train tracks

[onedash]

I just saw on whitesides website that they make router bits for making wooden train tracks.
My son has one of the thomas the train sets which was pretty expensive. Well The dog loves to eat them and at least one made it outside and is pretty trashed and he scatters them all over.
Not sure I understand how the bits would be used to make the connectors. Any one make them? I know the store brand are much cheaper than the regular ones and the bit price might make those the best option but Making a set with a darker wood might be cool and unique.

[mschrank]

MLCS also offers these bits...and might be a bit cheaper.

My boy is also a Thomas train fanatic, so I've looked with interest at these bits. I haven't tried them yet, but I'm assuming the connector portion of the track would require running the wood through in an upright position.

[Russianwolf]

Haven't done it, but Mike is right that the workpiece would have to be standing to go through the bit for the male and female connectors. (assuming you are using it in a router table).

How wide is the track? if it's about 2 inches you could get 8/4 stock, route the connectors then rip the tracks on the tablesaw. (Quartersawn White Oak tracks????)

[JSUPreston]

This may be of some use to y'all.

http://www.bscandm.com/trains/track.htm

[Tom Miller]

I wouldn't spend the money on the bits for making the connectors. Instead, use the stick-and-ball connector. Then, for the female end, you just drill a hole about 1/4" from the end of the piece of track, and cut a small notch to the hole.

For the male end, there are a couple of approaches. One is to make a small plug with a plug cutter, then drill a hole in the side for a short piece of dowel. Drill a hole in the end of another piece of track to accept the other end of the dowel.

You can also buy small wooden spheres, which you can drill for the dowel. Or, if you have a lathe, make the ball/dowel part as one piece. Make a bunch at a time from one long piece of stock.

Regards,
Tom