.  Unless your life's ambition is to be a pirate (Arrgh, Matey, that war the day I lost me left eye!).  Most of us don't think about it, but loss of an eye is too high a price to pay for the minor inconvenience of wearing safety glasses.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

And people wonder why I use my Dremel tool to cut rail.

I've used both a xuron and the dremel. I think the dremel is worse. When those cutting disks break apart...man look out!

I use the fiberglass reinforced cutting disks. Haven't had one break yet.

[superbe]

Thanks for the advice and comments. Cutting rail as well as most things we do in in this hobby can be done safely if we think before we act. Certainly I didn't but maybe this discussion will save some one from an unpleasant experience.

Thanks,

Bob

[cregil]

And people wonder why I use my Dremel tool to cut rail.

Me too, but I have my own stories of glowing red hot emery disk fragments flying across the room (but not from cutting track-- those fly, but don't get that hot).  My first rotary tool was a single speed (obscenely fast) Dremel.  I once used it to surgically remove a cross-threaded lug-nut without damaging the threaded rods or the wheel.  That old Dremel is still running like new after hundreds of such punishing uses.

I now use my Proxxon variable speed for model and track work--and I always wear safety goggles.

About a year ago I was working on a woodworking project on which I was using a wire wheel attachment to smooth some metallic inlay work.  When I finished and took off my goggles, I noticed something quite frightening:  Dozens of tiny wires from the wheel attachment were imbedded, arrow-like, in my goggles!  It is great to learn a lesson the EASY way!

My recommendations:

I have two pair of safety glasses, one tinted for outdoor use, and a set of goggles.  I have a duel-cartridge breathing mask that gets pretty much everything (including fumes from CA glue and solvents).  I also have a "carver's glove"-- basically knit Kevlar-- that I often wear over my left hand for when a sharp tool in my right hand slips.  If my skin is involved with harsh solvents, or dye-pigments, I wear latex gloves.

Finally, I choose water and alcohol based products whenever viable. Speaking of alcohol, If I need a break and open a beer-- that decision includes first admitting I am done with any power tool use and any sharpened steel use for the day.  One sip is where I draw the line-- and it needs to be drawn.

Crews

A proud member of the still-have-all-ten-fingers-and-both-eyes woodworkers of America. 

[jwar]

Try putting and old towel in the bottom of a plast trash pail, point er and let her rip.

I had a dead short and found after quite a while, a small piece of track lodged between the rails, Yep that cured me of letting the short cut go where it wants. LOL...John

 

[loathar]

And people wonder why I use my Dremel tool to cut rail.

I've used both a xuron and the dremel. I think the dremel is worse. When those cutting disks break apart...man look out!

Been there...Felt that!

[Anonymous]

And people wonder why I use my Dremel tool to cut rail.

That is effective. I do take precautions against flying metal what with the heat.

I use those super reinforced disks, aint have one break yet. I swear... they might wear all the way down to the spindle before breaking.

[Driline]

And people wonder why I use my Dremel tool to cut rail.

I've used both a xuron and the dremel. I think the dremel is worse. When those cutting disks break apart...man look out!

[Ibeamlicker]

An old trick we use to use when cutting cotter pins was to close the pliers then fill the back side of them with RTV ,when it dried you would then slice it with a razor blade.the RTV would hold the cut piece safely,and you should always wear safety glasses also.peace out!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

And people wonder why I use my Dremel tool to cut rail.

[HarryHotspur]

An old trick we technicians use is to place a finger beside, not in front, of the piece being cut. This dissapates a tremendous amount of energy as well as deflecting the missile.

 Which way is the front?

 

[concretelackey]

Although un-tried for cutting rails, I had decent success placing an old peice of cloth over the cutter and the peice being cut and holding it over a trash can/container. No flying objects, no danger of impaling your foot on the pcs stuck in the carpet. The key is too postion the pc being cut in the cutter, gently squeeze to hold and then cover before finishing the cut.

[bogp40]

After a while you can have target practice. I'll have to try the tip about deflecting the piece. I usually aim at the trash, still not a good shot though.

[Blind Bruce]

An old trick we technicians use is to place a finger beside, not in front, of the piece being cut. This dissapates a tremendous amount of energy as well as deflecting the missile.

[superbe]

I was laying track this afternoon using the Xuron nipper. I'd read the warning that track pieces can really fly around and to wear protective goggles. Of couse I didn't and was lucky that I didn't need them. BUT if any one else had been in the room they may have needed a Kevlar Vest as well.

After I finished what I was doing and was leaving the layout I felt my arm brush sommething and it turned out to be a piece of rail stuck in back drop.

I'll be wearing the goggles from now on and hope the rail doesn't ricochet off the walls.

Have a safe weekend.

Bob