Kalamazoo 1SM question

[tonyv138]

Hello,
A newb here. I hope i am posting in the right area.

I am looking to purchase 1x42 belt grinder. At this point i narrowed down 2 contenders Viel 5 and Kalamazoo 1SM. One question that i can not figure out, and perhaps someone can help. How does the tracking knob/collar work on Kalamazoo? I understand that the IDLER wheel shaft rotates, and this adjusts tracking, but does the locking the knob also locks the shaft in place, hence rendering tension spring useless and every time one needs to change the belt you need to unlock tracking? If not what keeps the upper shaft in position? Confused I am.

I have looked for the answer, but can not find any details so far. Please help.

Thanks,
Tony

 

[629hugo]

I dont have the 1sm but have a kalamazoo 2x48 and added a 1.5Hp motor to it. It is actually a shaft inside a shaft inside a collar. The knob only locks in the traction by locking the rotation. The spring is always free to travel. You dont need to release the tracking knob to change a belt.

 

[tonyv138]

Thank you.
i looked at the part diagram and i see what you describe. collar is on the outside. inside the collar is a tube, that tube contains the belt tension spring and the shaft that idler is mounted on. i still fail to see how the tracking knob locks idler shaft rotation and allows up/down movement. is there a picture of the assembly you can point me to?

thanks again, tony

 

[tonyv138]

Hugo, thanks. your answer made me look at the parts of a different grinder. i found everything there.