Best track nips?

You mean track cutters?

For 3 rail, a dremel. No track nippers are gonna go through solid rail that thick, and hollow rail will crush.

For 2 rail, the Micro-Mark nippers are stronger, but the Xuron ones make a cleaner cut. I have both. They will cut code 148 but it’s beyond the stated limit of both of them. I use the Xurons when it matters, and the Micro-Mark for everything else.

Personally, I use a bandsaw.  Cuts 'em nice and neat.  I haven't tried a dremel but I might next time I need to cut one.  Hmm....probably this weekend!  And yes, it is 3 rail track.

@Boilermaker1 posted:

You mean track cutters?

For 3 rail, a dremel. No track nippers are gonna go through solid rail that thick, and hollow rail will crush.

For 2 rail, the Micro-Mark nippers are stronger, but the Xuron ones make a cleaner cut. I have both. They will cut code 148 but it’s beyond the stated limit of both of them. I use the Xurons when it matters, and the Micro-Mark for everything else.

My bad for using the term "nips".

Is it ok to use the term nippers or should I use the term cutters? You used both terms so it's ok either way?

I didn't mean to post a confusing message. Thanks for the input!

Chuck

@Scott Wills posted:

Personally, I use a bandsaw.  Cuts 'em nice and neat.  I haven't tried a dremel but I might next time I need to cut one.  Hmm....probably this weekend!  And yes, it is 3 rail track.

Just used a dremel with the diamond cutter.

Perfect! Hadn't thought of that but I'm kind of slow lol!

Chuck

@Rail Dawg posted:

My bad for using the term "nips".

Is it ok to use the term nippers or should I use the term cutters? You used both terms so it's ok either way?

I didn't mean to post a confusing message. Thanks for the input!

Chuck

I was more or less just trying to clarify what you were looking for. Micromark calls them Rail Nippers. But Xuron calls them Track Cutters.

Either way, they launch the piece that you snip. Aim into the table or you'll send the cut end flying.

@Boilermaker1 posted:

I was more or less just trying to clarify what you were looking for. Micromark calls them Rail Nippers. But Xuron calls them Track Cutters.

Either way, they launch the piece that you snip. Aim into the table or you'll send the cut end flying.

Thanks!

Yes I do have some battle scars from track missiles.

Chuck

I just use my Dremel.

If you have and know how to use shop tools, try a table saw to cut solid rail like Atlas 3 rail. Keep the blade low and go slow. Nickle silver is soft so the blade will stay sharp for lots of cuts. I place a piece of blue tape at the edge I want to cut. Try a couple test cuts to see how it goes. Be careful because fingers don't grow back.

Dremel works well for cutting track that has been placed and secured. It still takes a little practice. I always test stuff before I commit it to places that are permanent.

Just my $00.02

DL

Eye protection a must. (Safety meeting of the day).   Dremel, with a 90 degree adapter and the large, 1.5" cut-off disk.

IMO, the 1.5" cut-off disk are a bit much for the standard dremel tool, which tends to cut-out on thermal overload. Your track cutting project may be slowed a bit by the equipment limits.  I also use a bench disk sander to true track ends.