What tools that were originally intended for other purposes have you found useful in layout building?
I found this rotary tool on Amazon that's sold to trim your dog's toenails. When tracklaying, I keep the cutoff disc in the dremel, and a wire wheel in this to clean up the rails before soldering. It doesn't have the torque for a big job, but does fine as I'm using it. I considered it a steal at $9.49.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
I'm pretty fond of Tanax 7R weld-type cement for HO styrene structures, but found it difficult to meter the flow with typical applicator bottles, which apply too much and foul the adjacent area.
Went into my neighborhood CVS and bought 2 hypodermic needles for 25 cents a piece. TOUCHDOWN! . . . problem solved. A quick flush in Windex, then water, and it's ready for the next time.
My wife came home one day and handed me a package with two of these in it. She said it will come in handy when I am workin on the railroad. She was right. It is around my neck a lot when I am working on stuff. It's great for under the layout. It's pretty cool.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Hello All,
I picked up a two-speed embossing heat tool (heat gun) from Hobby Lobby. It's perfect for heat shrink work.
With an online coupon and shipping it was less than $23.00!
Also, the Dremel Workstation that converts my Harbor Freight & Tool rotary tool to a mini drill press has served me well for coupler conversions and light-duty drill work.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
LION has soldering Iron, what need has him for ha heat shrink tool. Let the soldering iron do it. They say (whoever they are) that it is messy, but the LION has not found this to be so. Maybe him just buys good heat shrink material (in 100' rolls.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I find surform planes to be great for smoothing/leveling cork roadbed.
Enjoy
Paul
carl425It doesn't have the torque for a big job,
Indeed but,it does a good job at drilling holes for coupler pocket screws for older Athearn BB cars and locomotives..When the battery is low it does a good job of cutting Evergreen plastic shapes.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Maybe not a tool, but something that is used in the electronics venue.
CRC QD Electronic Cleaner #05103. This cleaner does not attack plastic and is safe around paint...at least on my equipment. It evaporates fast and leaves no residue. It works great for cleaning wheels on locomotives. It is also useful for cleaning the gunk that can build up inside gear boxes.
I buy it at Walmart. 11oz spray can for ~$4.77 ( it has been a while since I bought any, so the price might be different. )
CRC Electrical Grade 2-26 #02005 This is a lubricant that is safe on plastic. It also improves electrical conductivity. I use it sparingly on the electrical pickups on my locomotives.
I have had an 11oz can of 2-26 for so long, I don't know where it came from or the cost.
South Penn
(updated price on electronic cleaner 7-9-15)
I bought one of these mechanics seats a while back for working on my layout.
It sure makes it easy on the knees and back.
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009EUA0M?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
BroadwayLion LION has soldering Iron, what need has him for ha heat shrink tool. Let the soldering iron do it. They say (whoever they are) that it is messy, but the LION has not found this to be so. Maybe him just buys good heat shrink material (in 100' rolls. ROAR
I do the same - doesn't melt the shrink tube, at least when I turn down the heat on the soldering station. Don't try this with a plain iron, it will melt all over the iron and make a mess. Don't ask.
I'd use the pet nail trimmer, but I might get in trouble. We have one but actually use it on the dogs.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Link for mechanis seat: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009EUA0M?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
I've mentioned it before but emery boards that you can get at Walmart, any dollar store etc. They make it easy to file small areas and they can be cut to shape to fit into odd areas.
FRRYKid I've mentioned it before but emery boards that you can get at Walmart, any dollar store etc. They make it easy to file small areas and they can be cut to shape to fit into odd areas.
carl425 What tools that were originally intended for other purposes have you found useful in layout building? I found this rotary tool on Amazon that's sold to trim your dog's toenails. When tracklaying, I keep the cutoff disc in the dremel, and a wire wheel in this to clean up the rails before soldering. It doesn't have the torque for a big job, but does fine as I'm using it. I considered it a steal at $9.49.
This is almost the same as my cordless Dremel I paid about $20- $30 for. My Dremel might be better made, I hope anyway. I have had it for several years now without any problems.
carl425This reminded me that generic nail polish remover is usually significantly cheaper than acetone. I use it all the time to clean up Gorilla Glue and epoxy.
chutton01At 12.97, Home Depot is a better bet, and no worries what that "protein additive" will do to your paint finish.
lol - I never considered buying it by the gallon. The pint I bought 2 years ago is still 3/4 full. Maybe you should have the railroad put a siding at your house and you could buy it by the tank car and REALLY save.
I also only use it for cleanup so the additives are not an issue for me.
carl425 chutton01 At 12.97, Home Depot is a better bet, and no worries what that "protein additive" will do to your paint finish. lol - I never considered buying it by the gallon. The pint I bought 2 years ago is still 3/4 full. Maybe you should have the railroad put a siding at your house and you could buy it by the tank car and REALLY save. I also only use it for cleanup so the additives are not an issue for me.
At 12.97, Home Depot is a better bet, and no worries what that "protein additive" will do to your paint finish.
chutton01HD Gallon is still the cheapest option
One advantage to the HD option that I just learned (the hard way) is that my wife probably won't go into the train room and steal a can labeled "Klear-Strip Acetone"
One cool "dual-use" thing I use is cork sheets for creating turnout templates or for adding additional elevation to things. They are sold in 1/4" sheets at office supply stores.
That looks like an item which was intended for hobby use, that was adapted to the pet industry and you have adapted it back again! hah hah. If you can get a dremel type tool for under $10 and it is reliable, kudo's. I may have to get one myself!
I bought a older model Dremel variable speed motor tool "still new in the box" at a train show and used it moderately for maybe 6 months before the main shaft inside broke - it's now a useless paper weight. Demel quality has really gone down hill. Heck, my early 1980's Dremel is still going strong and had to take back over for the new one that only lasted a few months.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983