New LR32 owner questions

[sprior]

This week I bought a OF1400 router and LR32 system and thanks in large part to erocks videos have been pretty successful with some test pieces.
A couple of questions:

1. My LR32 edge stops have a knob you turn to lock them down to the guide rail and this is kinda awkward to turn.  Is it my imagination or did they used to have a level to flip to lock them down (which I'd think would be much easier)?

2. The black on black zero indicator mark on the plastic part of the edge stop is almost impossible to see int he same light as the rule markings on the hexagonal bar - what's the best way to enhance its contrast?  I was thinking of either trying to get paint on the surface of the raised marks while leaving the background black, or painting over the marks and background and then lightly sanding until the marks pop through.  What have people tried?

 

[Corwin]

1. My LR32 edge stops have a knob you turn to lock them down to the guide rail and this is kinda awkward to turn.  Is it my imagination or did they used to have a level to flip to lock them down (which I'd think would be much easier)?

I don't believe the knobs have changed.  In any event, you may want to check out this old thread:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/lr-32-enhancement/

 

[ajones]

This week I bought a OF1400 router and LR32 system and thanks in large part to erocks videos have been pretty successful with some test pieces.
A couple of questions:

1. My LR32 edge stops have a knob you turn to lock them down to the guide rail and this is kinda awkward to turn.  Is it my imagination or did they used to have a level to flip to lock them down
(which I'd think would be much easier)?
The knob is a little hard to use, but with a lever it may be to easy to over tighten the thing they only need to be very lightly nipped up.

2. The black on black zero indicator mark on the plastic part of the edge stop is almost impossible to see int he same light as the rule markings on the hexagonal bar - what's the best way to enhance its contrast?  I was thinking of either trying to get paint on the surface of the raised marks while leaving the background black, or painting over the marks and background and then lightly sanding until the marks pop through.  What have people tried?

I have exactly the same issue and your idea of painting the raised parts sounds like a great idea

 

[Brice Burrell]

1. My LR32 edge stops have a knob you turn to lock them down to the guide rail and this is kinda awkward to turn.  Is it my imagination or did they used to have a level to flip to lock them down (which I'd think would be much easier)?

I don't believe the knobs have changed.  In any event, you may want to check out this old thread:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/lr-32-enhancement/

I used to feel the same way until Festool trainer Steve Bace showed me the right way to put them on and take 'em off.  They are press fit, meaning you just push them on and pull them off.  You only need to tighten the screw if they loosen. 

 

[sprior]

Yeah, painting them white and then hitting the raised marks with a micromesh stick makes them a lot more visible.

 

[sancho57]

1. My LR32 edge stops have a knob you turn to lock them down to the guide rail and this is kinda awkward to turn.  Is it my imagination or did they used to have a level to flip to lock them down (which I'd think would be much easier)?

I don't believe the knobs have changed.  In any event, you may want to check out this old thread:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/lr-32-enhancement/

I used to feel the same way until Festool trainer Steve Bace showed me the right way to put them on and take 'em off.  They are press fit, meaning you just push them on and pull them off.  You only need to tighten the screw if they loosen.  

Thats how I do it.
Once I got them set I dont fool with the setting.
Been thing about using some lock tite to prevent the knob from loosening.

Forgot to add that I have 2 sets of them. I would lock tite only one, the one used for the shelf pins.

 

[Sparktrician]

Thats how I do it.
Once I got them set I dont fool with the setting.
Been thing about using some lock tite to prevent the knob from loosening.

Forgot to add that I have 2 sets of them. I would lock tite only one, the one used for the shelf pins.

LocTite 241 (blue, in a red bottle) will work well for this and isn't permanent.

"LOCTITE® 241 is designed for the locking and sealing of
threaded fasteners which require normal disassembly with
standard hand tools. The product cures when confined in the
absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces and
prevents loosening and leakage from shock and vibration.
Particularly suitable for applications on less active substrates
such as stainless steel and plated surfaces, where
disassembly with hand tools is required for servicing."