I looking for a dependable and accurate chop saw for cutting Ross track. Does anyone have any suggestions based on their experience?
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Maybe OP should have stated O gauge 3 rail track. :-)
It is in the 3 Rail Traditional category. Unless it got moved in the n=mean time.
Brendan
I use this small one from Harbor Freight. It does a good job. You need to file the cut after cutting the track. Here's the link
All;
I use a metal cut off band saw to cut track. I have attached a link to one. I have used this saw for 30 years and I am currently using it building my new layout. I stand the saw arm straight up and use the small bed/table that comes with it. It does an excellent job of cutting the track and it does not shoot filing all over the place. I generally push a few Gargraves ties up to the place where I want to cut and use them as a guide. The blade is slow moving so you have good control and you are able shave off just a blade width of length if needed.
It works good enough that I usually sit on the layout laying track and measuring and then my wife will actually cut the track and hand it back to me.
The cost of the saw is quite a bit more than some of the other options but I already had this saw in my shop. The only thing I did was purchase a 24 tooth per inch blade for about $8.00. The saw came with a 12 tooth per inch blade and that blade would grab and distort the track but the 24 tooth does a great job.
https://www.harborfreight.com/...g-bandsaw-93762.html
Thanks;
idea-thinker
@Patrick1544 posted:I use this small one from Harbor Freight. It does a good job. You need to file the cut after cutting the track. Here's the link
I used the same one, one of my better purchases, I got it on sale for $30. 
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I used the same one, one of my better purchases, I got it on sale for $30.
So do I. I have even found saw blades for it at HD and I can use it to cut small pieces of wood to size for a load, etc.
I use a hack saw gently secured in a vise for tubular track and have had no issues. I also saw Aristo and LGB track the same way. No issues. Mark
Many years ago I created a track miter box out of a one foot long two by four. I simply cut three long grooves to hold the track, ties up, and cut a perpendicular groove across the middle for the hack saw blade. Although it only worked for straight track, it saved a lot of time and frustration.
Use a Dremal tool with a disc cutting wheel. Saws will put stress on the rail prongs.
I used the Harbor Freight chop saw with a cutting disk, AAMOF the disk that came with my $30 purchase. A great investment when building with Gargraves track, cutting the track was quick and clean. Although I used the Dremel with the cutting disk for in-place fitting, it was quicker and more accurate to cut on the chop saw.
Any specific recommendations for Atlas track?
My prior layout used ScaleTrax which was easy to cut with my larger chop saw. Now I have a small Kobalt saw that I caught on sale at Lowes a year or so ago for just $99. Figure I'll look for the thinnest metal cutting blade available.
Blade thickness isn't a major consideration, you just have to allow for the missing material when you cut. I've cut a bunch of Atlas with the same chop saw with the same cutting disk I used for my layout build with Gargraves/Ross.
GRJ-
Do you remember what arbor size (5/8 or 7/8) you used? And the type of blade and brand?
My HF chop saw came without a blade, I'm going to get one today. But first, I ask the experienced one before I buy the wrong item.
You can do a lot with a 32 tooth per inch hacksaw. I clean/and true, the cut ends with a small bench/disc grinder. Other cuts, Sawzall, I also have a small Sears bandsaw that cuts most 3 rail track. IMO, Mike CT.
@Mike CT posted:You can do a lot with a 32 tooth per inch hacksaw. I clean/and true, the cut ends with a small bench/disc grinder. Other cuts, Sawzall, I also have a small Sears bandsaw that cuts most 3 rail track. IMO, Mike CT.
I'm quite happy with my HF chopsaw, as are plenty of other folks. I think maybe "a lot better" is a matter of opinion. 
There are certainly lots of solution to cutting track, but since he already has this excellent solution, I doubt he's that interested in changing.
@452 Card posted:GRJ-
Do you remember what arbor size (5/8 or 7/8) you used? And the type of blade and brand?
My HF chop saw came without a blade, I'm going to get one today. But first, I ask the experienced one before I buy the wrong item.
Mine came with inserts for both 5/8" and 7/8" holes, and I'm still using the blade that came with the saw, it has lasted through two layouts now, and it's still going strong. I truthfully don't remember what size arbor size the blade was, and it appears that the size is worn off the blade due to use.
I have used a 10" Makita chop saw with an abrasive metal disc for decades now. Quick and easy. Having said that I would not likely recommend it for use with Fastrack or Realtrax, or any other track with a plastic roadbed. That would likely be messy. Atlas would likely be OK if you cut between the plastic ties.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I'm quite happy with my HF chopsaw, as are plenty of other folks. I think maybe "a lot better" is a matter of opinion.
Mine came with inserts for both 5/8" and 7/8" holes, and I'm still using the blade that came with the saw, it has lasted through two layouts now, and it's still going strong. I truthfully don't remember what size arbor size the blade was, and it appears that the size is worn off the blade due to use.
I've used every method - they all have their strengths and weaknesses. I recently bought the HF saw - unfortunately it's been discontinued - I had to drive 30 miles to get it. Similar ones are still available, but they're double the price - $75 and up.
I just bought a "APLMAN 6 Inch Cut off Saw Metal Cutting Chop Saw" from Amazon to make a LOT of cuts on Ross track, and it's been great. Took a couple test cuts to get the gate dialed in at exactly 90 degrees, and it's a little loud, but it's fast and cuts very clean. $62 and delivered overnight.
