x/y axis stepper motor belt change time! Help please?

[Meagan Britz]

Hi All,

I have a Chinese laser and the belt on the right side (y axis) is ready for the rubbish bin.

I have never changed belts before and am in need of a hand (or a brain) in regards to proper belt tension. I've got the replacement belt installed now, but don't know just how tight it needs to be or how to measure that tightness.

Here is a picture of the belt clamp that attaches to the gantry.
456372

Can anyone help please?

Thanks,
Meagan

[Bert Kemp]

I would think you want it to be taught but not to taught.. I would loosen it till there was slack then take the slack out and then a hair tighter.

[Meagan Britz]

I would think you want it to be taught but not to taught.. I would loosen it till there was slack then take the slack out and then a hair tighter.

Hi Bert,

Thanks for the reply!!

Okay, so it sounds like there are no real "specs" for this operation! What happens if left and right belts are not equally tensioned? I can certainly get it close, but....??

Thanks,
Meagan

[Bert Kemp]

Im no expert here but I would worry to much about them being the same. Just make sure there not to loose to slip or to tight to bind up . Like I said make them slack then take the slck out the just a tad more and I think you'll be ok

[Kev Williams]

How tight is the left side? Just make the right side belt tightness feel like the left side :)

[Meagan Britz]

Thank you everyone for your advise! I've got it set up and running perfectly!

[Bert Kemp]

awesome thanks for letting us know. :)