I bought a LR32 on Ebay - Advice to keep or return

[jturner421]

Hi all,

I won an auction for a "new" LR32 kit on Ebay. No returns according to seller but covered by Ebay protection program. I knew going into the auction that it was the older version, model 583 291.  As far as I know, the only appreciable difference between it and the new kit are the rail connectors.  I can say that I have no intention of combining rails.  I am also a hobbyist and have no intention of using this for commercial purposes.

So I received the kit on Friday and when I opened it up it was clear that it had been lightly used but probably not stored properly.  The kit was missing one of the 5mm bits and the other two bits show signs of rust or corrosion, one on the shaft the other on the bit itself.  I've attached pictures.  After opening a case with Ebay, the seller has agreed to a price reduction that brings the total cost to over 40% of the cost of a new one or the option to return. 

I'm kind of torn on what to do.  On the one hand if the bits can be cleaned, the rest of the kit appears to be in good shape and in working order.  On the other hand, of if I need to replace both 5mm bits (the missing one and rusted one) that's another $65.00 which brings the total discount to about 25% off from new.  I'm also concerned that the money may not be refunded and I'll have to fight with the credit card company to get the charges reversed. 

Long story short, can the bit be cleaned? 

Thanks,

--Joel

 

[Michael Kellough]

No big deal. Just use a little steel wool.

 

[erock]

Joel I think your find.  If I were you I would take the discount and use the refunded money towards the brad point style 5mm bit  (491 066) for $30  because it looks like the 5mm bit in your pictures is the spear bit.  The brad point bit is used for a flush bottoms for the holes.  The 35mm cup hinge is not big deal at all.
Both bits you have pictured can be cleaned.  If everything else in the kit was included then move on put that kit to use  [wink].

Did you double check to ensure the only thing missing was one 5mm bit?  Do you have the hardware needed to secure the guide plate to the router?
Two screws for a OF1400 or the two thumb knobs and whatchamacallits for the OF1010?
Two end stops with the thumb screws (or rail connectors) ?  Two Edge stops with both pins and rail attachments? 
Two screw clamps?  And most importantly, do you have the center mandrel?

Eric

 

[jturner421]

Hi Eric,

Here is what I have including the bits I mentioned in my previous post. Captions are my guess at what things are supposed to be as I have no experience looking at a retail kit in-person:

Guide Plate with knobs for OF1010
[attachthumb=#1]

2 end stops
[attachthumb=#2]

Center Mandrel
[attachthumb=#3]

2 Edge stops

[attachthumb=#4]

2 Clamps

[attachthumb=#5]

Thanks,

--Joel

 

[erock]

Joel 

Are you using the OF1010 or OF1400?  If the OF1010 then you're golden.  I assume you have or are getting a LR32 rail.

But if you're using the OF1400 you're gonna need the two screws needed to mount the router to the guide plate.

Eric

 

[jturner421]

Eric,

There are two screws in the kit; however, I'm using an OF1010—that's my next purchase. 

BTW, your video series was the main reason I started looking for this on ebay and craigslist.  It really demonstrates for a newb like me to Festool and woodworking the value of the kit for frameless cabinet making. 

Thanks for helping me out here.

--Joel

 

[erock]

Eric,

There are two screws in the kit; however, I'm using an OF1010—that's my next purchase. 

BTW, your video series was the main reason I started looking for this on ebay and craigslist.  It really demonstrates for a newb like me to Festool and woodworking the value of the kit for frameless cabinet making.   

Thanks for helping me out here.

--Joel

That's why we are all here!  [wink]

Eric