Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Best way to cut brass trolley poles?

1032 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,877 posts
Posted by maxman on Saturday, February 13, 2021 9:01 PM

Can't you just drill a deeper hole?

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • 1,162 posts
Posted by PC101 on Friday, February 12, 2021 7:31 PM

doctorwayne

If they're made of brass tubing, you could also cut them with a knife, either an X-Acto or a utility knife.

Simply place the item on a hard surface, then put the blade at the point where you wish to make the cut.  Use downward force on the knife to carefully roll the tubing back and forth, not allowing the blade to wander. 
Depending on the diameter of the tubing, this method can be surprisingly quick.

I'd guess that a trolley pole might have some detail, such as a wheel or shoe on the upper end - in that case, you'll need to elevate the cutting surface enough that the detailed portion won't be touching anything while the pole is being rolled back and forth. 

Wayne

 

What he said, it works. I use a utility knife, it's heavy/large handle is nicer for me to use and control.

I also have a small tubeing cutter. I can't say when it was used last for 1/8'' or smaller diameter brass tube.

  • Member since
    November 2020
  • 71 posts
Posted by CGW103 on Friday, February 12, 2021 7:03 PM

Get a pipe cutter. From your local hardware store

 

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Friday, February 12, 2021 6:48 PM

If they're made of brass tubing, you could also cut them with a knife, either an X-Acto or a utility knife.

Simply place the item on a hard surface, then put the blade at the point where you wish to make the cut.  Use downward force on the knife to carefully roll the tubing back and forth, not allowing the blade to wander. 
Depending on the diameter of the tubing, this method can be surprisingly quick.

I'd guess that a trolley pole might have some detail, such as a wheel or shoe on the upper end - in that case, you'll need to elevate the cutting surface enough that the detailed portion won't be touching anything while the pole is being rolled back and forth. 

Wayne

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Friday, February 12, 2021 11:03 AM

Dremel as they are ussually made of tubes.

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Staten Island NY
  • 1,734 posts
Best way to cut brass trolley poles?
Posted by joe323 on Friday, February 12, 2021 8:35 AM

So I ordered a bunch of really well made trolley poles from a seller on ebay.  They seem a bit too tall for my village layout. What's the best way to cut brass Razor Saw Dremel?

Joe Staten Island West 

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!