RFGuy wrote: ↑Fri Jul 29, 2022 1:30 pm
chapmanruss wrote: ↑Fri Jul 29, 2022 12:48 pm
John,
I understand not wanting to use the new old stock Lower Belt Guard. To do so would diminish its value somewhat and for such a rare item it is better to keep it in the unused condition. I feel the same way about one of the Model 10E Rear Fence Locks I have which is still new in the box. The same is true for the one Key Switch I have still new in the box. In the meantime, I keep looking out for those rare items.
Russ, John,
Just curious. I have seen similar discussions in the past about some of the rarer 10E/ER parts. This belt guard looks to me like it would be an easy product to create either as a DIY'er or as an aftermarket possibility. I know the 10E/ER machines out there are limited in number, but just curious if anyone has re-created these parts. The belt guard looks like it could easily be 3D printed if someone has the capabilities, or it wouldn't be that hard to make one out of sheet metal. I mean the replacement doesn't have to be cast iron, right? I know some of the other replacement parts would be a bit harder to replicate, but after seeing the picture of this belt guard it sure looks like a replacement could be easily produced - either a hacked home version or a limited production run aftermarket part. Wondering if there would be enough demand from other owners to create a small market for replacement parts? I know Skip at mkctools produced some replacement/upgrade parts for 10ER/Mark V, but I don't think I ever saw a replacement belt cover...I could see someone making a sheet metal belt cover and when painted should look almost identical to the original but wouldn't weigh 10 lbs. Just a thought.
For me having the lower belt guard or any of the other rare 10ER parts is more about having a rare part than actually using it. I have two 10E rear fence locks. They will never get used here because all of my 10ERs have a fence which has the rear lock. My key switch will never get used because It is in the original box and I believe unused. Also in my situation there is no need for a key switch on any of my machines.
If someone wanted to make a lower belt guard it wouldn't be hard. I suspect people are not concerned about having one because it would be pretty hard to incidentally contact the lower pulley/belt given it's position and surrounding parts of the machine. Similarly, the upper belt guard could be made also. That one should be used but, there are plenty of the originals around so making one is not necessary.
FWIW, the lower belt guard, lower saw guard and upper belt guard are not cast iron. They are aluminum so not at all heavy.
Skip at MKCTools has made a couple different full belt guards for the 10ER. He does not sell them but they can be a starting point for someone who wants to make their own.
https://www.mkctools.com/10erpulleyguards.htm