Shopsmith Forums

Greetings fellow sawdust makers.

I don't own a belt sander but I need one. I think I would really like a shorty or mini configured full time with a disk sander on one end and a belt sander on the other. I see Nick E has some videos on youtube where he uses his belt sander on a power station, which is an option for me too. All the reviews I read, including from Shopsmith owners, complain about belt tracking problems. Just wondering what you think about the subject and if any of you may have gone to a non-SS belt / disk sander combination tool? Thankful as always for your thoughts.

Tom

tomsalwasser wrote:Greetings fellow sawdust makers.

I don't own a belt sander but I need one. I think I would really like a shorty or mini configured full time with a disk sander on one end and a belt sander on the other. I see Nick E has some videos on youtube where he uses his belt sander on a power station, which is an option for me too. All the reviews I read, including from Shopsmith owners, complain about belt tracking problems. Just wondering what you think about the subject and if any of you may have gone to a non-SS belt / disk sander combination tool? Thankful as always for your thoughts.

Tom

I have a Mark V 500 setup up just like you envisioned, with the disk on the quill end and the belt sander on the pto side. It is truly a goto sanding station and it works perfectly for me.

I have no tracking problems at all. It is amazing to me how you can take 320 grit belts and have glass smooth small parts in a very short time.

i change belts often (for different grits) and it takes a min or less to change belts. I did get some belts from SS that were a little short and they are more difficult to change, but are still functional.

I would not hesitate in using the SS belt sander.

JMHO

I have a greenie I shortened by about 14", Menard's clone belt sander ont the pto side and disc and conical disk on the other, love it but I do have a bit of tracking issues with the clone. Over all love the set up.

Tracking 'issues' are quite common on all belt sanders. Most are caused by debris in the tracking mechanism parts or lack of crowning the belt.

Personally, I would not hesitate to get a SS belt sander.

JPG wrote:Tracking 'issues' are quite common on all belt sanders. Most are caused by debris in the tracking mechanism parts or lack of crowning the belt. Personally, I would not hesitate to get a SS belt sander.

Well then I will. If needed do you offer a rebuild service? I've seen what you can do in previous posts!

Here's Nick using his belt sander on a power station.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbdM-bs8j-g[/youtube]

The only time I have had tracking problems with mine was due to the tensioning device inside the top drum getting gummed up resulting in too little tension on the belt. After cleaning and lubing all was back to normal.
Paul

I had constant tracking issues with mine until I took the nose roller and adjustment knob apart and re-installed. Turns out that the knob was not "centered" in its adjustment range. Now it tracks absolutely perfectly.

Another thing that can cause tracking problems is unequal wear on the belt by sanding in one area more than others. This can cause the belt to stretch in one area and not others resulting in unequal tension across the belt. Try to sand on the entire surface of the belt. I use my sander to square up the pen blanks but I move the blank across the full width of the belt.
Bill V

Great information, thanks all! Here's an interesting blog entry on the SS belt sander:

http://shopsmith-tool-hunter.blogspot.c ... ander.html

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!