Hi all,

Unfortunately my cheapo Rolson Rechargeable Rotary Tool has died after two years dedicated service. May it rest in pieces (in the bin).

So, I'm on the hunt for a new one! Main use will be cutting track across baseboard joints. So, any suggestions? Ideally under £100 

Thanks
Mac

Proper mains powered Dremel is going to be the best for longevity, but although I have one (and some other mini-drills I've been gifted) the one I use all the time is still my Parkside (Lidl) rechargeable set.  Had it good a good few years now.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276905739365


I bought a proper 3-jaw chuck to fit it instead of using the supplied chuck as I find I wear out the bras collets. 

To be honest, for cutting rail across board joints I would use a metal-tooth razor saw rather than a cutting disc in a mini-drill.  The saw is easier to get a vertical thin cut.

I use the mini-drill with a reinforced cutting disc when cutting track BEFORE it's laid, as it's quick and simple and I can use the face of the cutting disc to square-off and de-burr the rail end.

Proxxon Micromot.
Not as powerful as a Dremel or other 230V power tool but very precise and silent.
It is also very slim so you can hold it more level when cutting track.

https://www.chronos.ltd.uk/product/proxxon-micromot-60-e-starter-set/

Jan

Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 24, 2026, 10:07:23 PMTo be honest, for cutting rail across board joints I would use a metal-tooth razor saw rather than a cutting disc in a mini-drill.  The saw is easier to get a vertical thin cut.

I would agree with Nick there, but only if the track crosses the baseboard join at a right angle.

Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 24, 2026, 10:07:23 PM...the one I use all the time is still my Parkside (Lidl) rechargeable set.  Had it good a good few years now.

Ooh I want one. My mains powered one has developed a wonkey chuck.

Thank you for the recommendations so far, very much appreciated!

Unfortunately a lot of the joints are not square or at right angles

Many thanks!

Quote from: Newportnobby on February 24, 2026, 10:13:54 PM

Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 24, 2026, 10:07:23 PMTo be honest, for cutting rail across board joints I would use a metal-tooth razor saw rather than a cutting disc in a mini-drill.  The saw is easier to get a vertical thin cut.

I would agree with Nick there, but only if the track crosses the baseboard join at a right angle.

The angle makes no difference at all with the razor saw.  Many of my joints are cut at angles across the join.

Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 24, 2026, 10:38:17 PM

Quote from: Newportnobby on February 24, 2026, 10:13:54 PM

Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 24, 2026, 10:07:23 PMTo be honest, for cutting rail across board joints I would use a metal-tooth razor saw rather than a cutting disc in a mini-drill.  The saw is easier to get a vertical thin cut.

I would agree with Nick there, but only if the track crosses the baseboard join at a right angle.

The angle makes no difference at all with the razor saw.  Many of my joints are cut at angles across the join.

Interesting! Can the razor saw be used for track already laid down? This may be a cheaper route given my only use for it is to cut track across boards.

I've used Modeltech rail aligners so no risk of rails drifting out of gauge.

Do you have any recommendations at all please for a suitable razor saw?

Many thanks
Mac

Quote from: NOE 544R on February 24, 2026, 10:41:59 PMInteresting! Can the razor saw be used for track already laid down? This may be a cheaper route given my only use for it is to cut track across boards.

Yes that's what I said: use the razor saw when the track is already laid, the cutting disc when cutting loose pieces to lay

If you DON'T want an isolating gap at the rail joint, insert some thin card (the same thickness as the saw blade) in the joint before laying the rail across and cutting.  Then when you remove the card the gap will close up.

QuoteDo you have any recommendations at all please for a suitable razor saw?

X-Acto or Expo brand.  Any modeller tool shop or show trade stand should have them, you need a set with a handle.  Just make sure you buy a set with a fine tooth blade for metal.

https://www.expotools.com/acatalog/Razor-Saws.html

The Zona saws  shown on that link also seem to be good.  I received some as part of my late friend's estate bequest, I notice my son's been borrowing them over the last few days for track laying etc.    Again, go for the fine tooth version.

Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 24, 2026, 10:48:14 PM

Quote from: NOE 544R on February 24, 2026, 10:41:59 PMInteresting! Can the razor saw be used for track already laid down? This may be a cheaper route given my only use for it is to cut track across boards.

Yes that's what I said: use the razor saw when the track is already laid, the cutting disc when cutting loose pieces to lay

If you DON'T want an isolating gap at the rail joint, insert some thin card (the same thickness as the saw blade) in the joint before laying the rail across and cutting.  Then when you remove the card the gap will close up.

QuoteDo you have any recommendations at all please for a suitable razor saw?

X-Acto or Expo brand.  Any modeller tool shop or show trade stand should have them, you need a set with a handle.  Just make sure you buy a set with a fine tooth blade for metal.

https://www.expotools.com/acatalog/Razor-Saws.html

The Zona saws  shown on that link also seem to be good.  I received some as part of my late friend's estate bequest, I notice my son's been borrowing them over the last few days for track laying etc.   Again, go for the fine tooth version.

Many thanks, just ordered one to try L.

Appreciate the help!

Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 24, 2026, 10:38:17 PM

Quote from: Newportnobby on February 24, 2026, 10:13:54 PM

Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 24, 2026, 10:07:23 PMTo be honest, for cutting rail across board joints I would use a metal-tooth razor saw rather than a cutting disc in a mini-drill.  The saw is easier to get a vertical thin cut.

I would agree with Nick there, but only if the track crosses the baseboard join at a right angle.

The angle makes no difference at all with the razor saw.  Many of my joints are cut at angles across the join.

I know my limitations