Shopsmith Forums

I've started a project and after cutting several pieces this morning I attached the belt sander. I'm sanding Douglas fir. In the last hour I've broken 4 belts. I've reset the tensioner as per the manual, have crowned the belts, and have adjusted the tracking as needed. I'm running it at D speed.

Now, as Paul Harvey would have said, is the rest of the story. I've had my Shopsmith for over 30 years, although for the last 25 it has gotten very little use due to work locations and space. I have about 6 belts most of which have never been used BUT all of them are 30 years old. Each one has broken at the taped seam after about 5-10 minutes of use. My question: Is this "problem" I'm having the result of old belts, or is there possibly a problem with the sander that I'm not aware of. I'm ordering some new belts, but don't want to get them, begin using them, and destroy them also.

Your help will be appreciated. - Bob Young

The adhesive has deteriorated. Usually it does NOT take 30 YEARS!

Don't throw away the old belts. They are great for hand sanding things like rounded edges. Tear them into appropriate size strips and go to it with the shoe buffing routine.

Dusty - I must have been reading your mind. I broke still another belt after posting the question (and have ordered 6 new ones). Then I cut all 5 belts into squares and have them in plastic bags (60, 80, and 100 grit) for future use when hand sanding. I'm glad to know the problem is only old adhesive. Even though I haven't used the Shopsmith much in the last 25 years, now that I have the opportunity once again I realize what a fine tool(s) it is. - Bob Young