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So one night I am running my hand over the existing layout switches and track joints, Gargraves and Tubular Track, Ross Switches and there are all sorts of sharp edges, probably not good for Traction tires. Homemade tool time --

 I took a 1/8 “ inch Black Oxide twist drill bit, not sure of the significance of Black Oxide, I had some Black bits and it broke easy holding twist/cutting end it with a pair of pliers with the smooth end in the vice,  I shaped both ends of the smooth remaining piece, one to a point (Not to pointy) and the other end rounded to a half of a ball . Shaped by putting it in the Dremel (use a speed that works for you) and hold it against a file to shape, I used a Mill ******* file ( a Fine cutting file) about 1” wide and 10 “ long. ( If you want to try it before you file the ends .. break the bit off and use the chuck end on some sharp edges )

I also use it on new track I cut with a Harbor Freight 6"  Medal Cut Off , Chop Saw.

Put the finished Bit it in the good old variable speed Dremel and went at all the sharp edges track joints and it did a great job for me.

Track Joint Burnisher

 

 

 

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  • Track Joint Burnisher
Last edited by rickb
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Lee .. I here you.. your sanding bit works fine. I am sure there are many, many ways that we all are using. I have probably tried most.

What I like about the one I, by dumb luck stumbled on above ... is both the Pointy end and the Rounded end of the Drill Bit  are handy on different applications as I found out as I used it. I think the term is burnishing, not sure, but the Drill Bit takes the sharp edges off, run your finger over a tight or small gap a track joints after, and they are smooth.    Over the years I used Dremel stones, different shapes and grits, sanding drums and such and they worked but they wear down and leave their grindings behind and are expensive. For me the drill bit  works fine on Gargraves, Ross and Lionel tubular track, and not bad on laying fresh cut new /additional track. Like you I have been playing with trains for a long time, starting 60 yrs ago when dad set up a Lionel Christmas Garden each year.

Rick Buchman

 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
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