Adjusting tracking on Drum Sander

[Pez]

I am having a problem with the feeder belt on my Jet 16-32 drum sander. Every time I use it the belt always drifts to my left (if you are facing the front of the machine where the wood enters the drum). Based on this I am not sure if I need to tighten or loosen the nuts and not sure which side to adjust. The manual says what to do in this case but I am not having any luck, could be that I am not clearly understanding which side to adjust and how.

I am looking for some advice on how to set the tracking of the feeder belt. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[BHD]

the below is from a web add, as well as the picture, http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/j1632rvu.html

Talented Conveyor

The conveyor probably won't need much adjusting but when it does, the mechanism is easy to use.

Even the conveyor belt was given special attention. In addition to being remarkably tough and virtually slip-free, the mechanics of the conveyor make using it easier. Simple tension adjusters on the outer edges of the conveyor table have captured wrenches that make them essentially tool free. Adjusting conveyor belt is easy but this will not be a frequent task. Adjusting the belt tensions may be necessary when it stretches but that is about it.

JET designed special belt Trackers™ that keep the belt running straight in most cases. These ceramic pieces are hidden below the table but seem to do a very good job. Once tracking is set initially you can concentrate on sanding, not correcting the belt setup.

NOTE: the picture is Figure 22

IT appears to loosen the two screws and lengthen or lessen the bearing holder just a touch then when running true tighten it back up, page 16 of the manual (I do not have the machine, but it may be the bracket will slide with out loosing the screws. you should be able to see if they need to be loosened or not reasonable easily).

Conveyor Belt Tension/Tracking
Conveyor belt tension and tracking adjustments
may occasionally be necessary during break-in
and normal operation to compensate for belt
stretching.
IMPORTANT: The conveyor belt has been overtensioned
for shipping purposes. It must be retensioned
before operating the sander.
Belt Tension: To adjust the tension of the
conveyor belt, first adjust the take-up screw nut
(Figure 22) on both sides of the conveyor to
obtain approximately equal tension on both
sides of the belt when taut.
Insufficient belt tension will cause slippage of
conveyor belt on the drive roller during sanding
operation. The conveyor belt is too loose if it can
be stopped by hand pressure applied directly to
the top of the conveyor belt.
Excessive belt tension can cause tracking
problems and result in bent rollers, bent take-up
brackets, and premature wearing of the bronze
roller bearings or conveyor belt.
Belt Tracking: Adjustments to tracking are
made while the conveyor belt is running. After
the proper belt tension has been achieved, turn
on the conveyor unit and set it at the fastest
speed setting. Watch for a tendency of the
conveyor belt to drift to one side of the
conveyor. If there is drifting, tighten the take-up
screw nut (Figure 22) on the side toward which
the belt is drifting, and loosen the take-up screw
nut on the opposite side. NOTE: Adjust the takeup
screw nuts only 1/4 turn at a time. Then allow
time for the belt to react to the adjustments
before proceeding further. Try to avoid overadjustments.

http://content.wmhtoolgroup.com/manuals/man_629004K.pdf

NOTE: Adjust the takeup
screw nuts only 1/4 turn at a time. Then allow
time for the belt to react to the adjustments
before proceeding further.

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you either need to lengthen the side it is drifting to or shorten the side it is drifting away from, but it may be over tensioned if it was not properly adjusted from shipping according to the manual,

[Pez]

Thanks BHD. Maybe I am overtensioning it when I first set it.