Subject:
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Re: Cutting tracks?
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.parts.mod
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Date:
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Fri, 20 May 2005 16:57:29 GMT
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Viewed:
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7027 times
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In lugnet.parts.mod, James Trobaugh wrote:
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, C. L. GunningCook wrote:
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I have a question for a very novice modder....
Let’s just say... someone wanted to cut some Lego train track... what fairly
common, and inexpensive tool could an novice with a limited tool
selection/budget to attempt said mod?
What would a “pro” use? And finally... lets just say you wanted to cut only
the rails leaving the “bed” intact?
Any suggestions welcomed, thanks.
Janey “Red Brick”
PS. I also posted this to rtl, because I do happen to know, not mentioning
any names (*cough*Dave*cough*) ummm I mean “someone” has cut a few tracks in
his days.
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The tool of choice would have to be the
Dremel and then a very sharp razor
knife and a jewel saw.
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NO! Only my opinon, but the tool of choice is not a Dremel. If you do not
already own a hand held rotary tool, I recommend a Black & Decker multi-speed.
These are cheaper, more reliable, and most importantly they have a lower RPM and
better torque. The low speed is essential, as it’s easier to control, and is
less likely to melt the plastic as you cut. Try Home Depot, Lowes or Wal-Mart in
the USA, not sure about CA or others.
Having said that, there are cheaper and more suitable tools for cutting track.
ATLAS makes a “track cutting saw” that is cheap and very effective. Using a
strait saw has an advantage that you can line up you cuts with the ties by
placing old/clone brick on the ties, and holding the blade against them as you
cut.
For splicing track, I.E. making shorter track sections or modified switches, I
do the following. Using old brick as a reference edge, I cut the metal parts
using an ALTAS saw. I cut centered on the tie, just deep enough to cut the
metal. Again using old brick as a guide, I cut from the bottom through the
plastic. I make this cut to the side of the tie, offset from the metal cut! This
allows the metal rails to line up better on the finished track. I rarly use my
“dremel” for track mods, other then to adjust the metal length if it’s a bit
long.
Align the cut parts by attaching them to a piece of uncut track with brick. You
want the parts to line up with almost no gap, file if needed. Remove any burs on
the metal using a small file and/or an emery stick. I use a MEK based solvent
applied to all flush surfaces, any brand solvent that is designed for ABS should
work. I also run a couple of sections of strip plastic under the rails,
.1”x.125” is a perfect fit. The last step is to solder the metal rails together.
I typically only solder the outside edges of the rails.
There is some variation of cut location when making modified switches, see
Spakey’s page for details. http://sparky.i989.net/ltrackmod.htm
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The metal rails on a track can be removed with out cutting, you can just pry
them off.
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If you only want to cut metal, and leave the plastic unblemished, you will have
to remove the metal from the plastic. In this case, a rotary tool is the best
tool for cutting the metal. Use a mandrel with carborundum cutting disk. I use a
small flat chisel to start bending the tabs. A knife or small flat screw driver
works OK if you sharpen the end a bit. Be sure to bend the tabs just enough to
clear the plastic, no more. Also be careful not to bend the rails. It’s very
difficult to get them to lay flat when you are done, if they’ve been bent.
Mat
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: Cutting tracks?
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| (...) The tool of choice would have to be the (URL) and then a very sharp razor knife and a jewel saw. The metal rails on a track can be removed with out cutting, you can just pry them off. jt (20 years ago, 20-May-05, to lugnet.parts.mod, FTX)
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