Shaper/Sander Fence Bolts

[chapmanruss]

miken,

Don't say you weren't warned.

If the Belt Sander has a manual with it, it will guide you through set up and use. If it does not have a manual with it you can and should buy one from SS or a used one. There are operation instructions in the manual that are very helpful in using the Belt Sander. Belt tracking and how to adjust it is an important part of learning how to use the Belt Sander. There has been little change made to the Belt Sander since it's introduction in 1955. The real difference is the change to eccentric mounting posts and the dust collection port changing from a 1-1/4" port to a 2-1/2" port which is an easy upgrade. I did it on my 1977 Belt Sander. The one below has the 1-1/4" dust port. As with all Shopsmith Manuals a newer manual will have more detailed instructions than older manuals. The January 1989 Manual I have has 38 pages compared to early manuals with only 8 pages.

In the picture below notice the right side frame where it is worn away by the belt because of poor tracking. A costly mistake since to replace the outside frame is currently $56.05 plus shipping not to mention damaging the sanding belt and it's cost. This is a Belt Sander I purchased with a group of Shopsmith SPT's and a Mark V that I restored and resold.

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Belt Sander Damage.jpg (141.52 KiB) Viewed 1577 times

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Another feature of the Belt Sander is the ability to mount is on either side of the headstock since the drive shaft goes completely through the drive drum. It also allows mounting a drum sander for a multi function sanding station as shown above.

[miken]

miken,
Don't say you weren't warned.

Thanks for the great info. I was able to find a 38 page pdf manual and I am thinking this will good to use as I hear not many changes over the years. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure what the exhaust port size is, looks small. Below are some screen capture pics of it. I think the red arrow is pointing to the exhaust port? It does not appear to have the damage you mention unless the damage is on the other side? I am hoping it's in decent shape and not missing anything. I asked the seller if the bearings were good, hopefully they are as he stated. I don't mind putting in some time and money to repair it if needed. I like the small sanding drum you have mounted to the side.

It comes with a drive hub, but for some reason I already have one, and a coupler. Maybe at some point in the past my VII had an SPT?

Thanks, Mike -

[JPG]

Yours has an adapter attached to the dust port.

Good looking bs.

[chapmanruss]

Mike,

I should have noted that the picture is the back side of the Belt Sander that is showing where the belt wandered off track and ground down the back side of the Outside Frame. As JPG noted the one you are looking at has the original 1-1/4" Dust Port with a 2-1/2" adapter. Before I changed my Belt Sander to the larger 2-1/2" Dust Port I used an adapter like it. The thing I did not like about having the adapter I was using on it was the end would contact the belt inside the dust port. I believe I get better dust collection with the larger port too.

It is common to find extra parts with used Shopsmith Tools. The Hub for the Belt Sander is the one for the 5/8" shaft. Other SPT's have a 1/2" Shaft. There is a cover that normally comes with the Belt Sander to go over the shaft end when not in use like having a sanding drum mounted. I did not see it in the pictures. It is part number 5030049 called the CAP-SHAFT and is $4.95 from SS. The larger Dust Port is available as an upgrade and is 300002 Belt Sander Dust Collection Retro-Fit Kit for $22.85. I think you would find the Dust Collection retro-fit a worth while upgrade.

[miken]

Thanks JPG and Chapmanruss, appreciate all the great info. I will look into those SS options. I don't really have any dust collection yet other than my shopvac. But, I am moving in the right direction. The MarkVII is finally in the garage again after many years in the basement. I even made a few cuts. Forgot how terrifying that sound is when you turn the speed up to saw.

I'm hoping the back side of the belt sander is not badly worn. Will report back when I receive it.
Mike

[chapmanruss]

The Belt Sander I showed is an extreme case of having the belt running off track for an extended period of time to cause that much wear/damage to the back of the Outside Frame. While using the Belt Sander keep an eye out for the belt wandering to the sides and readjust the tracking as needed. It's not a common problem on a properly adjusted Belt Sander just something to watch for.

[miken]

... belt running off track for an extended period of time to cause that much wear/damage to the back of the Outside Frame.

Curious, for the back to have that much wear, did the front also show the same level of wear?

Mike

[ricksss96]

For the OP, you need to take a look at Scott's MyGrowthRings video on the Belt sander posted here:
viewtopic.php?p=283124#p283124
I believe the video is still open for anyone to view. And here's a direct link to youtube: https://youtu.be/Tkd4tXRlGPs
and a couple of other links about the belt sander:
Here's Nick Englers Belt Sander tune-up Sawdust Session: https://youtu.be/91bRVOMEDFg​
Here's the Sawdust Session with the Miter Gauge Belt Sander jig: https://youtu.be/sbdM-bs8j-g

this should make belt tracking setup very clear

[miken]

For the OP, you need to take a look at Scott's MyGrowthRings video on the Belt sander posted here:
viewtopic.php?p=283124#p283124
I believe the video is still open for anyone to view. And here's a direct link to youtube: https://youtu.be/Tkd4tXRlGPs
and a couple of other links about the belt sander:
Here's Nick Englers Belt Sander tune-up Sawdust Session: https://youtu.be/91bRVOMEDFg​
Here's the Sawdust Session with the Miter Gauge Belt Sander jig: https://youtu.be/sbdM-bs8j-g

this should make belt tracking setup very clear

Thanks Rick. I watched Nick Englers video, and will watch the others you suggested.

Appreciate all the great help here,
Mike -

[chapmanruss]

Mike,

You asked about the damage to the Belt Sander and yes it was only to the back side of the Outside Frame. When looking at the Belt Sander with a sanding belt in place you will notice that the belt sits in between the frames on the back side. The Platen on the front keeps the belt outside the frames. The video does a good job of showing setting up and adjusting the Belt Sander. Thanks to Scott for those helpful videos.