Why does my drill press belt keep slipping?

Question

I tighten the belt as much as I can (sorta hard to adjust) but it still jams. It's an inexpensive mastercraft 10" model. The belt looks fine to me but I don't know what to look for. It jams a lot, almost unusable with a 7/8" forstner bit. Really annoying. I would definately get a new belt if I thought that was it. I think it didn't jam as much when it was new. The other day the belt just came off while running for no apparent reason (it was plenty tight). Thanks for any help anyone can suggest. Could it be alignment?

Answer 1

I don't know what you mean by jams. I'm a machinist for over 24 years. e-mail me with better details and I know I can help

Answer 2

       I've been a carpenter for 47 years, I have a wood-working shop in my basement with all the tools for anything you want to make. I think the 10" Mastercraft is a little light for the 7/8" forstner bit, your killing it slowly.

      Even if you use a belt dressing, then you'd be killing the motor. What you need is a bigger motor. I have the same set-up and I get into the same situations. When I get into these problems I don't even try, I go into my "killer" the 1/2 inch Dewalt.

      I only wish I would have bought a one size larger drill press. That's all I can think of, maybe there is another answer. I did try a belt dressing, it only killed the motor, damned near killed it permanently.

Answer 3

drill press belts stretch over time, especially if the bit has been binding. you could just replace the belt. if your particular press allows you to adjust belt tension, usually by moving the motor away from the fixed wheel, try that. you should be able to use that forstner bit, just speed up the press, and drill slowly.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

My other half was amazed that you are using this size bit on this sort of machine too.

His suggestion is try some belt grip to see if that will help