Belt grinder building - advice needed

T

ThirdEdge97

Joined
Feb 8, 2013
Messages
105
Hello, knife makers of blade forums
I'm in need of advice about belt grinder i've been building
I finally got all the parts for it and started to get it put together but the belts won't track

I would like the know if I need to buy a crowned tracking wheel or if I can get the grinder to track on the flat idler wheel.
This is the wheel that I bought thinking it would work
http://usaknifemaker.com/wheel-2-pvc-idler-wheel.html

The design of the grinder is a borrowed concept, If you guys think I need to build another one with a tried and true design, I can make it happen.

I will get pictures of the grinder posted tomorrow if needed

Thanks in advance!
 
I built the NWGS that usaknife sells plans for. I chose to run the crowned tracking wheel but you can crown the idler you are using with some tape. A few wraps of 1/2 inch wide or so masking take in the centre of the wheel will effectively give it a crown, and the tape should last quite well. If that doesn't work try more belt tension. I had tracking issues with mine when I first ran it and had to go to a stiffer spring to increase the tension on the belt.
 
I used a non crowned wheel but did run a few strips of 3/8" wide Gorilla Tape around the center and it helped a lot! Also, spring tension is key too. Gotta run em tight!
 
Thanks for the information guys! I think I figured out my problem
The 2 platen wheels are not aligned with the drive wheel and tracking/tensioner wheel

I WILL get pictures posted tomorrow, I apologize for the delay.
 
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