RR TIES

[mac]

HAS ANY EVER SAWED USED RAILROAD TIES. I have a guy that wants some sawed into 2" stuff. Anyone ever try this?

[beenthere]

Sawing with what? 

There are deep cracks and checks, all of which are filled with dirt, sand, rocks, and even some stuff in there that might dull a sharp tooth. 

Seems it would be a venture to do it successfully. Do you have some ideas how to avoid these things?

[Rockn H]

I have. ;D

[mac]

this guy is as serious as a heart a tack. he said the amish sawed some for him last year with a circle mill. wanted to know if i could saw it with my band mill.

[VA-Sawyer]

Rockn H :  What method do you use? JUST SAY NO ?  I wiped out a couple of chainsaw chains on RR Ties. I don't let them near my mill. If you have a different idea that really works them please post it.
VA-Sawyer

[DanG]

So, the Amish folks sawed them for him before.  Now he is looking to you to saw them.  Why didn't he go back to the Amish?  Maybe they told him not to bring any more.  Sound's like you got a cheapskate on your hands.  He'll probably complain about the quality and not want to pay, either.  Send him on his way.

[Rockn H]

Ok, I lied. ;D  Actually I haven't sawed any ties.  I have sawed a lot of creosote timbers and pilings.  I don't think any where actual ties altough I have wondered if some 16's a while back weren't from a switch.  
The creosote will dull a blade quick.  Keeping the lube going heavy will help.  I also wait for cool weather so I can wear long sleeves and not get to wet.  The dust will burn your skin if it sticks.

[Shamus]

Ooog, sounds gritty and preservativey. Take a pass...

[Dan_Shade]

heh, i don't even like to saw crossties with a chainsaw, I can't imagine making them into 2" boards

[mac]

I thnk i will tell him to let the amish do it and leave it at that!

[Fla._Deadheader]

Smart move.  8) ;D ;D ;)

[mur]

Your customer would probably be better off with treated dimension lumber - 2x8's or whatever.  I have chainsawed railway ties in half and they are really tough on chain.  I wouldn't even think about cutting ties on my bandsaw.  Plus creosote is really toxic plus it can physically burn you.  Tell him to go back to the Amish.  You're missing nothing by saying no to this job. 

[beenthere]

..........Plus creosote is really toxic ............

In my opinion, I wouldn't put that much spin on creosote being 'toxic'.  Even the EPA is tentative about its classification of a carcinogen, saying it 'probably' is.
http://www.nsc.org/library/chemical/Creosote.htm

As it is a great wood preservative, passing on 'hype' (again, IMO) may get it banned erroneously (IMO) like Penta and CCA.

Sorry to get off the subject of the original post.  Your comment about using treated dimension was a good suggestion, IMO.

[Bro. Noble]

I wouldn't worry about cresote either if I were just doing a few ties,  but there is no way I would consider sawing them because of blade damage.

When we first got our first mill,  my Dad asked us to saw a couple for him.  It took about 6 blades per tie because of the gravel in the cracks. >:(