Hi folks! Say, what is the best Dremel tool "bit" to cut tubular track? If you even know the specific product number, that would be even better. Thank you!
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From GG's website:
| 83985 | GYROS 1/8" mandrel for use with disks in Dremel Tool | each | $5.75 |
| 93108 | GYROS Reinforced Cutoff disks in 2" diameter | pkg/2 | $6.95 |
I use the Dremel EZ Lock metal cutting disks. Here is the starter set.
https://www.menards.com/main/t...-c-1537277164191.htm
I also use a small grinder to take the burs off. Make sure you use eye protection and I wear a dust mask.
George
You might want to get a SawMax (recommended on another post). The disks are bigger, so the cuts will be straight each time. I find my Dremel cuts to be angled because the tool is too close to the railhead.
George.
I've not used my Dremel to cut track, but just from a geometry standpoint, adding the flexible shaft tool can certainly help with getting the angle right for straight cuts. The flexible tool is far less in diameter than the body of the tool with the motor in it, so it's much easier to hold it close to the rails to get something close to a perpendicular cut.
-Dave
The standard Dremel fiber-reinforced cutting wheel. The set George S recommended, above, seems to last longer, and has the added feature of being able to hold other EX lock items. I recommend against the non-reinforced cheaper wheels; they shatter under use.
https://gyrostools.com/cut-off...t-of-2-11-21702.html
Gyros cutoff wheels I've found superior to anything Dremel has to offer. One pack and I did my whole layout in Gargraves.
There is also a right angle attachment for a Dremel tool that works well with the fiber cutting disk.
I use a bench disk sander to true the track ends, after the cut.
Edit/Add: The dremel tool pictured, has a thermal cut-out, that when using the cut-off wheels, will trip/reset. IMO the dremel tool is a hobby rated device, take your time, with the track cuts/save the tool. A lot of track/a lot of cutting you may want to move-up to a more commercial cutting system. IMO, Mike CT.
George S posted:You might want to get a SawMax (recommended on another post). The disks are bigger, so the cuts will be straight each time. I find my Dremel cuts to be angled because the tool is too close to the railhead.
George.
I agree with your finding, however, I've learned to overcome this with two cuts. The first cut, which will end up being angled, is just a bit longer than I want. Then with the rail out of the way I can make a second straight cut.
Also, I use reinforced disks.
Alan
George S posted:I use the Dremel EZ Lock metal cutting disks. Here is the starter set.
https://www.menards.com/main/t...-c-1537277164191.htm
I also use a small grinder to take the burs off. Make sure you use eye protection and I wear a dust mask.
George
I use this above with the flex rotary shaft, no issue with angle cuts.
https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-...2543036079&psc=1
I'm using a Dremel Saw Max 3 maybe over kill but quick with good cuts
I also have used the around the house, some
I have used a jig cut made from 1x4 pine but now just measure, clamp and cut
follow up with light sanding on emery cloth
As George S said wear eye protection
Steve Taylor
Hey guys, thank you all so much for the information! I really appreciate it. Have a great week.
Use with a abrasive disk. Holder expands to lock the track. Rotates and locks at any angle.
Perfect Cuts. available at Micro-Mark
ajzend posted:George S posted:You might want to get a SawMax (recommended on another post). The disks are bigger, so the cuts will be straight each time. I find my Dremel cuts to be angled because the tool is too close to the railhead.
George.
I agree with your finding, however, I've learned to overcome this with two cuts. The first cut, which will end up being angled, is just a bit longer than I want. Then with the rail out of the way I can make a second straight cut.
Also, I use reinforced disks.
Alan
I have been doing that as well. I'm only just perfecting my technique.
George
I can't advise enough on getting the flex attachment. It takes care of the angled cuts issue, provides more precise control, and makes it easier to cut track in place on the layout. I have been using this since my HO layout around 2003. I use it putting in Scaletrax fastening the track into place, lining up, then cutting as needed. Makes getting precise joints so simple.
