The most common tools include: Circular Saw: Ideal for cutting straight lines and achieving accurate cuts in timber. Ensure you use a circular saw blade with the correct rating for the material. Reciprocating Saw: This power tool is perfect for more intricate cuts or if you're cutting sleepers already fixed in place.
There are many ways to cut sleepers, but we recommend using a circular saw for accuracy, precision and speed. If you don't have access to power tools, softwood projects may be completed with a handsaw, but hardwoods with require power tools.
A circular saw is the best method for cutting railway sleepers, although a hand saw can be used for softwood sleepers. However a circular saw blade may not completely cut through the thickness of a sleeper in one pass - cut through one side, then turn the sleeper over and recut to finish the job.
The most common tool used for cutting railway sleepers is a chainsaw or a circular saw, although other saws such as reciprocating saws may also be suitable depending on the user's experience level.
Hand saw
Every carpentry workshop should have several hand saws of different shapes and sizes. Hand saws are used by traditional carpenters because they allow them to control the cut while providing a beautiful finish.
If the circular saw is the workhorse, the table saw is the maestro of precision in the woodshop. Revered as a primary woodcutting tool, the table saw's robust build and powerful motor make it the go-to choice for achieving unparalleled accuracy in a variety of cuts.
You should not cut roots or anything that's embedded in the dirt with a chainsaw. Cutting in dirt dulls the chainsaw very fast, so you will need to learn to sharpen your saw, send it to a professional for sharpening, or replace it afterwards if you do so. You should also avoid cutting power lines.
New reproduction sleepers will benefit from the use of a wood preserver and an exterior wood oil such as Manns Premier UV Decking Oil.
When fixing railway sleepers together, use steel landscaping screws as they are strong, won't corrode if they come into contact with timber treatment, and are available up to 250mm in length. With a hexagonal head they can be put in place using a power drill.
Circular Saw: Ideal for cutting straight lines and achieving accurate cuts in timber. Ensure you use a circular saw blade with the correct rating for the material. Reciprocating Saw: This power tool is perfect for more intricate cuts or if you're cutting sleepers already fixed in place.
Choose high-quality wood paint or stain that is suitable for outdoor use. Look for products specifically designed for treating sleepers to ensure durability.
Timberlok screws are an alternative to traditional coach screws and can be used in a number of timber to timber applications. One of the most popular uses for Timberlok screws is fixing timber sleepers together.
Chainsaws are incredibly powerful and can easily cut through railway sleepers, regardless of shape or size. They are often used in industrial locations that need to handle large quantities of railway sleepers.
Our favorite circular saw and the one we think is right for most home users is the Skil 5280-01. It performed great all around, and the price is right. For professionals, though, we recommend the Skil SPT77WML-01. It earned the highest overall score, cutting through wood as well as metal, though it will cost you.
Use an electric carving knife for a smoother cut, running the knife along the marked line. If using a serrated knife, gently saw back and forth for precision. Avoid compressing the foam unnecessarily.
Wood Preserver
Reclaimed railway sleepers can last for decades without being treated. However, to help nourish and protect the timber from decay it is a good idea to apply a wood preservative.
It may come as an eye-opener to some. But wet wood is actually much easier to cut than dry wood. With dry wood lacking moisture content, more friction is created as the chainsaw chain comes into contact with the wood fibers. This friction results in the chain slowing down.
Mitre saw, Scroll saw, Table saw, Band saw, Circular saw, Reciprocating saw, Scroll Saw, Radial arm, Jig saw and Top tip.
A jigsaw is an excellent tool if you're looking for something to make delicate, curved cuts with. A circular saw is a superior choice, though, if you require a tool to produce straight cuts, like sawing plywood sheets.
The selection of cutting tools depends on the material properties of the workpiece and the desired outcome of the machining process. The material properties of the workpiece are critical factors in tool selection. Harder materials require harder and more durable tool materials such as carbide or high-speed steel.