Cutting RR track...

[Printer Mike]

A friend is giving me a piece of RR track with one end that is rough/uneven.

The only tool I can think of to cut it, that I have, is an angle grinder.

Would this work?

 

[SixStringMadness]

it would take a while.

 

[gmwelder86]

If your handy with a cutting torch, angle grinder would work, band saw. Basically anything that will cut metal. Hell if you had the time a hacksaw would work.

 

[chickenhauler]

I used a angle grinder with a cutting wheel. It cut surprisingly easy - but figure on taking a lot of use out of your wheel.

 

[NUTTSGT]

How about a Partner saw with a metal blade, like an aluminum oxide blade?

 

[RVDan]

My cousins told me they just cut it with an abrasive cutoff wheel when they lay it.

My piece of track is brand new

 

[GRX]

It is fairly mild steel if I remember correctly. What is the piece of rail to be used for? Just curious.

 

[Printer Mike]

It is fairly mild steel if I remember correctly. What is the piece of rail to be used for? Just curious.

As an anvil.

 

[koditten]

A portable band saw will do it easily. You will have to turn over the track and cut from the bottom and meet with the first cut. The througt(sp?) on the saw is too shallow to do it with one pass.

KO

 

[BWS]

I'd gas axe it....being the lazy type.


If using a saw,flip it over and start on bttm....work twds top.BW

 

[R6 Racer]

I asked the same question a wile ago.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70049
I ended up cutting mine with a AO torch & smoothing it out with an angle grinder.

Steve

 

[Zeke]

And I shaped mine with a torch and then smoothed it with a 9" grinder.

 

[volvo]

..

Another good recent thread with lots of good information.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130880&highlight=anvil



Anvils Made From Sections of Railroad Rail

Introduction to Railroad Rail anvil making and design

http://www.spaco.org/Blacksmithing/A...RailAnvils.htm

 

[Printer Mike]

Thanks for the information and links!

 

[CARS]

I cut a section with a chop saw. The top of the rail was harder than the rest of it. I would guess from heat and pressure.

 

[truckin23]

I cut these with a band saw

 

[Northstar]

Thermite

 

[PCO6]

I cut mine with my 4"x6" horizantal band saw and had no problems.

 

[nmpontiac]

Well said, Northstar

 

[spy604]

New rail wont be a problem to cut. Used rail is a whole different story. The top surface work-hardens after years of use, and become super hard.

 

[JamieK]

 

[truckin23]

New rail wont be a problem to cut. Used rail is a whole different story. The top surface work-hardens after years of use, and become super hard.

the rails in my pics are Colorado 90lb a yard spur rail made in 1920