Struggling with a Wilton Square Wheel - Need Advice

12345678910 said:
Can you show photos of the tracking mechanism guts ?

I can't picture it and I've not seen a SQ in perosn
Click to expand...
https://imgur.com/a/0Zkmr2N

The piece on the left side of the frame wall that is directly connected to the idler/tracker wheel shaft bends left and right depending on how much you turn the red knob, which pushes the idler out or in.

I actually managed to get this to work. I think, over time, that piece bent too far to the right and needed correction. So I threw that whole assembly in the heat treat oven and set it to 1200F, then whacked it with a hammer until it bent back to the left about a half inch. The belts now stay on but they are super sensitive to any adjustment from the knob, which will send the belt either into the frame or off of it.
 
stockremovaldroid said:
https://imgur.com/a/0Zkmr2N

The piece on the left side of the frame wall that is directly connected to the idler/tracker wheel shaft bends left and right depending on how much you turn the red knob, which pushes the idler out or in.

I actually managed to get this to work. I think, over time, that piece bent too far to the right and needed correction. So I threw that whole assembly in the heat treat oven and set it to 1200F, then whacked it with a hammer until it bent back to the left about a half inch. The belts now stay on but they are super sensitive to any adjustment from the knob, which will send the belt either into the frame or off of it.
Click to expand...
Thanks, but I have trouble seeing imgur photos sometimes, cant' see it.
 
I got my square wheel grinder back around 1980. I have used it to make several thousand knives. So it has a lot of wear on it. I used to be able to use all kinds of belts on it, but now heavy duty belts like Blaze 36 grit belts track pretty well, but if I use a thinner belt like a worn Klingspor zircona 36 grit belt, the belt tracks very badly.
 
I’ve tried just about everything I can think of, but I just can’t resolve the belt tracking issue. I can’t even reasonably guess what the issue might be at this point. Everything looks normal, except the tracking wheel might be a little bent. Even if that’s the culprit, I don’t understand how it would have worked flawlessly for 50+ years if the wheel had such a tight tolerance for operation. Because, as far I can see, normal use of it is liable to cause it to bend out of place over time. I’ve even thrown the mechanism in the kiln and bent it far back in the other direction, to no avail. With sadness I’m afraid I might have to retire this old workhorse.

I’m in the market for new 2x72” frames that would accept a 56c motor if anyone has any suggestions!
 
I feel your pain. Mine acts pretty much the same way. With heavy belts like Blaze 36 grit it tracks reasonably well, but thinner belts travel all over the place. My Son and I took it all apart and could find no sign of wear. There must be some reason why yours and mine are acting the same way.
Fortunately I have several other grinders to fall back on.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top