Fast Tracks Points Tip

[nachoman]

All,

I've been having trouble with filing the points on the point form tool in that I tend to make the point end too thin, which makes it curl and / or require a lot of peeling / trimming of structurally insufficient metal.

I've recently had luck with pre-cutting an angle on the side that will be filed with a Dremel cut off tool - this seems to allow me to file down to a sharp point without working the metal too hard and causing the above. I also get to an effective point faster. Your mileage may vary, of course...

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I have never used fast tracks products, but I assume one would have the same problem when filing points without the point form tool? I just clamp my points in a vise, and file by hand. I have attributed any "curling" due to filing too far (not stopping often enough to check my work). Of course, I am using code 55 rail and all it takes is a few swipes from a file . If I had money and had many more turnouts to build, I may consider one of these types of tools:

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But I don't think that would be kind to code 55 rail. Glad you found a solution to your problem