I usually use a chainsaw for this purpose, and the Stihl MS 180 is quite suitable. It cuts quite easily, despite the fact that sleepers can even be made from larch. But! There is one huge but... you will have to sharpen the chain quite often, since the sleeper is used and it is full of stones and dirt, and they dull the chain very quickly. So get a file, preferably more than one, and cut the sleeper the way you need it.
Of course, one sleeper can be sawed with a two-handed saw, but this is only if there is one. Otherwise, it would be advisable to use a gasoline hand saw. Also, if you don’t mind using a woodworking machine, you can cut it on it. This will even be even faster and easier, but the saws there are even more expensive. As for household needs, when it comes to building outbuildings, then, of course, a good and reliable chainsaw is irreplaceable.
Of course, such a thickness will be easier to cut with a chainsaw. If there is no such tool, then the last option is a friendship saw. Cutting sleepers with a one-handed saw will be extremely difficult and time-consuming. I’m sure after the first sleeper my hand will be completely clogged. So my advice is definitely a chainsaw.
Railroad maintenance involves cutting out worn sections of rails using special equipment. This material will discuss how to cut a rail at home (or garage), which tools are more effective, how to proceed in each case, and what are the advantages of one or another method.
Despite the apparent complexity of the operation, dividing a metal element into small sections is not difficult. To do this, you can use one of the following devices:
- sewing needle;
- chisel;
- hacksaw();
- grinder;
- rail cutter.
Each method is complicated in its own way, but the expected result (the rail cut into pieces) will be obtained. Now - in detail about each technique.
Cutting with a sewing needle
The method was popular in the last century, when more convenient devices There were no metal rails for cutting. In this case, the product was not sawed, but broke.
Principle of operation:
- the edges of the rail are installed on two supports with the base down;
- a thick sewing needle is placed perpendicular to the product at the intended fracture site;
- a sledgehammer makes a strong and precise blow to the place where the needle is attached, as a result of which the rail is cut in half.
Advantages of the method:
- rapidity;
- minimum of available means;
- low risk of injury;
- the ability to do the work alone.
Flaws:
- experience is required - it is not easy to hit the right place accurately;
- the cut line sometimes turns out to be crooked;
- it is necessary to strike only one precise blow; With several unsuccessful attempts, the integrity of the canvas will be compromised.
Using a Chisel
Here, too, the metal workpiece is divided not by cutting, but by impact.
Subsequence:
- install the rail as in the point above;
- along the entire perimeter, using a chisel and a hammer (mallet), notches of small depth (1-2 mm) are made;
- a sledgehammer is used to hit the notches and the rail splits.
The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are the same as those mentioned above, only it takes a little more time.
Cutting a rail with a hacksaw
A popular method, although energy-consuming. It is important to know several requirements for the saw blade:
- the handle is comfortable, located not horizontally, but vertically, slightly tilted towards the movement “away from you”;
- there is a coating on the teeth of the canvas;
- the teeth are located in the direction “away from you”;
- when working, move the blade so that the contact area of the teeth with the cutting surface is maximum;
- Select the blade based on the density and hardness of the rail material.
How to cut a rail with a hacksaw? The sequence is:
- the rail is placed on a horizontal surface;
- if a precise cut is required, you should use a chisel to make notches on the base;
- saw through the base on both sides to the neck of the rail;
- place a stop under the cut;
- perform a targeted blow with a sledgehammer.
There are other ways to divide a sawn rail into two parts. For example, drop it from a height if you have a loader at hand.
Advantages:
- the method is safe;
- sawing takes place without unnecessary noise;
- equipment for work is inexpensive.
Flaws:
- the process may take more than an hour (depending on professionalism);
- You will need several saw blades (3-7 depending on their quality).
Using a grinder
A professional tool will save time on cutting the rail. Experienced people claim that two disks with a diameter of 150 mm are enough to cut a classic rail railway(P65, P75).
The work is done in a similar way - the base is sawed off on both sides, then a blow with a sledgehammer follows. The operation will take 5-10 minutes.
Advantages:
- rapidity;
- efficiency;
- minimum consumables.
Flaws:
- danger of injury (the disc may “bite” and lead to breakdown, flying sparks will get into the eyes, etc.);
- noise during operation;
- high price for equipment (if you didn’t have an angle grinder before, it’s pointless to spend several thousand rubles);
- the method is bad for home conditions due to the resulting dust, dirt, and metal shavings.
Application of rail cutters
Another method of quickly dividing rails into fractions, which is not entirely suitable for home use, but is worth considering. Rail cutter is professional equipment, used for various types products. Usually used on railway tracks in order to quickly restore the track to avoid train delays. For example, two devices are considered below.
Rail cutting machine RM5GM
Peculiarities:
- the cutter is a hacksaw blade 400 or 450 mm long, which makes the equipment reminiscent of a reciprocating saw;
- there is a grip for fixing products;
- the presence of hydraulic clamp allows you to apply maximum force to the point of contact during the working stroke and unload during idle (reverse).
The cutting time of one P65 rail into 2 parts is about 11 minutes. The device weighs 90 kg and has dimensions of 1465x505x460 mm, so it is not considered suitable for home use.
Husqvarna K 1260 rail cutting machine (Partner K-1250 Rail)
Peculiarities:
- power almost 6 kW (higher than that of PM5GM);
- working body - cutting disc with a diameter of 350 or 400 mm (the principle of operation is the same as that of an angle grinder);
- weight without additional equipment - 20 kg.
The device will cut the same P65 5 times faster than the machine discussed earlier. Compactness, relative lightness, and efficiency make it possible to use it for cutting products at home. The only disadvantage of the equipment is the high cost (more than 100,000 rubles).
Which method to choose
To make a decision, you need to consider a number of factors. Among them are the costs of work (finance and time), noise, duration of the process, and the need for outside help. From a safety point of view, cutting with a reciprocating saw is an attractive method. From the point of view of speed - an angle grinder or a rail cutter.
The latter tool is expensive for most craftsmen, so it is recommended to use two methods - using a reciprocating saw (metal hacksaw) or a grinder with cutting discs. By being aware of how to quickly cut a rail, the user can quickly achieve the desired result.
Finally, an interesting video
In the section on the question how to cut a reinforced concrete sleeper? I want to make a foundation, but the sleepers are long and I need to bandage them, how can I break them? given by the author Forward The best answer is that you can cut it with a diamond disc without any problems. The idea is great, it’s perfect for the sole, BUT.... There are a number of nuances. J.b. sleepers have prestressed reinforcement with a diameter of 3 mm. , approximately 40 rods. If the sleeper works in a gurunt, then the reinforcement can rot quite quickly and the sleeper will lose its properties; concrete without bending reinforcement does not work. Sleepers work on sand-gravel preparation, i.e. on railway. d. embankments where there is no impact groundwater, so they live on a piece of iron for a long time. In general, if you use sleepers, you need to create them comfortable conditions, for example, to make drainage, and good waterproofing, it is better to paste it to get rid of capillary movement of moisture. According to the rules, foundations are not reinforced with reinforcement less than 12 mm. in diameter.
Answer from 22 answers[guru]
Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: how to cut a reinforced concrete sleeper? I want to make a foundation, but the sleepers are long and I need to bandage them, how can I break them?
Answer from European[newbie]
sit on it
Answer from Woke up[guru]
They break like a sledgehammer - with 2 hits. Use a grinder to saw off iron
Answer from Alexander Schefer[guru]
You take an ISC 633 saw with a diamond chain and cut it off. Delov something.
Answer from Guy from the Future...[guru]
Well, if we use a grinder, then with a diamond on reinforced concrete. checked. in concrete on reinforcement they do not burn
Answer from Yotary Plinth[guru]
A powerful grinder and a cutting abrasive wheel for concrete... works together with the reinforcement...
