Craftsman 2x42 Belt Wobble?

Steven Long

Steven Long

Well-Known Member
I am new to knifemaking and use a Craftsman 2x42 for now. I have a problem with the belt having a little wobble to it. I get belts from Tru-Grit and Supergrit, so the belts are good quality. The wheels seem to be turning smooth. Has anyone else had this problem? It's not that big of a deal but every little bit helps when using this machine.
 
The wheels may not be true? Also check for any lateral play in the wheels? You may be able to tighten then or add shins to tighten things up?
Also every once in a while I get a bad cut belt/Belts from any supplier?

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com
 
Some of them wobble a little normally. Also, a belt is more likely to wobble if you leave it on the machine overnight.
 
Thanks for the input guys. After closer inspection, it looks like the drive wheel runs a hair out of balance. I do leave the belts on overnight so now I will quit doing that. Thanks for the tip Jason. Hopefully it will help it a bit.
 
Steven,
Its a bit of a expense, But you can have a local Machine shop or Machinist buddy turn and true the wheel on a lathe.

If you are just flat grinding it probably isn't worth it and I would just put the funds in the Big grinder coffee can fund.

Leaving belts tight over night can even make big dynometer rated rubber wheels out of true over time.

I always release tension or remove the belt when done for the day.

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com
 
Thanks Laurence.
I am only flat grinding and it really doesn't cause problems except when trying to get my plunge lines even on the platen, and even then, it just took a bit to get used to. These Craftsman products these days are going down hill in quality. I am sure that starting out on a crappy machine will only make it that much easier when I get a good grinder.

Thanks for the tip!
 
Steven Long said:
Thanks Laurence.
I am only flat grinding and it really doesn't cause problems except when trying to get my plunge lines even on the platen, and even then, it just took a bit to get used to. These Craftsman products these days are going down hill in quality. I am sure that starting out on a crappy machine will only make it that much easier when I get a good grinder.

Thanks for the tip!
Click to expand...

Craftsman used to make decent stuff, I won't buy it anymore and the last time I went into a Sears store I had to show the young lady at the tool department how to look something up using the sears catalog.

Purchase one of Bruce Bump's file guides to take care of the plunges lines. When you get a proper tracking 2 x 72" machine you can learn how to do plunge cuts free hand if you wish?

Bruce has a forum here on KD's I own three of these files guides so I can keep the machine turning and work on three at a time.

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com
 
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