Wood-Mizer LT30, LT40, LT50 quick access drive belt tension modification.

[Dave Shepard]

As most Wood-Mizer owners know, drive belt tension is critical to proper operation of the sawmill. As I've just installed a new drive belt on my mill, and it has required several adjudtments as it has broken in. This means removing six bolts and a couple of covers. Not a huge deal, but a bit of a pain when it's dark and your fingers don't work well in below freezing temps. I know belt tension can cause sawing issues, but it's just long enough between needing to make adjustments that it can bite me every few years. I think the book says to check every 40 hours, but that could be months, depending on what I'm working on at the time. The simple solution is a small hole in the belt cover. Now I can check the tension quickly, and I don't have to take the covers off unless I actually need to. 

https://youtu.be/JmLfCeyuD6A

[Southside]

How do you measure distance that way?

[Dave Shepard]

You read the scale on the side of the gauge at the cover and depress 7/16". My Super is 18#@7/16". It's hard to see in the video, but the gauge has Imperial and metric markings.

[Andries]

Super simple, super effective - thank you Dave. 

[Southside]

Ahh, have to check my gauge, been doing it with a tape measure in one hand and the gauge in the other. 

[BandsawBen]

Thats seems like a great idea. You can use the shroud as the gauge. I like it and will be drilling a hole.

[John S]

Newer models have a small access plate with two bolts for checking the tension. I still remove all six bolts and clean out the sawdust in there.

[Magicman]

 

 
Thanks Dave Shepard, I drilled a hole today. 

It works perfectly but I probably will now have to remove the cover more often after verifying that I am a bit slack. 

[Stephen1]

Thats a simple fix!. The newer mills as stated have a access hatch built in. Shows the engineers listen to the sawyers and thier issues. 

[Dave Shepard]

Version 2.0. I'm reminded of my mother's favorite saying "You're always doing something rash!"

I might put the piece I cut out on a hinge, but probably not. Drive belt tension isn't really a pain, but I'm sure it will get done more often now. Break-in of the new belt has required a number of adjustments, and my hands don't work well in the cold. Now I can do it all with gloves on. I was down to 11# from the 18# it was supposed to be. 



 

[Magicman]

I had wondered about putting the whole DanG cover on hinges. 

[Dave Shepard]

You could, but I still have my board return installed, which makes it a tight fit to remove the cover just by unbolting it. 

[Crossroads]

Great idea! Now I'll have to put the electoral tape 7/16" out from the cover. I'm a bit clumsy and struggled to hold a straight edge still while pressing the gauge 7/16". Can't walk and chew gum either 

[Unclefish]

Thanks for posting this tip.
Faster and easier. 

[PAmizerman]

I did that years ago. I have a piece of masking tape wrapped around my Guage that is 7/16"
Away from the cover once inserted into the hole. No measuring tape needed.

[Dan_Shade]

@Dave Shepard does your access panel invite bird nests and/or fill up with dyst/bark debris? 

[Dave Shepard]

Hasn't been a problem so far.