Trimming Down A Chooch Abutment

[selleeg]

I am in the process of setting a bridge into my 4X10 layout.  I am using Chooch Single Cut Stone Bridge Abutments and it looks like I need to trim them down a bit.  They seem to be made out of a pretty stout material and I was wondering if anyone might have some suggestions on how they have cut these in the past.

Thanks

[modelmaker51]

They're made of a hard plastic or resin. A hacksaw or razor saw will cut them just fine. You can dress the cut with a mill file or a sanding block.

[dknelson]

Yes a hacksaw should do it but it releases an unpleasant odor and you may want to do that work (and the subsequent filing) outside if possible. 

Dave Nelson

[DSchmitt]

A hacksaw will work, but the material is very tuff.  It might be easier to recess it into your benchworh and build up the ground around it.

[rghammill]

I tried two different methods on one myself.

The razor saw worked, but was difficult, the blade stuck a lot, and took forever. I eventually got the best cuts by tilting the blade up so only the back corner was in the groove and did only back-strokes with the blade.

I made the second cut I needed with a dremel. Much faster, although you have to work a bit to keep it even. It also makes a lot of resin dust so use a mask and do it outside if you can. This is what I'd recommend if you have one, the razor saw was just tedious.

For this and many similar projects my wish list now includes a miniature scroll saw or band saw. I think the band saw would be better since the blade will only be moving one direction, but I'm still researching. I've also seen miniature (4") table saws, but since the blade is round you won't be able to create a straight vertical cut in thicker items if you only want to cut partway.

Randy

[G Paine]

It all depends on how much you need to remove. If it's in the order of 1/4" or more (as in cutting off the bottom), run it through a table saw if you have one. Trimming using a Dremel grinder with the drum sander also works. Wear a dust mask / work in ventilated area.

[Fergmiester]

I'm in the process of making bridge abutments using a material that is working out really well and hopefully by this time tomorrow will have photos of the results.

Fergie

[Chuck Geiger]

I bought a miracle product this summer building a deck - an electric handsaw from Black and Decker called "The Navigator" - it works grand for cutting; resin, foam, steel, wood, my hand (just kidding).