How to Change the Belt on a Craftsman Lathe 101

Although not a common tool in home remodeling, a Craftsman Lathe 101 has its place in areas such as staircase refurbishment or any place where long, cylindrical parts are needed to complete a repair. The Craftsman lathe is belt drive, so the spindle holding the cutting material spins off a large pulley mounted inside the lathe. Changing a worn lathe belt is straightforward and only takes a few minutes.

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the lathe and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
- 2
  Locate the access door on the left end of the lathe where the control panel mounts. Rotate the handle on the door counterclockwise until you can swing open the door.
- 3
  Locate the idler pulley mounted onto a metal plate with a spring connected to it. The idler pulley maintains tension on the belt.
- 4
  Pull the belt off the pulleys while you push the idler pulley inward to release tension on the belt. Let go of the idler pulley once you remove the belt.
- 5
  Place the belt onto all of the pulleys except for the idler pulley. You will see a belt routing guide on the inside of the door. Use it to help you route the belt around the pulleys.
- 6
  Push in on the idler pulley and place the belt over the pulley. Slowly let go of the idler pulley.
- 7
  Close the door and tighten the handle clockwise to lock the door in place. Plug in the lathe, turn it on and check for proper operation.

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