Safety First: Essential Equipment
When cutting railroad ties, safety is paramount. To ensure a safe work environment, it is crucial to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The essential gear includes:
1. Safety Glasses
Protect your eyes from flying wood chips and sparks by wearing ANSI-approved safety glasses with side shields.
2. Gloves
Wear heavy-duty work gloves to prevent cuts and abrasions from the rough surface of railroad ties. Consider using gloves with reinforced palms for added protection against splinters and sharp edges. Here’s a comparative table for different glove materials:
| Glove Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Leather | Durability, puncture resistance | Cost, stiffness |
| Kevlar | Cut resistance, heat resistance | Abrasion resistance, comfort |
| Nitrile | Chemical resistance, grip | Durability, puncture resistance |
| Cotton | Comfort, breathability | Low durability, poor protection |
3. Hearing Protection
Prolonged exposure to loud noise from power tools can damage your hearing. Wear earplugs or ear muffs to reduce noise levels.
4. Respirator
Protect yourself from inhaling wood dust and other airborne particles by wearing a NIOSH-approved respirator with a dust filter.
5. Steel-Toe Boots
Wear steel-toe boots to prevent foot injuries from falling railroad ties or dropped tools.
6. Hard Hat
Protect your head from falling objects by wearing a hard hat that meets ANSI standards.
Determine the Cut Line
Once you have gathered your tools and safety gear, it’s time to determine the cut line. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do that:
1. Mark the Cutting Point
Locate the spot where you want to cut the railroad tie. Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the length you need and mark it with a pencil or chalk.
2. Set Up a Guide
Place a straight edge (such as a board or a chalk line) along the marked line. This will serve as a guide for your saw, ensuring a straight and accurate cut.
3. Calculate the Minimum Depth
To determine the minimum depth of the cut, you need to consider the type of cutting blade you’re using. For circular saws, the depth should be slightly less than half the thickness of the tie. For reciprocating saws, you’ll need to subtract the thickness of the blade from half the tie’s thickness. Refer to the following table for specific depth measurements:
| Tie Thickness (inches) | Circular Saw Depth (inches) | Reciprocating Saw Depth (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2.75 | 2.25 |
| 8 | 3.75 | 3.25 |
| 10 | 4.75 | 4.25 |
Removing Bolts from Railroad Ties
Removing bolts from railroad ties can be a challenging task, but it is essential for safely reusing or repurposing the ties. Here are the steps involved:
1. Safety First
Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask. Railroad ties can contain harmful chemicals.
2. Gather Tools
You will need a heavy-duty wrench, a crowbar or pry bar, and a hammer.
3. Loosen the Bolts
Use the wrench to loosen the bolts enough to break the tension. Do not remove them completely.
4. Wedge the Pry Bar
Insert the pry bar between the tie and the plate and pry it up slightly to create a gap.
5. Remove the Plates
Once the gap is large enough, lift the metal plates off the tie. They may be heavy, so be cautious.
6. Remove the Bolts
Using the wrench or a hammer and chisel, carefully remove the loosened bolts. Take care not to damage the threads or the tie itself.
a. For stubborn bolts, gently tap the head of the bolt with a hammer to break the rust.
b. If the bolt is severely rusted or damaged, you may need to use a hacksaw or a Dremel tool to cut it.
c. Always keep the wrench or chisel perpendicular to the bolt to avoid stripping the head.
Cutting Angles with a Miter Saw
Miter saws are ideal for cutting railroad ties at precise angles.
Set Up the Miter Saw
Before using the miter saw, adjust the blade angle and ensure that the saw is securely fastened to a stable work surface. For railroad ties, a 90-degree angle is typically used.
Measure and Mark the Railroad Tie
Determine the desired angle and mark the railroad tie accordingly. Use a tape measure and pencil to indicate the starting and ending points of the cut.
Position the Railroad Tie
Place the railroad tie on the miter saw cutting bed and align the marked line with the saw blade. Ensure that the tie is securely clamped to prevent it from moving during the cut.
Check the Angle of the Blade
Double-check that the blade angle is set to the desired angle. This step is crucial for achieving accurate cuts.
Engage the Saw
Slowly engage the miter saw blade and allow it to cut through the railroad tie. Hold the tie steady and apply minimal pressure to avoid binding the saw blade.
Finish the Cut
Once the blade has cut through the tie, release the saw trigger and allow the blade to coast to a stop. Remove the tie from the saw and inspect the cut for accuracy.
Safety Precautions
Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when using a miter saw. Keep your hands away from the blade and ensure that the saw is not damaged before starting any operation.
Best Way To Cut Railroad Ties
Railroad ties are large, heavy pieces of wood that are used to support railroad tracks. They are typically made from hardwoods, such as oak or maple, and are treated with preservatives to protect them from rot and decay. Railroad ties can be cut using a variety of methods, but the best way to cut them is to use a reciprocating saw with a carbide-tipped blade.
To cut a railroad tie with a reciprocating saw, first mark the location of the cut on the tie. Then, place the blade of the saw on the mark and start cutting. Be sure to use a slow, steady motion and to keep the blade perpendicular to the tie. Once the cut is complete, you can remove the tie from the saw and finish sanding or shaping the ends of the tie as desired.
People Also Ask
What is the best way to cut railroad ties for landscaping?
The best way to cut railroad ties for landscaping is to use a reciprocating saw with a carbide-tipped blade. This will give you a clean, even cut that will not damage the wood.
Can you cut railroad ties with a circular saw?
Yes, you can cut railroad ties with a circular saw, but it is not the best method. A circular saw can damage the wood and create uneven cuts.
Is it difficult to cut railroad ties?
Railroad ties are hard and dense, so they can be difficult to cut. However, using the right tools and techniques, you can cut railroad ties safely and efficiently.
