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Wooden train tracks

8.6K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  Ralph Barker  
#1 ·
Two dimensional track is straightforeward but how do you cut a rabbet into convex or concave pieces? The bridge in this layout is an example of what I am trying to describe.
 

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#2 ·
I suspect you'll want a bit with a guide bearing, or bearings on both top and bottom. The bit profile would depend on the shape/profile of the train's wheels.

http://eagleamerica.com/flute-cutterassembly-bits/p/164-1042/

http://eagleamerica.com/three-wingslot-cutters/p/146-0130/

In either case, the base of the router would ride on the flat side of the bridge, and the guide bearing would ride against the "rail" surface.

The curved track sections would be routed from the top surface, using a rounded V-shaped edge guide below the base plate of the router, keeping that at right angles to the (ever-changing) tangent of the curve, if working from the inside of the curve. A regular edge guide could be used if working from the outside of the curve, keeping the edge guide parallel to the changing tangent.
 
#3 ·
#4 · (Edited)

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#5 ·
I noticed the MLCS product page photo depicts the double-groove bit sitting on a section of curved track. I love it when manufacturers use photographers who don't understand the products, and art directors who don't catch the photographer's errors. Grrrr.

At least their instruction PDF makes it clear the double-groove bit is for straight track segments only.