Craftsman 2x42 not holding tracking adjustments

T

trailrunner531

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Sep 16, 2013
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I am probably missing something obvious or doing something stupid, but on my Craftsman 2x42 I am unable to adjust the tracking of the belt such that it holds that adjustment after I flick it on again. There seems to be a spot of equilibrium for lack of better term that the belt wants to be in. So regardless of where I move it to, left or right, when I release the tensioner and turn it back on, it slowly works its way back to the same spot.

Am I missing something?
 
Adjust it while it's running. I had to adjust so often I just superglued a wrench into the bolt. It was way easier and more efficient.
 
I've been using my craftsman 2 x 42 for about three years. I can't get it to track to save my life. The only thing that helped a little is putting paper tape around the wheels.
 
trailrunner531 said:
I am probably missing something obvious or doing something stupid, but on my Craftsman 2x42 I am unable to adjust the tracking of the belt such that it holds that adjustment after I flick it on again. There seems to be a spot of equilibrium for lack of better term that the belt wants to be in. So regardless of where I move it to, left or right, when I release the tensioner and turn it back on, it slowly works its way back to the same spot.

Am I missing something?
Click to expand...

Why are you messing with the tensioner to adjust tracking? As previously stated leave the machine running and adjust with the tracking screw. Speaking of which, why Craftsman made it an allen screw instead of a threaded knob is beyond me. Even the HF 1x30 has a tracking knob.

If you haven't already google Craftsman 2 x 42 grinder modifications, they make the machine a lot easier to work with.

Good luck,
Chris
 
It just dawned on me that it seems you are trying to adjust tracking by moving the belt itself. The tracking is actually controlled by an allen screw that is located just above the tension release handle. Turn the machine on and adjust the screw. It changes the pitch of the top wheel to alter tracking.

Chris
 
Salolan said:
It just dawned on me that it seems you are trying to adjust tracking by moving the belt itself. The tracking is actually controlled by an allen screw that is located just above the tension release handle. Turn the machine on and adjust the screw. It changes the pitch of the top wheel to alter tracking.

Chris
Click to expand...

Yep, you nailed it. Thanks.
 
Glad you saw that Salolan! Yes it is the allen screw I was referring to. I just took the allen wrench and glued it in long ways and it makes things much easier. Being a two wheel design with light tension that belt will move around a lot and you will be constantly adjusting it. Also if you haven't already do yourself a favor and read up on the glass platen mod and do it.
 
Yep, glue in a wrench and be done. Adjust while running. As mentioned, being 2 wheels if you put too much pressure on one side or if you do a heavy push on a pass it will move the tracking.
 
If memory serves, the tracking screw is a 6x30mm coarse thread(the 2x42 mods on $500 knife shop say specifically). Forget gluing a wrench in, just go to the local hardware store and for like $3 you can get a threaded nob in 6x30mm.

While on the subject of the craftsman grinder, the only issue I have really had with mine is how tight the guard is on the back of the bottom wheel. I had to cut it off about 8 inches above the wheel to get my new scotchbrite belt to fit. I think it weakened the structure a little and I will likely add an angle reinforcement to the outside to stiffen it up a bit.

Chris
 
I was playing with one at sears today, and the knob screws that mounts the disk sander table are the same as the tracking adjustment screw. Just switch it with one of them.
 
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