belt sander tracking

[billmayo]

Try to get a used belt sander with the later flat drive drum. I do not know when Shopsmith switched over to using the flat drive drum. I have been machining the earlier some what rounded drive drum to a flat surface on any belt sander I rebuild. The sanding belt tracks much better with a flat drive drum.

[JPG]

Yup, keeping the belt centered is a real trick but worth all the trouble. The SS belt sander is one of the best things I've purchased for the shop in some time. Makes quick work of my shabby cuts, super easy to set up (with the exception of the tracking).

I got mine from Shopsmith Doug (http://shopsmithwoodworker.com) who has a neat web site and a very nice YouTube channel. He can get you about 10% off the standard SS pricing. It comes from SS and is brand new plus he gets a bit of a spiff so he can keep making the nice videos.

Highly recommended, your won't regret it even while you are messing with the tracking knob!

Belt sander tracking issues are not limited to the SS version. Tis the nature of the beast.

[garys]

I've never had any tracking issues with my belt sander. I have to tweak the adjustment knob a little each time I put on a new belt, and usually another time or two as the new belt stretches, but after that, it stays right for the full life of the belt.

[tomsalwasser]

Try to get a used belt sander with the later flat drive drum. I do not know when Shopsmith switched over to using the flat drive drum. I have been machining the earlier some what rounded drive drum to a flat surface on any belt sander I rebuild. The sanding belt tracks much better with a flat drive drum.

So good to see your posts again Bill. Please let me know if you have one of your rebuilt belt sanders available. I checked with Santa and she told me not t expect a new one under the tree this year.

Tom

[TomH]

Yup, keeping the belt centered is a real trick but worth all the trouble. The SS belt sander is one of the best things I've purchased for the shop in some time. Makes quick work of my shabby cuts, super easy to set up (with the exception of the tracking).

I got mine from Shopsmith Doug (http://shopsmithwoodworker.com) who has a neat web site and a very nice YouTube channel. He can get you about 10% off the standard SS pricing. It comes from SS and is brand new plus he gets a bit of a spiff so he can keep making the nice videos.

Highly recommended, your won't regret it even while you are messing with the tracking knob!

Belt sander tracking issues are not limited to the SS version. Tis the nature of the beast.

Yup. have to agree with that for sure. Even with the messing with the tracking the belt changing is so easy, I don't really mind.