Ripsaw track shortfall...3rd window closed

[Grimm]

I've read posts about punching and clipping new holes in this track to reduce heat and hyfax wear.

I'm in the middle of studding up my track on my Vector and in doing so, I thought of the idea of drilling several holes with the track hole cutter (as opposed to chiseling out a hole and clipping), in the closed window portions of the track.

Has anyone done this? I feel it would allow more snow through these holes to cool the sliders, while maintaining the structural integrity of the track.

Any thoughts?

 

[SledderSteve]

Interestingly, the idea behind the closed windows is for that section of track to capture and retain snow to help cool the sliders.

Naturally in reality, the closed windows also capture everything else like dirt and rocks which don't make the sliders very happy at all.

 

[Oak Hill]

I am going to put 1' holes in my third widows. I believe it will help and cut down on rotational wieght.

 

[Grimm]

I am going to put 1' holes in my third widows. I believe it will help and cut down on rotational wieght.

Are you concerned about weakening the track by cutting such a large hole without clipping it?

 

[Oak Hill]

Not at all!

 

[4Fighter]

Interestingly, the idea behind the closed windows is for that section of track to capture and retain snow to help cool the sliders.

Naturally in reality, the closed windows also capture everything else like dirt and rocks which don't make the sliders very happy at all.

They also get sticky when you run out of snow to capture (ice, hardpack, repeated road crossings) in low snow conditions. It's a trade-off: reduced friction and longer slide life, at the expense of added weight. The biggest hassle with clipping a track (by yourself) is the tool needed to crimp over the 1.25" lugs. It's expensive, and most dealers won't part with it, if they even have it.

 

[Grimm]

Well, I took the holesaw out and drilled out one inch holes. Didn't take long either.
I definately will be keeping an eye on these holes this winter.

 

[LazyBastard]

Add a little bit of fire to bind the cords and prevent it from fraying.