Keeping your belt sander clean is the most important maintenance procedure that you can perform.
Regular maintenance can Improve edge finish and help prevent future problems with your machine.
To ensure optimum performance, the below should be checked periodically:
Replacing your Abrasive Belt
- Check the arrow inside the belt to sure that it points in the proper direction of travel, then slip it over the bottom pulley.
- Loosen the pulley bracket lock screws so that the eccentric is loose. Pull the eccentric handle down, then slip the belt over the top pulley.
- Push the eccentric handle upward until the belt is tight. Allow 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch slack in the belt for proper tension. Then lock the eccentric in position by tightening the pulley bracket handle. Do not over tighten!
- The belt should ride in the center of both pulley. To check this, pull the belt through by hand. If the belt drifts use the tracking control knob and turn it clockwise or counterclockwise, as the case maybe until the belt is centered on both pulleys.
Belt Pulleys
After a year or two of continued machine use, the belt pulleys will wear and require replacement. If, after centering adjustments have been made on the upper tracking control knob, the abrasive belt fails to track properly, check the pulley by placing a straightedge (6” or 12” rule) across the surface. A new pulley at this point will have a noticeable hump or crown in the center. A worn pulley will be flat or have a valley in its center.
Tensioning your Belt
Spray Nozzle
The spray nozzle will function properly only as long as it is kept clean. It should be disassembled periodically and the metal screen brushed clean. If the water continues to drip from the nozzle, when the switch is off, disassemble the water valve, clean the poppet valve and the valve seat.
Very important make sure you water pressure is set to apply a fine mist to the belt, your water should not be set too high because it can flood your motor.
Front Rollers
Using a grease gun with a good grade of chassis grease, grease the five fittings on the contact roller platen wheels. This should be done weekly to flush out any grit which has collected and will prolong the life of the axles and rollers. Wipe off excessive grease.
Lower Bearings ( Bm-132)
On the model BM-132 there are two additional grease fittings. They are located on the lower bearing housing and should be lubricated every three months. Apple grease to both fittings.
Motor V-Belt
Check motor V-belt tension periodically and adjust if necessary. The V-belt should be tensioned so it fits snugly in both V-pulleys. It should have a 1/4” maximum deflection, when pressed in the center of the belt with light finger pressure.
Weekly General Maintenance
- Wipe down the belt machine at the end of each work day.
- Clean drain pan thoroughly once a week.
