Dummy question re grade(s) of steel....

[slim_boy_fat]

As title, is the steel used in rail track extra hard?

I've been given a short length [c. 5"] of track which, once cleaned up, I'd like to machine flat on top as the other bit I have [which I bought from a Member on here], is rounded on top and is useful for rounding small jobs.

But if I could mill this extra bit flat it would save banging on the small flat on the back of the bench vice. If I can get it in, do you who know reckon my small Amolco mill be up for it? My mill cutters are sharp enough for 'normal' steel.

 

[Seadog]

It is a manganese steel which work hardens a lot. Nothing that a carbide mill couldn't take care of.

 

[brightspark]

if you want to speed it up and only have a small mill get a big angle grinder on it 1st get it to near enough flat and finish off with the mill . as above use a carbide tool hss wont cut the mustard its 2 hard

 

[brightspark]

every night I go by 2 no 20 foot lengths of track at side of railway just left 2 heavy to knobble them

 

[Spark plug]

I’ve machined it in the past, it machines nicely but don’t mess around, make some nice big chips and you’ll be fine.

 

[DAPPH]

As title, is the steel used in rail track extra hard?

I've been given a short length [c. 5"] of track which, once cleaned up, I'd like to machine flat on top as the other bit I have [which I bought from a Member on here], is rounded on top and is useful for rounding small jobs.

But if I could mill this extra bit flat it would save banging on the small flat on the back of the bench vice. If I can get it in, do you who know reckon my small Amolco mill be up for it? My mill cutters are sharp enough for 'normal' steel.

Can't you invert the rail and make up some welded bolt up to the piece of rail carriers to use the flat side of the rail ?

 

[hotponyshoes]

Might be easier to build up the rest of the rail to flat with hard facing rods then just grind/skim flat?

 

[gaz1]

if you want to speed it up and only have a small mill get a big angle grinder on it 1st get it to near enough flat and finish off with the mill . as above use a carbide tool hss wont cut the mustard its 2 hard

are you sure as ive seen planers do them often

ive been after a piece for a while and now i have one from recent purchase on here mines going under hand shaper

 

[Parm]

Might be easier to build up the rest of the rail to flat with hard facing rods then just grind/skim flat?

no don’t do that, I have a bit. Machine it it flat with he capacity of your machine, it cuts nice n smooth

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Can't you invert the rail and make up some welded bolt up to the piece of rail carriers to use the flat side of the rail ?

I could, but as I visualise it, they have to be 'outriggers' to maintain stability - and as small a footprint as possible is paramount.

Might be easier to build up the rest of the rail to flat with hard facing rods then just grind/skim flat?

I don't have the hf rods and I'm not great at MMA. I think I'm just going to have a go at skimming in the Amolco, taking great care.

 

[TechnicAl]

There are quite a few different grades but the common grade used on our railways contains about 0.8C and 1.7Mn.....they are heat treated to about 400 VPN..... so moderately hard

 

[TechnicAl]

It is a manganese steel which work hardens a lot. Nothing that a carbide mill couldn't take care of.

For some reason they use Austenitic 14% Manganese Steel for the crossovers, which are cast....the rails themselves are different

 

[hotponyshoes]

I might be able to get hold of a few of the feet things that the rail sits in if anybody wants any.
No idea if they are a standard size or if the rail will fit in firmly enough to then beat something on top of it?

 

[brightspark]

I might be able to get hold of a few of the feet things that the rail sits in if anybody wants any.
No idea if they are a standard size or if the rail will fit in firmly enough to then beat something on top of it?

track chairs I bought a one dated 1890 for 15 quid

 

[Gritineye]

That first toe tapper video's mine, HSS tools would struggle on a mill, but they work on a shaper largely because of the 'rest time' on the back stroke keeps them cooler.

 

[jimbo84]

I've got some old rail, but it definitely isn't hard, it's surprisingly soft and easy to work with. It's full size but not sure how old. It does have train wheel wear on it.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I would think if both the rails and wheels were fully hardened the train would not have any brakes.
One of them must have a bit of give in..

 

[Dcal]

I cut some with a small 6 inch, dry cut band saw with M42 blade.
I was surprised how easily it cut and it left a nice flat surface to batter on.

Must try some in the shaper for the craic.

 

[TechnicAl]

I would think if both the rails and wheels were fully hardened the train would not have any brakes.
One of them must have a bit of give in..

Ive seen the marks the wheels leave when they skid or sometimes when they start......the rails should be about 400VPN and the wheels are softer.....They actually have a stick welding procedure to repair these indentations......a mate of mine has developed an automated machine that repairs these....its currently under trial.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Well, the rail wouldn't fit in the Amolco so I farmed the job out to someone better equipped.

Came back this afternoon and I'm very happy with the results.




Strong drink will be exchanged.....

EDIT: The black isn't paint, just the result of wire brush/angle grinder + an oil wipe over.