Track trimming

[PeeWee]

Hi,

I'll be attempting my first layout soon and have got plenty of flexitrack to use and was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how to do this properly and what tools to use.

[Tank]

Xuron cutters are most people's favourites, and something I've used for years.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAVIS-75570-XURON-QUALITY-TRACK-AND-WIRE-CUTTERS-NEW-/260704524773?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item3cb33359e5

[davieb]

i use a dremmel type drill with a thin grinding/cutoff disc

but please remember using this method WEAR EYE PROTECTION as i have had more than one disc shatter 

it does give a very clean cut once you get the hang of it

dave 

[Dock Shunter]

I would recommend Xuron track cutters also.
They may seem a little expensive but worth every penny.
A word of warning though.....don't ever use them for anything other than for cutting track....

[polo2k]

Never used xuron cutters, I use a mixture of dremel, side cutters and sometimes nail clippers! With the nail clippers I usually mark the rail with them and then bend it back and forth till it breaks at the weak spot.

They are also useful is you have layed a length of flexi track from a point and then curved it, if the outer rail pulls back and you need to drag it back through the sleeper chairs this is a cracker, the marks can be burnished off the rail later

[Mustermark]

Xuron cutters are most people's favourites, and something I've used for years.

I just laid about 200ft of flexitrack and 90 points over just a few weekends using the Xuron track cutters.  Very easy to use and precise.  I am really happy with the joins and very happy how quick it was to get done.

[Bikeracer]

I used a Dremel and a file for the burrs when I built my first small layout,but I've bought a Xuron cutter ready for my next track laying.If you use a Dremel get the fibre reinforcrd cutting discs,they don't shatter.

There are two types of Xuron cutters,the most popular seem to be the side cutters,but I bought the top cutters so I can trim track in situ.

I haven't had chance to try them yet,so can't comment on what they cut like.

Allan

[longbridge]

I always use a Dremmel tool with a thin cutting disc, perfect for grinding the ends of the rail to get the ends dead square and identical length.

[PeeWee]

Thanks for all the advice guys

[guest311]

[/quote]

I just laid about 200ft of flexitrack and 90 points over just a few weekends using the Xuron track cutters.  Very easy to use and precise.  I am really happy with the joins and very happy how quick it was to get done.
[/quote]

do you use the side cutters or top cutters ?

[OwL]

I use a Gerber multi tool, then file the track cut after wards. This gives a very neat finish.

[Fratton]

my two pence worth is go with the zuron cutters, i have the top down ones and they have been invaluble...

[Oldman]

Dremel   here.

[Mustermark]

I just laid about 200ft of flexitrack and 90 points over just a few weekends using the Xuron track cutters.  Very easy to use and precise.  I am really happy with the joins and very happy how quick it was to get done.

do you use the side cutters or top cutters ?

I'm pretty sure I have the top down ones but I have found they are just fine in either direction. A side cut might mean you need to file the under the end of the rail a bit to ease fishplate insertion.

I found that when you're in a tight spot that it's easier to do a side cut and that the rail might twist with a top cut if you are a bit clumsy (like me). So if I chose again I might buy the side cutters.

Even saying all that it was so easy to do: snip, file and join. Best part of the whole process for me so far.

[Newportnobby]

Hi,

I'll be attempting my first layout soon and have got plenty of flexitrack to use and was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how to do this properly and what tools to use.

Hi Peewee - see if you can find a December 2011 copy of Railway Modeller c/w free DVD.
There's a pretty good tutorial on the DVD about laying/cutting flexitrack. Like me, they use Xuron cutters.