Rockwell belt sander questions

[jabberwoki]

Does anybody have one of these?
I have questions.

 

[Nutria]

I have one. I'm no guru, but I can take a shot, either here or via pm.

 

[exmaxima1]

I've rebuilt 4 or 5 of them. Questions??

 

[tool_scrounge]

Like exmaxima1, I have worked on a bunch of them over the years for myself and friends - including two last weekend. What is your question?

 

[jabberwoki]

Ok the questions, first what sander belt length do i need and my tensioner is just flopping about ?
Do i just tighten it up when its in position?

 

[tool_scrounge]

It loads the belt up to the proper tension when you put the 1x42" belt on it. You do not need to lock it.

 

[jabberwoki]

But that's the problem it wont load anything up as its spinning on the shaft

 

[tool_scrounge]

There should be a double torsion spring that preloads upward the arm with the large idler wheel (Item 15). Judging from the upright position of the arm it looks like the spring is there. Here is a link to the manual if you have not already seen it.

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/1141/2742.pdf

 

[jabberwoki]

ah there's a spring on the arm that the idler arm (item 12) bolts to but that arm it self flops about loose?

there`s no mention in the instructions about adjusting the idler arm?

 

[tool_scrounge]

What do you mean by "adjusting the idler arm"? There is adjustment for tracking which tilts the large idler wheel relative to the idler arm slightly left or right (when facing the front of the machine) to so the belt is centered on the platen (#29).

 

[jabberwoki]

So it puts pressure on the belt?
Or does`t it do that?

 

[tool_scrounge]

Yes, the torsion spring lifts the idler arm upward and puts tension on the sanding belt. No locking of its position is needed.

 

[jabberwoki]

But my idler is flopping about as a matter of fact it can do an easy 360?

 

[tool_scrounge]

I think I will need some additional photos showing the issue in detail. I am having problems visualizing it.

 

[The Cobbler]

sounds like it's missing a tensioning spring

 

[tool_scrounge]

Do you think the whole problem is the idler arm with the small 2" wheel is positioned so far back it prevents the main overarm with the 3" wheel from engaging the belt tensioning spring? if so, the idler arm just needs to be re-positioned as shown below.

 

[jabberwoki]

I think you answered my question.
Looks like you have to "set" the idler arm in position then tighten it. mine is just really loose.

 

[exmaxima1]

It should run like this if you have the belt on correctly:

 

[RJS]

That idler arm isn't engaged in normal use. It's used with a second small idler wheel under the table for an alternate belt routing to sand the inside of objects with a hole in them. I'll grab a picture on lunch break, it'll be much easier than trying to explain it.

 

[RJS]

Normal operation:


Alternative routing:


You just run the belt through the hole in whatever you're sanding before you hook it over the lower pulley. May want to remove the platen as well, I didn't for a quick picture.

 

[jabberwoki]

Mmmm interesting , i don`t have that backing plate.
or that extra pulley.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Jim Liechty sells the parts you need. Check the pictures in his ebay auction for all the Rockwell Delta 1x42 belt sander grinder parts he sells.

DELTA & ROCKWELL 1" BELT SANDER GRINDER IDLER WHEELS !! | eBay

The wheels are a direct fit on the machine shown in the photo.

www.ebay.com

 

[jabberwoki]

Yeah i've bee in touch with him. I`m going to buy a belt on Monday and see how it goes.
Thanks for the link thou.