Replies

1. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 28, 2003 03:04am | #1

   I'd check that the pulleys have not come loose on the shafts.  It's a common occurrence.  Look at both.  Make sure they haven't slid out of position (no longer in line with one another).  Make sure the keys haven't slid out of position, and the set screws are tight.  Check that the belt guard is not out of position or rubbing.

   It could also be a piece of wood stuck in there somewhere.

   If none of that works it could be bad bearings on the arbor.  Wiggle the arbor by hand and see if there's any slop.  Disconnect the belt then turn the arbor by hand slowly with a couple fingers and feel carefully if you can feel a slight tick.  If you feel slop or a tick you could have a loose or bad bearing.  This would be rare, though.

   My bet would be a loose pulley or key.

1. 
   WoodMike | Sep 29, 2003 03:09am | #4

   My lower pulley was out of alignment.  Thanks to all for the good information. 

   Mike...

1. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 29, 2003 03:49am | #5

   Glad it was an easy one.  You should check it every 6 months or so.

2. 
   RoyinMD | Sep 29, 2003 07:59pm | #6

   Mike,

   It took me many years to learn that "check every 6 months" lesson. My upper and lower pulley's have come loose more than once each. Now I give it a quick inspection and tug & pull every month or two. My lower pulley burned a perfect hole in the plastic belt guard.

   Enjoy, Roy

2. 
   rslatm | Sep 28, 2003 03:11am | #2

   Check your pulleys to see if the set screw has come loose or it's rubbing on something. I used to be a service tech for a tool dealer and ran into that on Unisaws. A loose setscrew would allow the pulley to start banging on the keyway and would start to distort the keyway slot and the keyway itself eventually destroying the arbor. Discoonect the power and see if you can get it to click buy spinning the arbor. You might take the belt off and run the motor to hear any sounds.
3. 
   BrianMcG | Sep 28, 2003 08:47am | #3

   Bet it's the belt making contact with the guard.......Does it on my craftsman from time to time. Just adjust the guard. Brian