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Installation Instructions

Rail Installation Procedure

Clean and inspect all mating surfaces for burrs, nicks, dirt, etc. A simple stone can be used to remove minor imperfections in the mounting surfaces.

Rail Mounting
  1. Carefully place the rail on the mounting surface.
  2. Insert screws into the mounting holes and tighten lightly.
  3. Clamp the reference edge of the rail against a locating edge on the mounting surface. The locating edge can be a machined reference edge, a straight edge, a row of dowels or keys, or some other edge which the rail can be clamped against. It should be straight, either within the mounting tolerances or according to the application requirements, whichever is tighter.
  4. Starting from the center of the rail moving outwards, tighten each screw to the recommended tightening torque.
  5. If parallel rails are to be used, one of the following methods may be employed to obtain the parallelism recommended:
    • two parallel locating edges
    • a gauge block or parallel between the rails
    • the use of the top plate with the carriages mounted, to locate or “float” the second rail into place.
  6. Repeat steps 1 – 4 to install the second rail.
  7. Insert a rail plug into each counter-bore in the rail. Carefully tap rail plugs into place using a soft material such as brass or wood. When properly installed, the rail plugs should be flush with the top surface of the rail. Do not countersink the rail plugs.  Note : Rail plugs are available and are shipped with all rails.
  8. If desired, rail tape can then be applied to the top of the rail. For sizes 35 and below, the rail tape may be used without the rail plugs.
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