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...........................--- No Mill, No Problem Part 2 ---

I feel that some put off decoder installs since they have seen frames that were milled for clearance using …..

….. a mill similar to the one above or a smaller one. It is nice if you have one but you don't need one. I have the one above and a smaller one but still don't use either the majority of the time when I'm installing decoders and need to mill the frame for clearance. On the preceding page we looked at using a Dremel-like flex tool with a carbide bit to clearance frames.

Here we will look at also using a common jewelers saw in instances where we can. You can at times use it to remove frame areas quicker and cleaner than using a tool with a carbide bit. The pictures should do a fairly good job of showing when and how to use the saw.

It is important to be able to hold the frame firmly. I have two of the vises shown in the following photo, one for my work area in the house (shown) and …

… the other is for the workbench out in the shop. I love the vise and got them on Amazon ( HERE ) but if that doesn't work Google 'Fasmov Swivel 3” Universal Table Vise' . It is easy to move or remove the vise from the edge of the work surface and it will adjust to any angle. I couldn't live without it and use it all the time for decoder installs and other projects. Highly recommend getting one.

I first bought a jewelers saw when I started making hand-laid turnouts. This is the second saw I bought and about twice the price of the first one but much better as it is easier to get the blade tension right for easy cutting. Having a very taught blade is the secret to using one of these saws and not being frustrate trying to use one.

This saw (shown above ) lets you tighten the blade on the top like most of these saws do, but they stop there and you will find it is better to have a tighter blade than you accomplish only using that step. This saw also has a thumb adjuster out in front of the blade and its holder at the front of the saw. The thumb adjuster lets you get the blade very tight and taught. Just what you need. It is a Megacast German style jewelers saw that I found on Amazon ( HERE ). I highly recommend spending the money on it.

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Get yourself a die grinder type tool and a 'good' jewelers saw and start installing decoders.

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