Drill Press Belt Step Change

[bjtstarfire]

Tool background: 1949 Buffalo # 15 Drill Press 5 Speed.

Question: How does one do the following (The DP documentation states “When the motor bracket is set properly, the belt can be quickly run over from one pair of steps to the next, simply using one hand and without changing the motors adjustment). I can change the belt to another step / index but I don’t understand how this is doen with one hand, perhaps this was just marketing BS.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[ndnchf]

Could very well be marketing BS unless there is some type of mechanism to aid in changing belt position or you have a VERY strong hand. Posting a photo of your pulley set up would be helpful.

 

[rlitman]

I don't have that drill press, but rolling a belt over a step should be doable with one hand, although I prefer to push the belt sideways with one hand, and turn the pulley with the other.
Doing it with one hand makes it more likely for you to slip, and jam your fingers under the belt.

 

[automobiliben]

Make sure you are changing to the smaller diameter first. Is the belt set too tight? This should be pretty easy...

 

[bjtstarfire]

Good info on the reply. I though it seemed a bit silly to do it one handed.

I also prefer to push the belt sideways with one hand, and turn the pulley with the other.

I think my belt is set well without undue loads on the steps as well as rotational parts.

 

[A_Pmech]

Grab the belt opposite the smaller pulley you intend to go onto. Lift or push down on the belt with that hand while you pull it towards you or away. That will jump it down to the lower pulley. Then do the opposite to jump onto the higher pulley.

One hand, about 5 seconds.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Grab the belt opposite the smaller pulley you intend to go onto. Lift or push down on the belt with that hand while you pull it towards you or away. That will jump it down to the lower pulley. Then do the opposite to jump onto the higher pulley.

One hand, about 5 seconds.

This...it's really not that hard once you do it a few times.