I cut up a few old RR ties years ago. I ruined a perfectly good chain in the process. Those things are nasty. Never again.

Thanks everyone good advice.

In addition to respiratory protection, wear crap clothes and shoes that you don't mind ruining. Creosote won't come out of whatever you get it on.

If you know someone who has a gas cut-off saw for concrete or rebar or can find one to rent. Dont tear up a good chainsaw or blade in the process. A reciprocating saw is a good choice because the blades are cheap and you also might want to have someone pour water on it while you are cutting as it will help to keep the creosote "contained."

Someone mentioned earlier about disposable clothes and shoes. True statement so dont wear your Sunday best.

No good way to do this,screws up bars and chains,rocipiting saws ,get lots of blades.K-1 or diesel for lub.Built one retaining wall in my life at costumers request,one was my first and last thirty five years back

If the RR tie is old the creosote issue won't be nearly as bad .

So long as you don't hit any metal in the tie, cutting it with a chainsaw is no big deal. Might dull the chain a little but that's what they make chainsaw files for. As far as creosote dust, or what have you, if your saw is sharp in the first place, you won't be making any fine dust to breathe in.

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
I don't have a chainsaw.

Wait.... why not???? Good time to get one.