Are these things meant to keep the rail clean and, if so, are they supposed to have some other material like felt on the bottom of them? Is this something I can do myself – any ideas? They are very worn on the bottom and don’t really make contact.
– Seedpod Press
Yes, these were designed to keep the bed bearers (rails) clean and did have felt on the bottom. You can add new felt, just expect to replace it at some point. It will also help to routinely wipe the bed bearers, cylinder bearers and under rails (where the carriage bearings roll) using a rag slightly oiled with SAE 20.
Later models use a plastic blade instead.