Advice/procedure for replacing/adjusting belt on harbor Freight Mini Lathe 93212

Hi All,
I tried to search for an answer but suspect this may be below the level of knowledge usually displayed here.
I'm new to this so please be gentle...

I picked up a mini lathe (used) and have been playing with getting it setup and testing it out.

I noticed it was slipping occasionally and I found the belt was just loose.
I also found the teeth on the belt and pulleys wearing, maybe it's just age but I want to replace them.

I broke it down to get to the belt and tighten it up... but the adjustment system is not logical although it seems like it is at first glance.

I started by loosening the adjustment screws and trying to move the motor down to add some tension per the instructions.
This got the tension right, but then as I tighten the screws the motor seems to twist and noses up/down causing belt misalignment.

At one point I thought i had it dead on, but then when I went to tighten the 2 strews that just push against the motor (this makes sense if you have one), everything got jacked up.

Is there a correct way to do this and stop the motor from twisting?

Or am I over thinking the belt alignment and I just need to get the tension right and the cover will keep the belt in place?


...I do have replacement belts and pulleys but want to make sure I have the procedure right before I put them on as I do not want to destroy the new parts!

thanks

psnorton said:

Hi All,
I tried to search for an answer but suspect this may be below the level of knowledge usually displayed here.
I'm new to this so please be gentle...

I picked up a mini lathe (used) and have been playing with getting it setup and testing it out.

I noticed it was slipping occasionally and I found the belt was just loose.
I also found the teeth on the belt and pulleys wearing, maybe it's just age but I want to replace them.

I broke it down to get to the belt and tighten it up... but the adjustment system is not logical although it seems like it is at first glance.

I started by loosening the adjustment screws and trying to move the motor down to add some tension per the instructions.
This got the tension right, but then as I tighten the screws the motor seems to twist and noses up/down causing belt misalignment.

At one point I thought i had it dead on, but then when I went to tighten the 2 strews that just push against the motor (this makes sense if you have one), everything got jacked up.

Is there a correct way to do this and stop the motor from twisting?

Or am I over thinking the belt alignment and I just need to get the tension right and the cover will keep the belt in place?


...I do have replacement belts and pulleys but want to make sure I have the procedure right before I put them on as I do not want to destroy the new parts!

thanks

Click to expand...

It's been covered before over here...hobby-machinist.com

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Don't get "Butt Hurt".
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psnorton said:

Hi All,
I tried to search for an answer but suspect this may be below the level of knowledge usually displayed here.
I'm new to this so please be gentle...

I picked up a mini lathe (used) and have been playing with getting it setup and testing it out.

I noticed it was slipping occasionally and I found the belt was just loose.
I also found the teeth on the belt and pulleys wearing, maybe it's just age but I want to replace them.

I broke it down to get to the belt and tighten it up... but the adjustment system is not logical although it seems like it is at first glance.

I started by loosening the adjustment screws and trying to move the motor down to add some tension per the instructions.
This got the tension right, but then as I tighten the screws the motor seems to twist and noses up/down causing belt misalignment.

At one point I thought i had it dead on, but then when I went to tighten the 2 strews that just push against the motor (this makes sense if you have one), everything got jacked up.

Is there a correct way to do this and stop the motor from twisting?

Or am I over thinking the belt alignment and I just need to get the tension right and the cover will keep the belt in place?


...I do have replacement belts and pulleys but want to make sure I have the procedure right before I put them on as I do not want to destroy the new parts!

thanks

Click to expand...

You can fuck right off

I think you paid too much for your lathe.

Maybe try Alibaba..............................or a Dremel tool.

psnorton said:

Hi All,
I tried to search for an answer but suspect this may be below the level of knowledge usually displayed here.

thanks

Click to expand...

That lathe is GARBAGE

Good day sir

Harsh! Hobby machines are not discussed on this forum.

I think "This Old Tony" did a few vids on those, check out youtube. There are some forums such as "Home Shop Machinist" that can give you advice. Good luck!

Look for things like 7 x 10 minilathe mods, repairs, etc.

Tons of them around carrying different brands but virtually the same toy.

If it's been done to one of them someone has posted a video or details somewhere.

At least he had a descriptive and detailed title. ;-)

Ed.

I knew this would be good so I made some popcorn before starting to read the thread

AJ H said:

You can fuck right off

Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure he was trying to say that his question was too basic, and that we usually dealt with more complex, high-level stuff. But it could have been phrased better...

Good luck to the OP, for sure there are better places to look for help.

Milland said:

I'm pretty sure he was trying to say that his question was too basic, and that we usually dealt with more complex, high-level stuff. But it could have been phrased better...

Good luck to the OP, for sure there are better places to look for help.

Click to expand...

Problem is, HF just doesn't make em like they used to...