4 inch Belt Sander problem

[mikeinman]

I have a Clarke 4 inch/6 inch belt/disc sander which I have had for many years. But over the I have now a problem with the belt sander which in the down horizontal position the sanding belt slips and it is almost impossible to sand wood in that position. If the belt is in the vertical position, no problem but difficult to use for many sanding jobs. The belt is new and of the correct size. I have had a look under the metal plate and there is a spring mechanism, and I am wondering if that is the problem ? Help please as I do not want to but another one especially as it is a good solid machine. Any ideas ? Thanks/

 

[MARK.B.]

Its possible that you just have build up of dust n muck stopping the the tensioning adjuster from working correctly, try giving a good clean out and see what happens , if that doesn't work all you have lost is a little time .

 

[mikeinman]

Many thanks for your reply. I did clean out as you suggested and had a look at the roller tension area and it appears it seems to be sticking and not keeping the tension on the rollers properly. The belt still slips if you try to do any sanding but seems better if in the vertical position !! Any further ideas ?