belt tension

[abpro]

I am half way through building my 2 x 72 belt grinder and I was wondering, how much tension should there be on the sanding belt? Is there a way to measure it? The grinder is my own design, similar in configuration to a Coote, with an 8" drive wheel on bottom and a 3.5" tensioner/ tracking wheel on top.

 

[gixxer]

That is a real good question. I mean, when you buy a spring for the tension lever, what kind of spring might that be?

 

[MKustom]

I don't know the exact tension, but when I built mine I set the tensioner on a slide temporarily and ran the belt, you need enough to keep the belt tracking. Once I found the right spot that still allowed the belt change, I fixed the tensioner.

 

[SteelSlaver]

I have a new kmg coming but, my homemade one is similar to a cootes and I used a couple springs about 3 inches long about twice the size of screendoor springs and a turn buckle and a piece of light chain to adjust it out. Now, I have to put a bit of effort into pulling the ajustment roller down to slide a belt on

 

[RJ Martin]

Not familiar with your design, but it sounds like you're about right-There should be a good bit of tension on the belt.