Hi all, last night I decided to finally spend the money and buy a dremel. I ended up buying the dremel 300. I only used it a couple of times and already wish I had bought it sooner. I must say its a great tool to have. I was able to grind down a few tabs of metal that were blocking progress on a DCC install, and out of curiosity I shaved down a couple ties to were they could be used under flex track. I haven't tried cutting track yet, but I've heard its great for that as well. I do have one question, is there a good set up to use on it to clean track? Say one of the polishing wheels? Ethan
I've read several places that using any form of abrasive on your rail will ruin it. I wouldn't suggest you use the Dremel for that. Besides, knowing the Dremel's size, you won't be able to stay flat or consistent. Stick with the old fashioned method. This is a case of reinventing the wheel.
Hey Ethan, That is used for polishing metals. It's also used if you nickel plate a piece of metal. It is used to buff. I highly suggest you visit Dremel's web-site. There is a load of information there and will tell you exactly what each bit is used for. Usually your Dremel comes with materials that do that as well. I got the 4000 model and mine did. If not, you can get those materials from Dremel too. Lowes and Home Depot also have those pamphlets.
The Xuron Rail nippers do a much better job cutting rail than a Dremel tool. Don't get me wrong the dremel is a great tool but using it to cut rail is overkill and hard to get a good square cut. Using the the Xuron Rail nipper makes the job much easier and quicker. Just my Opinion. Also take care when using your dremel. I highly recommend safety goggles when using it. Using the saw blade that can be bought for it is very dangerous. I nearly lost a finger tip while using one 25+ years ago. Bob Wintle MMR
I use mine primarily to cut track. It typically makes a nice clean cut. In most cases, I prefer the Dremel over the Xuron nippers. Maybe it was how I used mine or the particular type that I had (mine had orange handles), but I always had a tendency to twist the rail loose from the plastic ties for some reason. Also, the cutting end of the nippers broke a few weeks ago, so I now use the Dremel exclusively. The one thing I don't like about the Dremel is trying to cut sections of track that have already been laid down, especially in deep "right of way" cuts. Sometimes it's just impossible to get it in a position to make a nice square cut. Also, it will literally blow away any loose ballast or ground foam that's nearby. Like Bob said, wear safety glasses. I've been foolish on more than one occasion and wound up with nickle silver metal shavings hitting me in the eyes. Pat Moreland, Union Mo.
I have used both methods in the past for laying track on my new MR. I bought the battery powered portable Dremel tool and use it for just about everything with great success. Eye protection is a very good idea!
I still have my old corded Dremel I bought in 1981, as well as three cordless models- one that's rechargable, and two that use replaceable batteries. Best thing since sliced bread. Roger that on eye protection- eyeglasses don't do the job very well (ask me how I know this), so go with safety goggles.
