SIGforum
I need to cut a railroad tie to finish a project...
October 03, 2022, 09:45 AM
BB61I need to cut a railroad tie to finish a project...
I don't have a chainsaw. Any suggestions on hand tools or do I need a power saw? If so, what would be my best options?
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October 03, 2022, 09:49 AM
bdylanI've cut them with a chainsaw without issue. Wear long sleeves...the creosote is quite a skin irritant.
October 03, 2022, 09:52 AM
BB61^^^^
What size chainsaw blade do you have?
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October 03, 2022, 09:54 AM
selogicSince the op stated that he doesn't have a chainsaw ...A reciprocating saw will work . If it's just one cut a tree saw will get the job done .
October 03, 2022, 09:54 AM
83v45magnaI made three full cuts to rail ties with a bow saw doing landscaping at my parents house when I was 23. I remember it took freaking forever and I never wanted to do it again.
A you-tube video shows a guy make cuts on four sides with a circular saw, then finishing up with a reciprocating saw with a long blade for the center that the circular blade wouldn't reach. If I had to do it today with no chainsaw, this'd be it.
October 03, 2022, 09:55 AM
chellim1quote:
Originally posted by bdylan:
I've cut them with a chainsaw without issue. Wear long sleeves...the creosote is quite a skin irritant.
I have too.
Watch for the inserted metal which usually goes in the ends. Watch for any remaining nails.
Any blade size 16-20" would be fine.
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-rduckwor October 03, 2022, 10:01 AM
OKCGeneCheck into renting a chain saw, check your local Home Depot, many have a Tool Rental department.
Home Depot Tool Rental It shows they rent cordless, electric and gas chainsaws.
Personally, I’d rather rent one. Use it, take it back, walk away. Nothing to maintain, get started, store fuel, mess with dull chains, etc.
.
October 03, 2022, 10:20 AM
snideraquote:
Originally posted by OKCGene:
Check into renting a chain saw, check your local Home Depot, many have a Tool Rental department.
Home Depot Tool Rental It shows they rent cordless, electric and gas chainsaws.
Personally, I’d rather rent one. Use it, take it back, walk away. Nothing to maintain, get started, store fuel, mess with dull chains, etc.
.
Even if you have a chainsaw, consider renting/borrowing as railroad ties are nasty. If the cut isn't going to be seen, a recip or old circular saw will do - and if you do a good job, it won't look bad
October 03, 2022, 10:21 AM
ZSMICHAELWear a mask when you cut.
October 03, 2022, 10:24 AM
ArtieSIf you are in Central Florida, I can cut it for you.
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October 03, 2022, 10:38 AM
architectFor just two cuts (you know, when you screw up the first one), renting is your best bet. And a chain saw with a 12-14" bar is sufficient. Depending on how fresh the creosote is, you might want to have some acetone or paint thinner handy to wipe the bar before you return it.
Don't expect the cut to be particularly accurate or square, if this matters, a more easily guided saw is your go-to. I like the circular saw four ways finished off with a Sawzall, but if neatness really matters, e.g. for a nice-looking retaining wall, I'd suggest using pressure treated landscape timbers rather than ties.
October 03, 2022, 10:45 AM
radiomanquote:
Originally posted by 83v45magna:
A you-tube video shows a guy make cuts on four sides with a circular saw, ......
that's what I did. Cut, turn, cut again, turn again.
.
October 03, 2022, 11:20 AM
kidcopI had a long response typed out on the evils involved in cutting ties, but it brought back traumatic memories. I hated cutting them until I came up with the perfect solution:
Get a cheap bow saw and pay some local teen with more muscles than brains to do it for you.
October 03, 2022, 12:32 PM
snwghstRecip/sawzall
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October 03, 2022, 12:46 PM
sigmonkeyPut any saw next to the tie, with implicit instructions not to cut it "right here", in front of a couple of 10 year olds, and go watch a game.
"the meaning of life, is to give life meaning" ✡ Ani Yehudi אני יהודי Le'olam lo shuv לעולם לא עוד October 03, 2022, 12:56 PM
flesheatingvirusquote:
Originally posted by radioman:
quote:
Originally posted by 83v45magna:
A you-tube video shows a guy make cuts on four sides with a circular saw, ......
that's what I did. Cut, turn, cut again, turn again.
I've done this and a chainsaw. Just make as sure as you can that there are no spikes, nails, staples, etc. still in the tie.
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October 03, 2022, 03:13 PM
architectquote:
Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Put any saw next to the tie, with implicit instructions not to cut it "right here", in front of a couple of 10 year olds, and go watch a game.
Pro tip: Have bandages and clotting powder handy. (But with 10-year-olds around, you're probably already equipped.)
October 03, 2022, 06:18 PM
bendableHaul it to the tool rental place and giv'em $10.00 to cut it for you
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Neck Ties, Hats and ammo brass, Never ,ever touch'em w/o asking first
October 03, 2022, 07:09 PM
.38supersigTies are usually treated with creosote.
Wearing a mask for this task is a must.
Let us know how your project turns out.
October 03, 2022, 07:46 PM
Jelly"Any suggestions" The guy I bought my house from
put used free railroad ties all over the place. I've since got rid of them years ago for good reason. They are insect super farms for everything imaginable both in them and under them. Good luck!