Gundog53 Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 The pin on a (below baseboard) solenoid point motor usually have to be cut back to avoid snagging the rolling stock. I have struggled to cut these pins despite using various tools. I would like know what other modellers use to cut these very strong pins. Help would be appreciated. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ntpntpntp Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 (edited) I use a cutting disk in a minidrill. Must wear eye protection! Also, mark the rod and remove the point motor before cutting - don't try to do it in situ or the heat will melt the plastic of the tiebar. Edited March 8 by ntpntpntp 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveM6 Posted March 9 Share Posted March 9 Eye protection is a must. I use a pair of cheap but sturdy side cutters then dress the end of the pin with a Dremel. As has been said before do it slowly to avoid melting the tie rod. It's sometimes useful to have a small wet cloth to cool the pin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ModelerXYZ Posted March 9 Share Posted March 9 I use Side cutters and a file because I don't have a dremel. XYZ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gundog53 Posted March 10 Author Share Posted March 10 Thank you for all your responses. Taking point motors out to cut some pins, not many but enough, is a real pain lying on my back at 70 to do this. I tried with my Xuron rail cutters but no good. I will take your advice and reluctantly crawl under the base boards!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ntpntpntp Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 (edited) You'll ruin Xuron cutters, they're not designed for hardened steel. I do have some old heavy duty cutters but as mentioned before I prefer the cutting disc method, which both cuts and allow me to de-burr and round off the end of the rod. Really should make the baseboards removable or on hinges so you can access underneath 🙂 I've been been building my layouts as modular / portable baseboards since the 70s, there's no way I'd ever want to be lying underneath to work on them. Edited March 10 by ntpntpntp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brew Man Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 On 09/03/2024 at 08:33, ModelerXYZ said: I use Side cutters and a file because I don't have a dremel. XYZ The more I use my Dremel the more I realise what an indispensable piece of kit it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
What About The Bee Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 Very nice harness indeed @ntpntpntp It is clear you thought ahead to servicing needs. Nothing like a tidy harness to simplify the task. Tip of the cap Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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