Belt Sander

[Jaybolt]

I repair tools for the public and have had several DW433 sanders that cannot be adjusted to prevent the belt from running into the frame and tearing the belt to pieces. The adjustment mechanism checks out and seem to work fine on this units; however there is not enough adjustment to prevent the problem. All bearings and rubber rollers are in good condition and I can find no evidence that the sander has been dropped and damaged. Does anyone have a solution?

[allthumbs]

I have been having the same problem. The user guide makes it sound like a slam-dunk, but it isn't. My initial experience with the unit was good. I have read all the negative reviews, but I am not giving up yet because all other DeWalt tools I own have been flawless and durable.

Looking it over again tonight, I noticed something that may be a part of the problem. The top front roller touches the housing when the tension is off while changing belts. I hadn't noticed this before. After I put a belt on, which forces this roller away from the housing, I can see that a gouge has been "sanded" into the housing. It would seem that if the belt lengthened for any reason, or came apart at a point where the motor could still pull the belt a few inches, there would definitely be tremendous friction. It looks to me like the only force keeping that roller from hitting the housing is the tension of an intact, snug sanding belt. If you have taken the beast apart, perhaps you could tell me if there is any adjustment that will assure that this roller never touches the housing?