I noticed that the tail spring rod on the new plane is noticeably sagging. I have never noted this condition on other Model-12s. Probably a few two many tail first arrivals, not at my hands. Now that the spring has yielded would it still be OK to straighten it or should I just replace it? Straightening in my book would include removal, fixing to my 700 lb steel welding table, and using a long cheater bar and my 200+ lbs to attempt to reverse the bend. Obviously cold worked with no heat involved to remove the temper. The sag does appear to affect the tension of the chains and springs. I suppose it could be flipped 180° in the tail tube but I don't know that the match drilled holes would line up and drilling back through it could elongate the holes beyond what I would be happy with. Might be worth checking though. Any other suggestions?
