Cutting sleepers

Don't think I can trust myself with one. :o Besides, the wife will flat out refuse to have one anywhere near the house.

My plan was to do one side, then flip it over and do other side.
 
I use mine for dead bodys but I reckon it could handle a sleeper.

Mooohahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
 
I did that lot with a chainsaw


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Looks good macca. Well I'm slowing warming to the chainsaw idea. What are the electrical ones like? I'll check the alligator saw too, but as I'll be looking to buy rather than hire.
 
Chainsaws are fine, modern ones have so many safety features in case you drop it or are not holding it correctly, the only problem I've ever had was when I was cutting lazily, if you cut methodically you'll be fine.

Safety gear is a must, I'd not buy all the trousers and stuff but if you've never used one then it's pretty much a given you'll want them.
 
A normal panel saw will easily cut 100mm x 150mm sleepers. No need to get a chainsaw. I have cut much thicker timber in the past.

Go for a 22" with 7tpi and it will do the job fine. Just make sure the work piece is well supported so it doesn't start binding on the saw. Also rub a candle or spray some WD-40 on the blade to help if it starts to bind.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bahco-244-hardpoint-handsaw-22/60855
 
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Thanks Mark, think I'll try cutting it by hand first and if that doesn't work out I'll get something a bit more powerful.
 
Get a 235mm circular saw, it will have a cutting depth of around 80mm, which is just enough for your 150mm sleeper.
Beware they do kick back a lot more than the smaller saws, but it is a tool that has a 1001 DIY uses. I bought a cheap one for just this purpose actually.

Having cut a few bushes down with a 30" bowsaw last weekend, I will not be rushing to use a manual cutting tool any time soon :o



Ah, misread, your sleepers are only 100mm thick. In which case a normal 185mm circular saw with a cutting depth of around 55mm will be enough (and a lot easier to handle than the bigger one).
 
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We made a big chunky bench from sleepers in the garden

Used a circular saw and just kept flipping it over to cut each side

For the very centre we just used a hacksaw to finish it off

Then two minutes with a belt sander and the edges are clean too
 
bitslice said:
Man doth not acquire new toolage by hiring :p

He has a domestic problem that a machine tool will solve, this will pass the Wife Acceptancey Test, it is only right and proper that he go forth and acquire this new tool to add to the manly tools collection.
Click to expand...

True, only right to add to his manly tools collection but, buying a 12" sliding mitre saw is excessive, I fear the OP would be enjoying hospital food for several weeks if he bought one, I suggested only hiring one, as it has around 110mm cut, therefore you can cut with just one pass, plus you can do trenching.
And railway sleepers are a one off job, you need a lot of large size work to justify a 12" mitre saw.
For most work around the home a 8" or 10" sliding mitre saw is ample, something that offers around 70mm cut at 90 degrees & and about 70mm at 45 degrees & compound angles.

The Bosch PCM 8 S at £245 is a good saw, has a laser, & offers a good depth of cut at 90 & 45 degrees, if you want something from the professional range, then had another £150 or so to the price.

http://www.bosch-do-it.com/gb/en/diy/tools/pcm-8-s-3165140366380-199898.jsp
 
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How would you practically cut a railway sleeper with a mitre saw? Perhaps I'm thinking of the ones my local garden centre stock but it would have to be a mammoth saw!

maccapacca - really impressive garden! Out of interest, did you make the swing as well?
 
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