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The track plan I created using Atlas O nickel silver track will require cutting a number of straight and curved pieces of sectional track.  I have read that a number of people use a dremel to cut Atlas track.  Would it be advisable to try and find a metal cutting blade for my 12" miter saw?  I'd like to keep the cuts as straight as possible.  Another consideration would be a small Proxxon Mini Chop Saw but I'd rather not spend $240 without the cutting wheel(s) if I don't need to.  What do you think?

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A Dremel / Roto Zip with a flex shaft and or 90 degree head is all you need for a nice square cut off.  Plus you will use that tool (and attachments) down the road in this hobby.

 

That 12" overkill chop saw could give you a ten ticket thrill ride trying to cut sectional track.  It is always safest to size the tool to the job.

Originally Posted by WJP:

How about the Dremel EZ Lock Metal Cut Off Wheels?  Suitable?

I find the Dremel EZ Lock metal cutoff wheels to work great.  I prefer the thinner wheels as they are quicker and make a thinner cut.  I also cut each rail twice.  Once about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the line I want and then the final cut so I can get a good 90 degree cut.  I have done dozens of cut this way with great success.

 

Good luck and happy railroading,

don

I have used both, a Dremel and a 32 tooth per inch hacksaw to cut Atlas track.  I true the ends with a final touch-up on a small bench disk sander. I'm relatively conservative and made every attempt to use all the pieces of track I purchased.  You may want to consider the Atlas track end pieces (6057) that fit on the track once cut.
From the Atlas website.


Note where the sectional piece don't meet, requires custom cuts.

 

This is the section that required custom cuts.

Last edited by Mike CT

Hmm.. 

 

I lay down Atlas flex, using screws as I go and make my curves and just cut to fit in place with a dremel cutoff disk.  Not at all hard.

 

I also don't use those Atlas flex track tie joiners.  There's not much point to them.   I just trim off the ties when needed and use stained wood ties to fill in when necessary.  The plastic tie joiners are pretty pointless when the track is screwed down anyway.  

 

 

One of my co-workers told me he cut atlas three rail track on our table saw with a standard carbide blade- I tried it and it works great- just feed slowly and use a top board to keep pressure down on the track. You will get very, very, smooth cuts with almost no burr. I try to get in between ties, but if not it takes the tie and all.

bardo

Originally Posted by banjoflyer:
Originally Posted by J Daddy:

The rotozip some times will get away from me so I like the regular rotary Dremel with large cut off disc.

 

 

If anyone is going to use a dremel or other rotary tool to cut track I strongly advise you also invest in and wear a full face shield. When a disc explodes at 20,000 + RPM (and they do) you don't get any second chances. 

Mark

Here. Here!  Mark.

I have been to the emergency room twice... both on a near miss that only scratched the eye. Both times I was wearing safety glasses with side shields, you need the full goggles!

After that no problems. 

I went back to this post and then found a Harbor Freight store near my home.

 

I didn't have a lot of track to cut, but for the price of the saw and a few blades I had to give it a try. I have a dremel, but cutting all 3 rails straight was always a problem. This saw worked great, was quicker than the dremel (which I will keep for MANY other tasks).

 

Thank you for the recommendation!  Terry

Last edited by EastonO

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