Help repairing a 1 x 30 Harbor Freight belt grinder

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I need to replace the spring on my HF belt grinder. The one that puts pressure on the rear roller to keep tension on the belt. To get at it, I have to remove the rear roller. I removed the snap ring, soaked the shaft overnight in penetrant then put a gear puller on it and it will not budge. I checked for another snap ring and there was only the one. Any ideas?
Reply:Never mind, I fixed it.
Reply:What did you have to do to get apart?Inquiring minds want to know.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:I pulled the wheel off my new grinder to see if I could do it. Came off with a gear puller after I removed the snap ring. The old grinder was 25 years old but was identical to the new one so I knew it's wheel would come off the same way. I had to put a cheater bar on the gear puller and manhandle it plus block the wheel from moving but it came off.The spring on the new grinder was way too weak and I wanted to replace it with the one from the old grinder. The new grinder works fine now.I take belts on and off constantly to change grits either for knife sharpening or prepping a cut/etch piece. HF locked down the rear wheel and wants you to unscrew the tracking knob and retighten it every time you change belts. Completely stupid and way too slow. I wasn't having it. So I loosened the nut that locked down the wheel, allowing the wheel to rotate forward and back by finger pressure. However the new spring for it was way too weak and wouldn't maintain belt tension. The old spring was much stronger and fixed the problem. Now once the tracking is set, it never changes. I can quickly rotate the rear wheel forward, replace the belt and let go. The spring holds it tight.
Reply:You should consider a 1x42 belt sander. Big difference from the harbor freight model. Delt made a really nice one with a disc sander.The Foley Belsaw is my favorite and I have a few. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...belt-291689917Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:They look pretty nice but $$$. If I had the space I could set up a whole row of HF grinders with different grits for the same money never have to change a belt.
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1They look pretty nice but $$$. If I had the space I could set up a whole row of HF grinders with different grits for the same money never have to change a belt.
Reply:Where did you find them for that kind of money??
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1Where did you find them for that kind of money??
Reply:Several times a day....wow. If my shop was bigger, I'd do it also. But the temptation to buy more stuff would be too great so I resist.
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1Several times a day....wow. If my shop was bigger, I'd do it also. But the temptation to buy more stuff would be too great so I resist.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1I bought the Gorilla mounting tape, cut a piece  to lay on top. Then used hot glue gun at the ends. It really did help. That was better than tossing the belts.  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by Lis2323I did similar with poor results but I didnt hot glue the ends.  I will need have to try that!   Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1The tape was the 3/4" wide double face. It was their strongest made around $10.00 .It worked, but was not like a fresh belt. Definitely improved from not adding the tape. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by Lis2323Did you tape it before or after it broke?    I taped them before I used them “preventively” with no success. As I said I will try the hot glue also.  Thanks!Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:Don't you get an annoying bump every time the belt goes over a wheel?
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1I taped before. There's a possibility mine weren't as old as yours. They still broke but lasted longer than the untapped .Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1Don't you get an annoying bump every time the belt goes over a wheel?
Reply:I suppose it’s obvious but I will throw this out there anyhow. Extra belts should be stored in a cool dry place. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk:
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1Don't you get an annoying bump every time the belt goes over a wheel?
Reply:Originally Posted by Lis2323I suppose it’s obvious but I will throw this out there anyhow. Extra belts should be stored in a cool dry place. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:Perhaps reinforcing the splice will get better results on LONGER belts and bigger machines with larger diameter pulleys. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk: