Ok to leave belts mounted on Worksharp

[F308gt4]

Ken Onion Worksharp, and recently got the BGA. I ordered a leather belt for it on Amazon, and it works great. Wondering if I can leave the belt mounted on the Worksharp without any detrimental effects on the belt.

It’s a convienience thing for me. I store the Worksharp (with BGA attached) in a work bag, and the belts in one of the pockets. Which means I’ve got to take it out and then install the belt every time I use it. I mostly use the leather belt, so if I leave it mounted, it’s one less thing to do before getting down to work.

 

[bucketstove]

Hi,
Sure, why not?
WS3000 Belt Sharpening System Leather Belt Kit Instructions: ... Remove the belt and store in a clean dry place when not in use. Avoid contaminating the belt with debris or grit from other abrasives. The contamination will be trapped in the surface of the leather and cause an undesirable scratch pattern.

 

[cbwx34]

I would release the tension when you’re not using it... or you’ll stretch out the belt... making it loose and less effective.

 

[bucketstove]

I would release the tension when you’re not using it... or you’ll stretch out the belt... making it loose and less effective.

Hi,
It will keep stretching more after the initial stretching described in the manual?

 

[Sonnydaze]

When you run that Blade Grinding attachment, make CERTAIN that you keep up the motor rpm's up to at least 1/2 of max. Running the BGA puts quite a strain on the motor. The motor is cooled by the fan blades, and if the BGA is run at a slow speed, the fan blades won't cool the motor properly.
And guess what happens then? The motor burns out in short order.
Yep...I know all about it.

 

[Jason B.]

With any belt grinder you should always remove the belt when done.

 

[aquaman67]

How do you like the BGA?

I have a Ken Onion but being left handed - found it awkward to use. I think the BGA would fix that.

 

[F308gt4]

Thanks everyone- I like the idea of keeping it on, but releasing the tension. Will try that out.

The idea is to be able to take it out of the bag, plug it in and go. I might make this my go to, instead of taking out the sharpmaker for touchups.

Aquaman67- I really like the BGA. Before I got it, I was using the worksharp "freehand" without the guides, and estimating the angle (I think if you hold the knife perpendicular to the ground, it is around 17 degrees on the belt, IIRC). The BGA makes it a little easier to control the angle. Originally, I didn't have plans to get one, but now that I have it, I'm glad I got it.

 

[bucketstove]

With any belt grinder you should always remove the belt when done.

Hi,
Why? The manufacturers manual doesnt mention it...

 

[Jason B.]

Hi,
Why? The manufacturers manual doesnt mention it...

Because of belt stretch. Some stretch more than others and you can easily ruin a belt by leaving it on.

 

[SOLEIL]

Why remove the belts? I have belts that have been on for months or years. I good sander always keeps the belts under tension. I have never had a belt that has stretched beyond the tools capability. However, I do remove leather belts just because of the possibility of getting unwanted debris stuck in the belt. Also good leather belts are not cheap.