Belt Sander

[Darrin Davis]

I have a Porter Cable belt sander and after a few seconds of using it the belt always breaks (even with a brand new belt). Why? I can't figure it out!

[David G Baker]

I don't have a belt sander but my first guess would be the belt may be mounted so it is turning the wrong way. It isn't adjusted tight enough or there may be a bent piece of metal that is tearing the belt. I have repaired a few for friends but never used one.
David B

[Lee Schierer]

My PC belt sander will break belts if they are put on the wrong direction. Also if the belts are old, the seam will sometimes be weakened by age.

If the front roller turns free by hand, try backing off on the tension a bit (I don't recall if my is adjustable) or try a different brand of belts.

[glenn bradley]

I'm afraid I'm going with wrong way as well. Some belts have no direction as they use a different type of seam but overlap-seam belt have little arrows printed on the inside to show direction of travel. Let us know what you find out ;-)