So Many Problems With The Belt Sander! Need Help!

C

claybuster5

Joined
Nov 18, 2012
Messages
54
I bought a 1 x 30 from Harbor Freight just to start making knives, this is my first one. I ordered my belts from supergrit when I put them on they were way too tight! The thing would barely turn so I had to adjust the contact wheel but it only spins when Its all the way out causing it to slide to the right all the way and stop, sometimes even throwing off the bottom wheel. Can any of you help? I would really appreciate it!
 
If you don't want to return it for a good one you can try this. The arm on those are pretty flexible.
I would grab it with both hands and in small increments wrench it in the direction that would correct it.
You probably only have to move it a small amount.
I have had my HF 1x30 for a few years and it works perfectly.
Once you get it dialed in you are gonna love it.
 
Agreed HF power tools are kinda hit and miss. You may want to exchange it until you find a good one. They are good little grinders for the price if you get a good one. I also love mine.
 
Definately a poorly made tool. If you can not afford a real knifemakers grinder, save $150 and get the Sears 2x42 grinder. A fairly decient grinder that many have made really nice knives on for a very small investment.
 
I have an HF 1 x 30 and I have also found that belts I ordered from truegrit were very snug. Not so snug that they wouldn't spin, but snug enough that it made no sense to try to tighten the tension adjuster at all.

So hopefully swapping it out will help a little, but don't expect day and night difference.
 
do you think it would it ruin the grit adhesive on the belt to wet it with warm water to help stretch the cloth out a little?
 
I have a 2x42 Sears and i put a 1 hp. motor on it 15 yrs. ago...........In use daily................carl
 
I had the same problem and the tracking would not adjust as well, here is the key. Take apart the idler wheel that is connected to the aliment knob and spring. Clean and lube, grind any crap stopping it from moving easy in the slot and reassemble, it should work like majic for a long time. They are still crap but will work. Even belts that seemed tight had adjustment and worked fine after the fix.
 
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