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Time to turn a flat tabletop into a layout with aesthetically pleasing elevations and undulations. But before David gets too far into cutting plywood, he first talks through a few changes to the N scale track plan. Plus, you’ll also see his clever, easily removable backdrop installation.
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Model Railroader 2026 Calendar
Don't miss Model Railroader’s all-new 2026 calendar, featuring Rod Stewart's spectacular layout!
I have multiple saws and a lot of very expensive Freud Diablo blades. I bought a soda blaster from Harbor Freight and a 5 pound bag of baking soda from Sam’s club. If you use 90 lbs of pressure, the soda blaster will clean all the pitch off the blade and it will cut like brand new. You have to clean the blades before they overheat and ruin the carbide tips, and it makes a big mess but it sure cleans the blades.
what type of wood is being used for the L girder benchwork – ie the legs and cross supports
David, Can you please tell me what size drill bit you used to pre-drill the holes for the drywall screws?
When using eye protection, I would suggest a mask also. Probably does not need to protect against very fine particles, but I do not like sawdust in my mouth or nose.
Spot on with using clean blades – a less expensive option is to clean them. I use BoeShield Blade and Bit cleaner (originally developed by Boeing) to clean saw blades. Just put the cleaner in a pie tin and drop the blade in and let it soak, the resins just fall off with minor scrubbing. The stuff costs $15 or so, which is way less than a new blade, and can be saved for later use. The true hazard is a DULL blade, those should be sharpened or replaced.
I use BoeShield also. It is a great product that you can buy at most wood working stores