Need a manual for my SS Belt Sander 505642

[elbertstockberger]

I've searched the forum and found links that are not working. Can someone direct me to a pdf? Is there a reason this manual is not on the Shopsmith PDF site? Thanks in advance.

[chapmanruss]

Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, the current Belt Sander Manual (P/N 556075) is not available in the list under Manuals & Information. The 3 Manuals I have PDF copies of are each too large of a file to post here. They are from 1956, 1972 and 1989. You could call Shopsmith Customer Service to see if you can order one. The Website has recently been redone and there are still bugs for them to work out.

Is there something specific about operating the Belt Sander we can help with in the meantime?

If it helps some below is the parts list and drawing for the Belt Sander.

Belt Sander Parts List - new.pdf

(602.25 KiB) Downloaded 131 times

[/url]

[edma194]

I have a manual if you're looking for some specific info. I can get it scanned and printed in a couple of days. Thinking of doing that already for someone else asking about it. Not sure which version I have. I think only rollers have significant changes among them, I'm sure Russ can provide details on that.

[elbertstockberger]

Thank you Russ. I am using the belt sander right now, for the first time. I am sanding 2x4 construction lumber just to smooth it down a bit. I am running the ss at J (1900). I'm having trouble keeping the belt aligned, but figured out how to use the dial for that. I can't figure out how to keep the belt tight. Is the belt release supposed to lock in when you tighten it? Any other tips on speed or alignment would be great. Thanks again.

[edma194]

I can't figure out how to keep the belt tight.

There is a screw for the tracking on the right side that you found, that sets the drum position on that side. On the the left side there's another screw that is seen from the inside. You can adjust both of the to position the drum so it is tight when you release the lock. The knurled knob on the tracking screw can be repositioned in the center of the slot once you have the tension right. You also might need to re-tension the spring. There should be instructions for that on a label on the back side of the steel platen. Maybe too faded to read.

Not the best pictures, but maybe they'll help.

belt sander left side.jpg (41.36 KiB) Viewed 1397 times

belt sander right side.jpg (44.28 KiB) Viewed 1397 times

Even worse picture of the spring tensioning instructions:

tension adjust.jpg (110.29 KiB) Viewed 1396 times

[elbertstockberger]

So helpful! Thank you.

[chapmanruss]

A couple of posts since I started writing another response.

I believe Ed is correct about a change in the Idler Drum and the Drive Drum. There have been changes in the mounting of the Backup Plate. Like all early, 1950's, SPT's the Mounting Posts changed from straight to eccentric. The Dust Chute changed as did the material the Drive Sleeve is made out of.

Knowing what year your Belt Sander was made can help in what has changed since it was made. The good news is current parts even if changed can work in the older Belt Sander.

In the Manuals & Information section is a PDF copy available to download of the book Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone. Chapter 19 beginning on page 231 is about the Belt Sander. 10 pages of Belt Sander information you may find helpful.

I have less direct, hands on, knowledge when it come to the Belt Sander than other Shopsmith Tools. I have a 1977 Belt Sander which is the one I use and upgraded the Dust Chute. It works great so as the saying goes if it ain't broke don't fix it. I have only restored (completely disassembled) 1 Belt Sander, a 1989, so far. With it I learned about the Idler Drum function since it had been dropped at some point and the Drum was bent. It had to be replaced. I have 2 waiting (a 1960 & a 1998) to be restored that I recently acquired and haven't really even touched yet to find out what each may need.

[chapmanruss]

Ed mentioned instructions that in the past were on a label attached to the back side of the Backup Plate. If yours is faded or does not have it and you would like to replace it, the attached PDF below is a replica I made that gives 3 copies of the Label. Just print it on 8-1/2" x 11" size self-adhesive label paper.
.

Belt Sander plate label.pdf

(77.33 KiB) Downloaded 102 times

[elbertstockberger]

Russ and Ed, my belt sander has a bolt fixture that prevents the belt sander from sitting horizontal. If I remove this bolt to allow the sander to rest horizontally do i need to use this bolt somewhere else? Looking at the exploded parts list, are these figures 76, 77 and 78? I'm lost on it's purpose, though it is nice on my back to operate the sander at an upright angle!

Thanks for the tip on the Woodworking for Everyone book. I have the 4th Edition and didn't think to look there for additional information.

[edma194]

There should be another hole to put the safety bolt through in horizontal mode. Some people don't use it in horizontal, maybe some don't even use it in vertical. I always use it in both modes just so I don't lose it. I put a knob on the end to make it easy to remove.