Railroad ties are among the strongest and most durable building materials. However, all that strength and endurance comes with a price. You’ve probably worked with them before and know how challenging they can be.
Although railroad ties can be difficult to use for home projects, it is possible. This guide will show you how to cut railroad ties. You can easily become intimidated by these huge pieces of wood. But don’t worry, this guide will help you feel confident enough to tackle any project.
A Word Of Caution
Before you get started on your project, there are a few things youll want to consider. The first of which is the difficulty of the work. Railroad ties can be extremely large and often have grit, rocks or other materials inside them for extra durability. This makes them far more difficult to cut than an equivalent sized piece of wood.
Railroad ties are also coated with a carcinogenic compound called Creosote which is designed to weatherproof the ties. Creosote can also irritate your eyes, lungs, and skin if it comes in contact with you. This compound can also leach into the soil in the vicinity where you have installed the ties.
In other words, if its possible, avoid working with railroad ties altogether. In many cases, the effort youll expend for this project will not equal the reward, and you should consider working with another material.
But, you may be forced to work with them, and therefore youll need to learn how to cut railroad ties. Let’s get on with it.
What You’ll Need
It is not easy to cut railroad ties, but it does not require many tools. Heres what youll need
- Electricor gas powered chainsaw
- Carbide-tipped chainsaw chains (not necessary, but cut more quickly than standard chains)
- Two scrap pieces (lumber 2x4s) work well
- Coveralls
- Safety goggles
- Tape measure
- Chalk
Step 1: Setting Up Your Work Area
You will need to first set up the area where you’ll be working. You can save your back by working close to the concrete ties so that you don’t have to carry them around.
Your two scrap pieces should be placed about three feet apart. Later, youll be putting your railroad ties on these pieces of wood, so you can elevate them as you cut. This will allow you to easily cut through the ties and prevent them from binding during cutting.
Place your first railroad tie on the treated wood.
Step II: Measurement
You may be able skip this step depending on your goals. Many people are learning to cut railroad ties to remove them from their homes, rather than using them for new construction. If thats the case, no measurements will be necessary.
But, if you need to cut railroad ties to size for a new project youre working on, youll want to use your tape measure and a piece of chalk to accurately measure and mark the cuts you need to make in each tie.
Step 3: Breaking The Ties
Before you begin cutting railroad ties, take a moment to make sure that youre working smartly and safely. You should wear gloves, boots, safety goggles and hearing protection. As I mentioned, Creosote is nasty stuff, and you dont want to get any of it on you.
Once you are ready to go, get out your chainsaw and start making your first cut. Cut straight through the tie to about of the total depth, and then take your chainsaw out and finish your cut by cutting upwards from under the tie. This will prevent the chain from tying.
As you cut, be especially careful. Railroad ties regularly have grit, small rocks and stones and other goodies lodged inside, and they can affect the way your chainsaw cuts. Work slowly and be vigilant and you shouldnt run into any problems.
Keep in mind, however, that railroad ties can be very rough on your chain due to the grit. You will need to make multiple cuts so that it is easier to cut railroad ties.
The Final Word
Railroad ties pose unique challenges, making them challenging to work with. But, the task is far from impossible. With some patience, good safety equipment, and your trusty chainsaw, youll be able to learn how to cut railroad ties with relative ease.
Follow the tips in this guide, and make sure youre working slowly and carefully, and youll be able to conquer your railroad tie project. These helpful tips from HGTV will help you find new ways to use railroad ties in your home.
