Thread: Belt tensioner fix.

I changed the belt tensioning device on my lathe this afternoon.

Originally it had an idler on an adjustable backing, once tension was applied an allen key was used to tighten the locking bolt. I found that a PITA so changed that to the one at the of the picture some time ago. It worked ok with the bicycle wheel clamp but I also got tired of that so this afternoon fabricated one using a spring to apply tension.

Initially the idea was to pull the lever and either move the belt or replace it for the upper/lower three speeds. As luck would have it, just moving the belt over a little and spinning the chuck moves the belt so the handle is only for changing belts. Works quite well and provides for nice quick speed changes.