Ripping RR Ties

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Some of these X ties get so hard you can't hardly drive a nail into them. Wondering if any of you guys have tried milling cross ties?

 

[sedanman]

Most railroad ties I've seen around here have an "s" shaped piece of flat stock beaten into the ends to prevent checking, I wouldn't want to hit that with a saw!

 

[John in MA]

Railroad ties are soaked in creosote and usually loaded with grit from their life on the tracks. I wouldn't get near one with a chainsaw.

 

[don]

Mill them, not worth it.

I don't think it is worth it. You would eat up allot of chain. Even a carbide chain will loose teeth on this stuff.

A farmer I know uses ties to hold up sheds made of trailers.

Landscaping ties around here look used but I am told by the supplier they are not used by the railroad.

It is my understanding the railroads are looking into concrete and a recycled plastic/paper tie for environmental reasons.

 

[Rotax Robert]

Always, and I do mean Always remove the tracks before cutting and ...oh yeah , check for trains.

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Good advise guys. Lets see now, find a good tie, check for rocks, look for trains, both ways, avoid the tracks... got it.