Craftsman 2X42 Housing Around Lower/Drive Wheel

redsquid2

redsquid2

Rockabilly Interim Pardon Viscount
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Aug 31, 2011
Messages
3,125
I just got a 2X42 Craftsman grinder, and I did some grinding with an 80 grit belt. Then I tried to switch to a 40 grit. There was not enough clearance between the drive wheel and the metal housing. That 40 grit belt creates too much friction, and I can barely move it by hand. It moves OK, if I let the belt sit slightly off-center, to the right.

The upper part of the housing is no problem. There is lots of clearance up there, but not around the bottom wheel.

Is there a way to adjust the whole entire housing downward?

Does anybody ever hack off part of that housing around the lower wheel? I am just afraid if I do that, the tracking will get thrown off.

Thanks for any help.

redsquid2
 
I started using a craftsman this month as well. I have run a 36grit belt on it. The trick is to make sure the belt is tracking straight before you turn on the power. There isn't enough clearance for an out of alignment belt. With the tension released, make sure the belt is as straight as you can get it, then turn it by hand and adjust the tracking. You should be able to turn the power on at that point, and do the final adjust on the tracking.
 
Thanks for your reply, Willie.

I lined up the belt perfectly, then I turned on the power. No movement. Of course I turned off the power immediately, for fear of burning out the motor.

The 80 grit poses no problem. It moves freely, and it tracks perfectly. The 40 grit will move by hand, barely. When I do move it, I can hear it scraping against the lower housing.
 
I cut the bottom of mine off, tracking should only be controlled by the top wheel. I used an angle grinder.
 
Techtical said:
I cut the bottom of mine off, tracking should only be controlled by the top wheel. I used an angle grinder.
Click to expand...

I did the same thing with mine so I could run a Scotch-Brite belt.

2x42Mods01_zpse92939f5.jpg
 
Thanks for the replies, guys. Excellent.

I actually got it to spin up, with the 40 grit belt. I did three things: loosened the collar thingy that holds the grinder in vertical configuration. Of course, I didn't loosen it enough to allow it to fall. I think that eased the friction a bit. Then I let the belt hang off about 3/32" on the right. Less friction now. Then I gave it a little push start with my finger on the platen. Spinning it up like this, maybe I can work with it. If not, I will get the angle grinder and hack the housing.
 
chavez556 said:
Btw redsquid your facebook link doesn't work.
Click to expand...

Huh. I just now tried it, and it worked. Weird. Maybe it is set so just me and my friends can see it. Thanks for alerting me.
 
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