Belt-sander fix ideas?

[rossow (mn)]

I have a Craftsman floor-model belt/disc sander that has always had a problem with the belt running off. I suppose I have a drum that is slightly off-kilter. Adjusting for belt travel does no good for more than a minute or two. Would wrapping something around one edge of the drum be a possible cure for keeping the belt in line? I know taking everything apart and finding someone with a big lathe to re-turn the drum might be the best solution, but any other ideas? I guess I can try the wrap idea, but other thoughts are welcome.

(FWIW, I bought this sander new in the 1970s when Craftsman usually meant pretty good tools. I should have returned it but didn't, and it has been used very little.)

 

[Steve@Advance]

Try wrapping some duct tape around the center of the rollers, thicker in the middle, tapered out thinner to the sides. You want a slight crown in the center.

Sounds strange, but that's the way flat belts work.

 

[4wdtom]

Steve is right, a crown will help it to ride in the center and it doesn't take much.

 

[greenmech]

I have a 6X48 sander. Some times it takes time to adjust the belt to track. Have to adjust when running. Ron MN

 

[cleddy]

I used a 6 x 48 for years in a Machine Shop plus own two more, one of which I use. Back in the day with heavy use sometimes new parts were required and I always saved the old parts. I may have an extra top roller I could part with since sanders don't see much use anymore. You didn't say what size you have but those light rollers are not a good part o attempt to re-machine in a Machine shop.

 

[ss55]

There may be an adjustment for belt tracking. It can be surprising how many old Craftsman tool still have a pfd copy of the owner's manual available. Do you know the model number?

 

[chuckthin]

that's a great idea.i've changed out lots belts in Xerox machines. they all have high spots in middle of rolls.

 

[Stephen Newell]

A hand held belt sander can do that if the mechanism that puts tension on the front wheel gets full of dust. A thorough cleaning and some dry lubricant will usually fix that problem.

 

[rossow (mn)]

Thanks to everyone who offered ideas about this problem. I'll dig the sander out of storage (i.e., under piles of other stuff) and try the easier solutions first. I'd really like to get it working without constantly having to adjust tracking with a wrench -- not very convenient. I want to use it to rough-prep home-grown walnut for making revolver grips and small buttstocks. Again, thanks to all.