13: Hold own pieces in place.
13
14: Roadbed cut for curving and switch insert.
14
Getting Real column - 6
table. This keeps the work in accurate position and provides
protection for the operator (12).
A completed length of finished roadbed is shown, on the saw
table to the right of cutting jig, in figure 13. To lay curved sec-
tions, slots are cut about ¾ of the way through the roadbed to
allow it to bend. The spacing for the slots is roughly the radius
of the curve divided by 12. For a 30” radius R/12 = 30/12 = 2.5”
spacing between the slots. Lay the slots on the inside of the
curve so that the slots tend to close as the roadbed is bent.
A word of caution, cutting the Celotex generates a lot of fine
dust! Work outside if you can. I call it clean dust, because it
blows down and vacuums up readily. Save half a shopping bag
full of the dust; it will be useful later!
For switches, a wedge-shaped section of Celotex is cut to
match the number of the switch. For example, the wedge
12: Note the small amount of exposed blade.
12
MRH-Jan 2013
