Problems with gilmer belt.

[ted2]

Well, The first thing I did to get the SS going a few months ago was to replace the G-belt. It has worked fine, except for the power switch going out, but now it seems the Gilmer belt is slipping. I'm turning medium sized bowls, and when I put just a little pressure, I hear a clicking or clanking? sound and it bogs down. I assume it's the gilmer becuase I can turn the headstock and feel it slipping. How do I tighten the g-belt? Are there any other things I should check out? I recently oiled and cleaned the headstock, but didn't mess with the gilmer belt. Any ideas?

[billmayo]

I doubt that the Gilmer belt is slipping. There are teeth on the Gilmer belt for a positive drive system. There should be a clutch inside the upper drive sleeve pulley that may be slipping. I normally find the drive sleeve pulley set screw ( you have to remove the drive sleeve to see or get to the set screw) has worked loose allowing the upper Gilmer drive sleeve pulley to turn on the shaft. I would remove the belt cover from the headstock. Then with a sanding disk on the quill shaft, I would use a piece of wood or hammer handle or screwdrive handle to prevent the motor sheaves from turning, I would try to turn the sanding disk and see where you have any slippage.

You will need to almost disassemble the headstock to remove the drive sleeve. Watch sessions 19-24 of Shopsmith Reborn at http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

[ted2]

Thanks Bill, did you get my PM or E-mail?

[billmayo]

Thanks Bill, did you get my PM or E-mail?

No. Try annbill.mayo@comcast.net Thanks.