My belt-changing jig

[RaptrFlite]

Well I tried for HOURS to get the new belts on my BT3100 and finally got an idea. I cut an easy jig out of wood to keep the belt on the motor shaft while I walked it onto the arbor shaft. It uses the bolts that already hold the dust chute (or whatever it's called) on the motor assembly. Just use one of the shims as a length guide.

Worked like a charm! Thought everyone might like to use it, cause it makes the chore so easy.

Now the hard part is keeping the shims in place while you're bolting the thing back together!

[dlminehart]

RaptrFlite: looks very interesting, but I'm on the unimaginative side. Perhaps a photo of where you position the jig?

[RaptrFlite]

Sure... here is a shot of the placement...

[JimD]

I hope I never have to install the extra set of belts I have but if I do, I will probably try this. I spent a couple hours the one time I have done this so far.

Thanks for the idea.

Jim

[pirinst]

very inventive.

I like it and will use it if and when the time comes. Thanks.

[Knottscott]

Good idea! It's probably also a good idea to cut the jig BEFORE the belts break in case you don't have a good back up plan!

[RaptrFlite]

You're very welcome. So many people on the net have saved me SO much time and money, I'm glad I could finally give back a little.

Dustmight: True! I had to brush the dust off of the old hand saw to cut this. Only strengthened my resolve to not do something stupid again that could break the belts

[rickd]

thanks for posting the tip and pics - i'll be making one of those jigs pronto and hope i don't have to use it!