What do you use to fit flex track?

[IDRick]

Thanks, guys!  I expected to read that a variety of tools are being used.  Mel, I agree, I have a Xuron cutter which works well plus a little filing.  Brakie, how did you know?  I do have some old atlas snap track straight pieces that could be used if the gap is 9" or less.  Carl, the right angle attachment looks to be a very wise purchase.  Thanks again!

[IDRick]

mbinsewi

I use the 8050 Micro.

https://www.dremel.com/en_US/products/-/show-product/tools/8050-micro

Did you edit the title of your post? or did I totally read it wrong? (which happens more than I want to admit!)

Mike.

EDIT: That price is the same as the retailers.

 

 

Thanks for the link Mike!  No, the title was not changed.  No problem, you've always been helpful.

[RR_Mel]

I’ve always used Xuron Rail Nippers or sharp flush cutters (cut vertical not horizontal).  I cut the rail 1/64” longer than needed then finish the rail with a fine cut file.  I bevel the edge of the on the stop side of bottom rail flange a bit so it goes into the joiner a bit easier.

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[mbinsewi]

I use the 8050 Micro.

https://www.dremel.com/en_US/products/-/show-product/tools/8050-micro

About $70. I get it right from Dremel.  Their office and shop is in Racine WI., about 25 miles from me.

I just noticed on their web site, they do have a large selection!

Did you edit the title of your post? or did I totally read it wrong? (which happens more than I want to admit!)

Mike.

EDIT: That price is the same as the retailers.

 

[carl425]

doctorwayne

since the smaller disc usually means that the cuts will be on an angle.

You need the right angle adapter.

[BRAKIE]

I use a Dremel with cutoff blade.

But..

I will also use a piece of snap track from Atlas snap track assortment rather  then cutting a section of flex.I have also used a 9" section to fill a gap..

[IDRick]

Very helpful answers Wayne and Uncle!  At the present, I have been able to set things up so I am custom cutting/fitting a straight piece between two other fixed straight pieces.  I can see the advantage of using a Dremel with a cutting disk when joining a curved piece.  What's the best bang for the buck Dremel tool?  So many choices out there but it seems Dremel is the preferred brand and cordless are nice but more expensive for an infrequently used tool.

[UNCLEBUTCH]

  Dremel/cutoff blade. The few times I used a saw, ended up tearing rails out of ties

[mbinsewi]

Well I guess what ever works!  razor saw, Xuron rail nippers, Dremel, maybe even a small hack saw, if that's all you have.

I was expecting a question on why one would choose flex track, for any track laying.

Mike.

[doctorwayne]

I prefer a motor tool with a cut-off disc.  If the one you're using has a fairly small-diameter disc (as do most Dremels or other modelling-type motor tools), then cut the rails a bit longer than needed, since the smaller disc usually means that the cuts will be on an angle.
Once you have the needed piece free from the main part of the donor track, you can make new cuts to square-up the original ones and trim the rails to the exact lengths needed.
Keep in mind, too, that if the piece being added will be curved, or those already in place on the layout are already curved, then a mitre box may not always be the best choice, especially if the rails on the new piece need to be of different lengths.

Wayne

[IDRick]

I'm curious what others use to fit a piece of flex track between two other pieces of track that are already attached to the layout?  I like using a razor saw with a miter box.