How tight to have belts

CNC Machines Shapeoko
1

Hi,

In addition to the insanely annoying jobs being interrupted half way issue, I’m also getting distorted shapes…

I guess my belts are too loose, how tight is too tight? I’m struggling to get the x axis tight??? is it worth trying to use longer bolts to pull the clamps in from further away?

thanks
Rob

2

Please see: https://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/shapeoko/xxl/step-5-belting/

I find it easiest to do something of a round-robin:

  • initially tension belt with gantry in in middle
  • move to one end, re-tighten that end
  • move to other end, re-tighten there
  • move gantry to center and check belt tension

Like most things, a bit of practice/repetition will increase one’s facility with it.

2 Likes
3

thanks, i’ll keep at it!

4

also make sure the “sprocket” is solidly connected to the motor axis; if there is slip there is will LOOK like belt slip in many ways
there’s a little M3 thiny to hold these tight; after a crash (my own fault) I’ve had to tighten those

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