Cutting Track...

[wombat457]

Hi Guys,

I should have asked this question a month ago; however, is there a right or best way to cut Track? What I mean is, is it better to cut track from the top of the track to the bottom or from side to side?

The reason I ask is because of this ... cutting applies pressure and compression to the rail (to some degree) Therefore, it isn't unreasonable to think that the when pressure is first applied for the cut, the area the pressure is being applied to will distort, even if only a little.

As such, will cutting the track from top to bottom obtain a cleaner cut than from side to side and lessen the chance of distorting the bottom of the track where the joiners slide on assuming the correct use of the proper track cutting tools?

 

[fcwilt]

The tool instructions should tell you which way to cut.

 

[wombat457]

Unfortunately, I no longer have them.

 

[Iron Horseman]

Hi Guys,

I should have asked this question a month ago; however, is there a right or best way to cut Track? What I mean is, is it better to cut track from the top of the track to the bottom or from side to side?

The reason I ask is because of this ... cutting applies pressure and compression to the rail (to some degree) Therefore, it isn't unreasonable to think that the when pressure is first applied for the cut, the area the pressure is being applied to will distort, even if only a little.

As such, will cutting the track from top to bottom obtain a cleaner cut than from side to side and lessen the chance of distorting the bottom of the track where the joiners slide on assuming the correct use of the proper track cutting tools?

I cut from the top down regardless if I am using an Altas saw, Dremel disk, or Xeron rail nippers. The top is where I know exactly where I want the rail head. No idea if it is "better" than cutting any other way.

 

[DairyStateDad]

I just got some Xuron rail nippers for Christmas. The instructions say for HO track cut top to bottom, for N scale track cut side to side.

 

[wombat457]

Top to bottom is what seemed logical to me as well. Thanks guys.

 

[JimT]

I never had good luck with Xuron cutters or any side cutters an I have excellent Snap-On and Mac cutters. I have used a hand held rotary tool (much weaker than dremel, battery powered) with a saw blade. Works well, is clean and is nearly effort free leaving one able to consentrate on the cut. Sadly I have lost the tool and will be working with something else.

 

[fcwilt]

Top to bottom is what seemed logical to me as well. Thanks guys.

If it works that's fine BUT the tools are designed to cut best in a certain direction. I have both kinds of cutters, side-to-side and top-to-bottom. If there is a part number you should be able to search and find the preferred cutting direction.

 

[ckblum]

I have the Xuron cutters, I cut top to bottom on N scale track. Sometimes if I'm splicing in a section I cut side to side, never seemed to make a difference. I always clean it up with a file anyways or a dremel.