| 1. |
Check the Delrin bearings strips on the butt plate at the bottom of each internal mast section and on the inside of each mast collar to make sure they are secure. If any Delrin bearings have come loose they must be thoroughly cleaned and re-cemented in place. Usually the Delrin can be reused if it has not been damaged or if it is not badly worn. |
| 2. |
Clean all old cement, oil and dirt out of the machined groove. Clean the Delrin strip. Using coarse sandpaper, rough the machined groove surface and the side of the Delrin which is to be cemented. Clean the groove again and allow it to dry. |
| 3. |
Cement the Delrin into the machined groove using suitable epoxy adhesive. Hose clamps can be used to hold the butt plate Delrin in place until the epoxy has cured. Collar Delrin can be held in place with small C clamps. Be sure that the Delrin strip is properly seated in the machined groove before the epoxy has cured. Before it cures, remove excess epoxy which may have squeezed out around the Delrin strip. |
| 4. |
After the epoxy has cured, carefully slide the mast section into its receiving section and slide the collar over its mating mast section to check for interference. Each section and collar should slide freely. |
| 5. |
If interference between the mating parts exists, a gray or shiny mark will appear on the white Delrin at the point of contact. File just enough Delrin off to allow the components to slide freely. Do not file the Delrin strip at the metal groove in which it is seated. |
| 6. |
Thoroughly clean all mast sections and collars before assembly. |
| 7. |
When installing new Delrin bearing strips, follow the same procedure as for replacing loose Delrin. New Delrin strips may be thicker to allow them to fit universally, so additional filing and sanding may be required. |
