Service How To Procedures Spindle Drive Belt - Tension Adjustment - Gates Sonic Meter - Lathe
Last updated: 11/27/2018

Spindle Drive Belt - Tension Adjustment - Gates Sonic Meter - Lathe

Spindle Drive Belt - Tension Adjustment - Gates Sonic Meter

1

Change the units to lbf, as follows:

  • Hold [0] and [9] and push [POWER] at the same time [1].
  • Push [SELECT] again and again until the display shows lbf.
  • Hold [POWER] until the power goes off.
  • Push [POWER] to start the meter.

To show Hz in the display for the 507C model, push [HZ] [2] again and again until the display shows Hz [3].

2

For the 507C model, push [MASS] [1]. For the 505C model, push [WEIGHT].

3

Enter the correct values from the Mass, Width, and Span columns from the Lathe - Spindle Belt Tension Specifications Document. For example, for an ST-10, push this sequence: 0, 0, 5, 5. This sets the value to 5.5 for the mass.

SL/ST/DS - Spindle Drive Belt - Tension Adjustment - Gates Sonic Meter

1

Loosen the (4) motor mount screws [1].

2

Turn the (2) belt tension screws equally until tension is in the belt.

Use your hand to tighten the motor mount fasteners.

 Note: The illustration shows the belt tension screws for an ST-20. The location of the belt tension screws for SL and other ST lathes are different.

3

Attach the sensor cable to the Gates sonic tension meter.

Push this button sequence on the Gates sonic tension meter:

  1. Push [POWER].
  2. Push [MEASURE].

Put the sensor less than 3/8" (11 mm) from the belt. Quickly pull your finger across the edge of the belt ("Pluck" the belt like a guitar string). Do not let the sensor touch the belt.

 Note: If you cannot make the necessary vibration with your finger, you can tap the belt with the handle of a screwdriver.

4

Compare the "Tension" value from the table to the value on the meter.

If the tension is too low, use the belt tension screws to tighten the belt.

If the tension is too high, use the belt tension screws to loosen the belt.

Measure the tension again, and make adjustments until the belt tension is correct.

5

Torque the motor mount screws. Refer to Haas Fastener Torque Specifications. Use the values for steel.

TL - Spindle Drive Belt - Tension Adjustment - Gates Sonic Meter

1

Loosen the (3) screws [1] on the plate that holds the motor.

Push down on the plate until the belt has tension.

Use your hand to tighten the (3) screws for plate.

2

Attach the sensor cable to the Gates sonic tension meter.

Push this button sequence on the Gates sonic tension meter:

  1. Push [POWER].
  2. Push [MEASURE].

Put the sensor less than 3/8" (11 mm) from the belt. Quickly pull your finger across the edge of the belt ("Pluck" the belt like a guitar string). Do not let the sensor touch the belt.

 Note: If you cannot make the necessary vibration with your finger, you can tap the belt with the handle of a screwdriver.

3

Compare the "Tension" value from the table to the value on the meter.

If the lathe is a TL-3 or TL-4, go to Step 5.

For TL-1 or TL-2 lathes:

  • Find the 2 adjustment openings. Put a crowbar in one of the openings.
  • If the tension is too low, push the plate down.
  • If the tension is too high, lift the plate up.
  • Measure the tension again. Adjust the plate until the belt tension is correct.

4

For TL-3 or TL-4 lathes:

  • Put a jack under the plate that holds the motor.

 Caution: Make sure the jack lightly touches the plate. If the jack pushes on the plate, this can damage the motor.

  • Find the (2) adjustment openings and put a crowbar in one of the openings.
    • If the tension is too high, decrease the hieght of the the jack.
    • If the tension is too high, increase the height of the jack.
    • Measure the tension again. Make adjustments until the belt tension is correct.

5

Torque the (3) motor mount screws. Refer to Haas Fastener Torque Specifications. Use the values for steel.

Office Lathe - Spindle Drive Belt - Tension Adjustment - Gates Sonic Meter

1

Loosen the (6) screws [1] for the plate that holds the motor.

Push the plate to the right until the belt has tension.

Use your fingers to tighten (6) screws [1].

2

Attach the sensor cable to the Gates sonic tension meter.

Push this button sequence on the Gates sonic tension meter:

  1. Push [POWER].
  2. Push [MEASURE].

Put the sensor less than 3/8" (11 mm) from the belt. Quickly pull your finger across the edge of the belt ("Pluck" the belt like a guitar string). Do not let the sensor touch the belt. 

 Note: If you cannot make the necessary vibration with your finger, you can tap the belt with the handle of a screwdriver.

3

Compare the "Tension" value from the table to the value on the meter.

If the tension is too low, push the plate to the right.

If the tension is too high, push the plate to the left.

Measure the tension again. Adjust the plate until the belt tension is correct.

Torque the (6) screws for the plate that holds the motor. Refer to Haas Fastener Torque Specifications. Use the value for steel.

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