I am puzzled by the belt tracking mechanism on my belt sander. I can’t figure out the geometry of tracking a flat belt between two rollers. Does the belt want to wander toward the rollerend that are further apart, or does it want to go down hill towards the roller ends that are closer? I’m seeking understanding because empirically my trial and error method is confused with the possibility that belts might be stretched on one side and that bearings may not always be true. I would like to know the general answer, and to understand why. (my confusion is compounded a bit by the fact that my band saw blade seems to ride up to the top of the crown on the drive wheel, it just feels a bit counter intuitive. Thanks in anticipation.
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Replies
Belt sander rollers typically aren't crowned and the belt does go to the side where the rollers are closer together, which seems logical.
Band saw tires can be either crowned or flat faced and they work equally well. The crown is claimed to make the blade track better but I have never seen an explanation as to why.
Sorry that I can't give a more satisfying answer to your questions.
John White
Thank you John what you say makes sense for flat rollers. Crowned band-saw drives remain "interesting" in that a band saw blade will tend to ride up-hill on a crowned wheel. which seems counter intuitive.
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