Cutting Track Windows for Slide Replacement

[Blue Dave]

I know that I have heard of some guys cutting two track windows wider to allow for slide replacement without having to pull the skid frame out. Has anyone had any adverse consequences doing this? I am assuming that I would simply use a sharp razor knife correct? I just want to make sure that this is an accepted practice before cutting into my new Ice Ripper XT track. I really do not feel like pulling the skid again this season if I do not have to.

 

[APEX 06]

I know that I have heard of some guys cutting two track windows wider to allow for slide replacement without having to pull the skid frame out. Has anyone had any adverse consequences doing this? I am assuming that I would simply use a sharp razor knife correct? I just want to make sure that this is an accepted practice before cutting into my new Ice Ripper XT track. I really do not feel like pulling the skid again this season if I do not have to.[/quote



Cut one open then rotate the track half ways then cut the other one open. Burn the holes after to seal the track.

 

[Blue Dave]

I know that I have heard of some guys cutting two track windows wider to allow for slide replacement without having to pull the skid frame out. Has anyone had any adverse consequences doing this? I am assuming that I would simply use a sharp razor knife correct? I just want to make sure that this is an accepted practice before cutting into my new Ice Ripper XT track. I really do not feel like pulling the skid again this season if I do not have to.[/quote



Cut one open then rotate the track half ways then cut the other one open. Burn the holes after to seal the track.

Why not cut two windows in the same row. I wouldn't think that the small amount of rubber that I will be removing could be enough to throw the track out of balance. Is the reason to offset the cut windows a half a track revolution to not have two weakened areas so close together?

 

[APEX 06]

I know that I have heard of some guys cutting two track windows wider to allow for slide replacement without having to pull the skid frame out. Has anyone had any adverse consequences doing this? I am assuming that I would simply use a sharp razor knife correct? I just want to make sure that this is an accepted practice before cutting into my new Ice Ripper XT track. I really do not feel like pulling the skid again this season if I do not have to.[/quote



Cut one open then rotate the track half ways then cut the other one open. Burn the holes after to seal the track.

Why not cut two windows in the same row. The small amount of rubber that I will be removing certainly could not be enough to throw the track out of balance. Is the reason to not have two weakened areas so close together?

Yes so you dont have to weak areas together

 

[Grimm]

I still don't understand the need to do this...I've never had a problem fitting a set of sliders through the track windows, just insert the slider through the track window vertically and twist 90 degrees. It just requires a little extra force, and maybe a little lube.

 

[Blue Dave]

I do not like the word "weak". That is what I am trying to avoid. If this weakens the track enough to have to offset the weakness I may decide to pull the skid again for peace of mind with my new track.

Has anyone actually experienced an adverse effect like tearing from doing this?

 

[Yamanimal]

I don't think it would be a strength issue at all. The windows on my ripsaw are large enough to easily slide th ehyfax through. I would drill out the four corners with a small bit just so you don't overcut the window.

 

[TRUE BLUE SINCE 1980]

I do not like the word "weak". That is what I am trying to avoid. If this weakens the track enough to have to offset the weakness I may decide to pull the skid again for peace of mind with my new track.

Has anyone actually experienced an adverse effect like tearing from doing this?

We always cut the two windows on the same bar that the name of the track is on.
Never had a track fail in any way. .....Many dealers cut the tracks.

Cutting an 1/8 inch on both sides goes a long way. The Dupont slides seem to be thicker than the regular ones.

 

[MadMax]

I still don't understand the need to do this...I've never had a problem fitting a set of sliders through the track windows, just insert the slider through the track window vertically and twist 90 degrees. It just requires a little extra force, and maybe a little lube.

X2............... Never had a problem....................... "EVER". MM.

 

[IA Rider]

I still don't understand the need to do this...I've never had a problem fitting a set of sliders through the track windows, just insert the slider through the track window vertically and twist 90 degrees. It just requires a little extra force, and maybe a little lube.

X2............... Never had a problem....................... "EVER". MM.

X3

 

[Blue Dave]

Thanks guys, I feel better now about taking a razor knife to my new track. I thought about trying to twist the slides through at an angle but I do not want to take a chance of damaging the Dupont inserts by twisting.

 

[couch]

Drill the 4 corners X2
safe and easy way to make sure that you do not cut too far ... new blade on an Olfa knife is sharp enough.

 

[Blue Dave]

Drill the 4 corners X2
safe and easy way to make sure that you do not cut too far ... new blade on an Olfa knife is sharp enough.

Do I need to burn the cuts to seal the track?

 

[Yamanimal]

It's not anything i'd be worried about, but i guess you could bt you just to be safe. I doubt it would actually make a difference either way.

 

[yamaha convert]

Drill the 4 corners X2
safe and easy way to make sure that you do not cut too far ... new blade on an Olfa knife is sharp enough.

Do I need to burn the cuts to seal the track?

This is how I cut out my windows. They are just wider at the bottom than the hi fax and it drags a little on the top corners of the hifax as you pull it through. They measure approximately 1 5/8" across the bottom and I tried to leave the top as close to standard as possible. I did these 4000 miles ago and they dont look that different than the day I cut them. The track has a total of 5000 miles on it. All I used was a box cutter with a new blade.
Hope this helps