Belt Tension (Power Station)

[dusty]

With reference to the stand alone Power Station (555422) how tight should the drive belt be tensioned. I assume that it shall be the same without regard for which accessory is mounted on the power station.

I am one who readily preaches "Whatever the Users Manual says". The Users Manual is gospel in all matters; however, this time I think the manual has let us down. It is nearly silent on this subject.

I was driven to check my own power station because of a question asked of me my a new acquaintance, an individual who ettended a recent Traveling Academy session with me in Tucson. I suspect mine is way too loose.

___________________
Making Sawdust Safely

[a1gutterman]

Hi Dusty,

As you have had no response to this, I will give you my opinion: You do not want too much tension on any drive belt. Just enough to keep it from slipping. If it slips, you are not getting the full power available and you are prematurally wearing the belt. If it is too tight, you are wearing the bearings and prematurally wearing the belt. There is no exact tension to set it at, but rather a fairly narrow "set" of acceptable tensions. I would keep it as loose as possible without any slippage happening.

Tim

[dusty]

Thanks Tim;

I'm going to leave it as is and just watch the belts for wear. It seems awfully loose but I am unable to sense any slippage. I use the power station most for the bandsaw. This doesn't load the power station at all so it just may work there for another 15 years.

Thanks again
___________________
Making Sawdust Safely