Performax 16/32

[Sac Dave]

The feed belt broke on my 16/32 sander second time So I'm sure everyone familiar with this sander will agree feed belt is the weak link. So I just ordered the upgraded rubber feed belt, the information I can=92t find is do you use the tracking blocks or not? I found one review the poster said the belt worked better without the tracking blocks. So anyone that=92s installed the upgraded feed belt have an opinion from your experience?

[dadiOH]

My 16/32 is about 15 years old. I am on my second feed belt; first one was soon frayed because there *were* no tracking blocks then.

So, I can't directly answer your question but I sure wouldn't want to use any belt without tracking blocks.

If your belts are breaking could it be from too much tension?

[Leon]

I have the 22/44 and I think the guide blocks were later used to keep the conical belt on track, obviously. Had the belts been the same diameter on both sides the guides probably would not have been needed.

So if the new belt is rubber thee probably will be no need for those blocks.

FWIW I had tracking problems until the belt broke in but Performax sent me a replacement belt any way. During the conversation the tech indicated that the guide blocks were actually not needed at all if everything was working correctly. IMHO they were a stop gap measure to compensate for the lack of QC in the conveyor belts.

Could you steer me towards the upgrade information or site.

Thanks.

[Sac Dave]

This is about as much information that I could find.

did notice a couple places that sold the Rubber type said the sandpaper ones were no longer available, but I also found the old style about $40 less.

[dadiOH]

Any place that makes belts will be glad to make you one. And usually at about half the $50 "official" price. Here's one...

[Bruce]

On Sat, 19 Nov 2011 09:10:11 -0700, Sac Dave wrote (in article ):

I purchased this belt:

ended up _not_ using the guides since they seemed unnecessary. The belt slips more than the gritted belt, but doesn't have that bump at the seam which transfers through to the wood at times.

-Bruce

[Leon]

I did notice a couple places that sold the Rubber type said the

Thank you!

[Just Wondering]

In my experience, if you own a Performax 16/32 and you're a hobbiest rather than a professional, you suck.

[Roy]

So, about the time B.A.D. posted the above note, SWMBO and I were at an estate sale buying a Performax 16/32. In the mad frenzy at the time we forgot to get the Tuftool that came with it. To be honest, it wasn't until we got home and read the manual that we even knew the Tuftool existed.

SWMBO identified it as she had grabbed it to threaten one clod who had reached, for the third time, for the box she carried that held our planned purchases, including a never used LN dovetail saw. Apparently the Tuftool could excel as a device to twist and wind up certain parts of the male anatomy in preparation of her "planting a foot in your stomach and ripping your balls off if you come near me again" as she loudly, but delicately, phrased it.

Well, it is obvious to me the tool is useful, but the question I wanted to ask the group is whether I need to get one to use on the Performax sander we bought? I hope to be able to pick up the one that should have come with the sander, but if I can't, should I buy one anyway. Anybody use the tool for its intended purpose?

Thanks, Roy

[dadiOH]

I have a 16-32. I don't have a Tuftool (they didn't exist when I bought the sander). I have always just used my right middle finger to do what it does; doing so is a PITA because I have some arthritis. Buy the tool.

PS: life would have beed easier if they had set the thing up to wind right to left instead of left to right.

[Scott Lurndal]

i have the 22-44. The tuftool is handy, but I've also used my fingers successfully.

scott

[Sac Dave]

I installed the new belt, more like more like nylon than rubber (more like rubber roofing) left the guide blocks off seems to track just fine. I do notice your work piece slips kind of disappointed in that fact, hopefully some of the slickness will wear off then it might work better. Looking at the new belt I think it will last longer.

[Sac Dave]

wonder about the quality. So haw was the belt in your opinion ? For the price I might just buy one the slipping in new rubber belt is going to become an irritation quick.

[dadiOH]

I can't speak as to the quality because I've never had one. I've only had two belts, both "official". The first was chewed up pretty rapidly because Peformax didn't have the accessory tracking gizmos at the time...belt would wander and the edge would get chewed up before I noticed. The second belt is at least 10 years old and still good. Next time I need a belt I'll be getting a non-official one...$50 is just waaaaay too much for a belt. So is $24.40 IMO, YMMV, but it is better than $50.

Here's another place that will make any size belt. Never had a transport belt from them but have purchased numerous other things, all fine.

[Roy]

Thanks to you and DadiOH's for the replies. I went back to the site of the sale and found the Tuftool. Figured as I have gotten older and don't have the strength and agility I did 45 years ago, some mechanical advantage would help. I haven't tried it out yet, but can see where there is a lot of mechanical advantage with the tool.

Thanks again. It's pretty rare here to post a serious question and not get a good answer. Been lurking here and posting occasionally for 13+ years, and still think this is a great place to spend a few minutes most every day.

Regards, Roy