Newbie Question

Cut the webbing first before the rail.

There are special rail-cutting tools like Xuron snips.

The best solution is probably a rotary cutter, like a Dremel or cheap clone, with a cutting disc in it. You can even lay the track, then cut it. And though it may sound a tad pricey, take it from me, once you have one you'll wonder why you never had one before. With all the different attachments, they are very handy devices. And not just for the train :-)

Oh, and just to make sure it is a clean job, a needle file to dress the cuts if needed, although the rotary cuts so clean you'll find most times you won't need it. But I guarantee, being closely associated with a certain Mr Murphy, that if you don't have one ...

Best regards

Steve Magee Newcastle NSW Aust

Seconded. Xuron is the way to go. And I speak as a DIY-phobic.

Cheers, Steve

"Steve W" wrote in news:43b712f1$0$63056$ snipped-for-privacy@ptn-nntp-reader04.plus.net:

I've started using Xuron cutters and havbe been quite impressed, very quick and easy, however only one side of the cut is "clean" and even then it often requires a very short rub with a file. For most tasks I still prefer Mr Dremmal and a cutting disk.

Yes, I reckon that the Dremel or equivalent device is the best for cutting rails, especially if you want to do so with the track in situ. I've got a cheap version, basically an electric eraser, not many herbs, but sufficent for the job, and cheap. But, always wear safety glasses or goggles! Regards, Bill.

Use a Dremel or similar mini drill type with a rotary cutting/ grinding tool inserted. Place a piece of wood (thinnish) under and just use your hands. The cut is clean and requires no great force and does not need cleaning up afterwards.

Peter A Montarlot

Xuron track cutter. About twelve quid.

If you don't have access to a xuron cutter or a 'dremel' with cutting disk and are having to use a small hacksaw then make a block to fit across the track with 2 Vs cut to take the rail. This will hold the rail fairly securely whilst you cut. File off burrs after cutting.

Alan

My thanks to everyone who answered, I have placed an order for a Dremel from those helpful people at Amazon which seems to include all manner of discs and accessories.

I have also found the track cutters for 3quid on the web as well, so may throw caution to the wind and order them in addition.

Have been using the time wisely meantime by building a station kit from Metcaffe, anyone know how to unglue fingers? :)

Rather than a small hacksaw, which has a comparatively course tooth pitch on its blades, use a razor saw blade which has a much finer tooth pitch which will suit the smaller rail cross sections in N. Razor saw blades last reasonably well when cutting small section nickel silver.

Jim.

The Dremel is very useful, but when it is used to slit rail that has already been laid you end up with a diagonal cut because of the with of its body.

Fortunately you can get a flexible drive accessory for it which is very useful for this.

It's no problem for trimming the ends of rail that hasn't been laid yet.

The cutters are handed, ie there is an up and down difference. It is important to use them the right way up. Don't lose the instructions.

Bit of luck that I went for the cheaper options on Amazon which came with less tools but with the flex-tubey-thing. Sometimes it pays to be a miser.

In article , Luggage writes

What glue?

In article , Luggage writes

Go on then, let us in on the secret . . .

. . . where have you found them for 3quid?

TOS

Ok, you got me typo, 13quid

Oh bugger!

I was just starting to get excited.

TOS

UHU!

Found these on eBay at £10.49 inclusive of postage.

Eddie.

Sorry, misinformation given, I have dealt with the seller before 10/12/05, item as described, no problems. In fact I have just ordered somecutters and some tweezers from him.

Eddie.