Grinder Problem

[Knifeclerk]

I have a Craftsman 2x42 belt grinder. Recently I lost a belt to it. I didn't know why at the time, but it got completely torn through.
While trying to install a new belt this morning, I noticed that the space between the lower wheel and the housing is incredibly small. The housing will actually contact the left (motor side) of the belt. I'm guessing this is why my last belt broke.
I get the feeling that if I could just bend the frame a little bit, the problem could be easily resolved.
Does anyone have any suggestions for me? This is my first knife project and I'm really hankering to get back to work.
-KC

 

[jaegar]

The same problem happened to me on the same machine in the same spot. For me, the motor wouldn't turn the belt because of the force required to overcome the friction caused by the housing. You could try prying, I just handspun the 60 grit belt until it ground the housing away. This solved the problem. I still occasionally have a little trouble with a completely new 60 grit, but the handspinning takes care of it. If you have a file thin enough, or a dremel or something, I might try that first, rather than prying. If necessary, you could pry it, but it might torque the rest of the housing, causing the upper wheel to get out of alignment, somthing that is a knifemakers worst nightmare. You would have one heck of a time trying to fix the over-torque.
Just my .02.
For those interested, the Craftsmen is a great buy for the money, it will get you started in knifemaking enough to save up for a grizzly or better.

Hope this helps
~Brian

 

[Knifeclerk]

THANK YOU!! That was also one of the reasons I didn't want to pry the darn thing. I have a feeling this may take a while, but at least belts aren't too expensive.
-KC