Purchased a new guide rail in a damaged box, is it OK?

[Skellyy]

Hello all, I purchased a new 55'' LR32 guide rail for what I thought was a solid deal at $99 shipped.  The price reduction was due to a damaged box and scratches on the unit.

The unit is brand new, however there is a slight imperfection on the corner of the track.  I have the option to return the unit if need be.
Can you guys advise if you think I will have any issues with it?

Before you ask, I currently do not yet own a track saw/router/clamps to test it out.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Kevin

 

[Nat X]

Could not disagree more strongly. File it down and you'll probably never know it's there.

 

[MGB]

If it was me I would just file it down.

I know my tools are going to get a little roughed up no matter how well I try to take care of them. Using them for hundreds of hours per year it's just a fact of life.

 

[Bohdan]

Another vote for just file it down. The saw doesn't use that part of the track.

 

[mwahaha]

Ummm its been dropped so the first thing i would do is put a straightedge on it.

If its straight then break out the file.

 

[mouppe]

When you buy a tracksaw it comes with a 55" rail, so if you don't want two return it. If you want two because you intend to join them, I would use the tracksaw to cut off the last inch or so.

 

[land_kel]

Keep it, file it down. If you were to cut off the damage make sure you maintain the 32mm spacing sequence.

 

[Tayler_mann]

For how much you pay for the dang things tell them you want a new one and you'll send the old one back when you get the new. Most companies are extremely understanding and don't want negative feedback because most shipping companies these days do not understand "FRAGILE". I don't know but it must be French.

 

[Brice Burrell]

For how much you pay for the dang things tell them you want a new one and you'll send the old one back when you get the new. Most companies are extremely understanding and don't want negative feedback because most shipping companies these days do not understand "FRAGILE". I don't know but it must be French.

He got a $30 discount for a very slightly damaged rail, I think he got a good deal.

 

[Tinker]

For how much you pay for the dang things tell them you want a new one and you'll send the old one back when you get the new. Most companies are extremely understanding and don't want negative feedback because most shipping companies these days do not understand "FRAGILE". I don't know but it must be French.

He got a $30 discount for a very slightly damaged rail, I think he got a good deal.

I'm with Brice on this one.  If you send it back for a new one, you will pay the full price.  If you follow the advice from the filer crown, you will end up with an almost like new rail with a $30 discount.  As long as the rail lays flat, you got a good deal.  Good files are getting expensive.  If you have one, make it start paying its keep.
Tinker

 

[rvieceli]

So here's the deal. It won't hurt anything. File it, smooth it off with some sandpaper. If you intend to join that rail to another, the last time I looked rails had TWO ends  [eek]. Use the other one to join.

BUT here is also the thing, when you buy a saw from a dealer it will include a rail. TS55 comes with the 1400 rail and the TS75 with the 1900 rail. Many dealers will allow you to swap the included rail for the LR32 rail.

So you need to determine if you want or need the extra rail. Of course if you buy a saw from an individual, the saw may not include the rail. Especially if it needs to be shipped.

 

[Bohdan]

Keep it, file it down. If you were to cut off the damage make sure you maintain the 32mm spacing sequence.

If filing the damage affects your OCD then trim it off. The 32mm spacing is determined by the holes only so a bit off the end won't alter anything except the overall length and only you (and us) will know.

 

[Skellyy]

Thanks for all the advice gents.

I am going to try to file it down slightly once I confirm that it's straight. 

I am also going to try and purchase a used tracksaw, as it seems like most are being sold without the rail.  Trying to feed this addiction on a budget.

 

[SoonerFan]

Trying to feed this addiction on a budget.

Great call to file it down a little given you are attempting to get the green kool aid on a budget.  I would have done the same thing assuming its still straight which I believe is likely.