Replies

1. 
   loucarabasi | Feb 17, 2006 01:49pm | #1

   jeff, I have the 15 inch(do they make a 16/)Anyway I have had my machine for 8 years now and I have to say I do smell burnt rubber and Now I know the pullys maybe off thanks to you.I have yet to replace the pullys in 8 years and I do use it in a light commercial setting.A buddy of mine has a delta I think his is better.

   I also used the grizly and that would be my next planer,have to wait the wifes expecting twins soon!

   -Lou

1. 
   Jumpman | Feb 17, 2006 09:12pm | #2

   I'm here to help...;-)

   Actually, the owners manual for the 16" planer directs you to place a straight edge across the pulleys to check for alignment.  If you've been running the planer for 8 years and you're still on the original belts, they're probably not off by much, or you don't use the planer much...I'm looking at the Grizzly planers as well, if I don't buy the Jet, I'll be buying one of the Grizzly planer's as I already have the G1023SLWX cabinet saw on backorder & will buy the planer when I pick up the saw.  Just took delivery of the Grizzly 14" Industrial (1.5 HP) bandsaw they recently had on closeout, and I'm in LUV with it....

2. 
   Tony Z | Feb 19, 2006 01:54am | #3

   Jeff,

   I also have a 15" Jet planer, and it always smells fromk burnt rubber.  I have tried every trick in the book to align the pulleys without luck.  Possibly the shafts the pulleys turn on are not paralell.

   To be frank, I do not use a planer very much and because of that I'm not blowing through belts. 

   T.Z>

    

1. 
   Jumpman | Feb 19, 2006 05:45am | #4

   Dang, I decide to take the deal on the planer, and now I read this.  Oh well, this isn't rocket science, it's woodworking.  If the pulleys are in alignment, then the tension on the belt must be allowing some slippage (not enough tension), or you're pushing the machine too hard (not likely), or the belts themselves are the problem e.g. hardened.  The deal on the Jet planer was just too good for me to pass up.  Thanks very much for the information, hopefully I haven't made a mistake...JJ

1. 
   Tony Z | Feb 19, 2006 02:52pm | #5

   I don't think you made a mistake.  As far as the belt issue goes, as I use the planer infrequently, it is not that critical.  If I were to need a planer for heavy use, meaning daily for hours at a time, well, then you are into an industrial application and a whole different class of tool.  Sometimes we confuse what these machines are built for.

   My Jet is a competent machine.  Adjusts easy and is easy to work on.  I have not yet considered changing the belts because of "hardening" as I've never heard of that as a cause of "burning", so you learn something new every day!

    

1. 
   Jumpman | Feb 19, 2006 09:19pm | #6

   Thanks Tony.  I was brain storming when I threw out the belt hardening possibility.  I know in automotive apps, it happens over time, the belts get hard and crack.  Am assuming the belts on the machine are same type of belt, that may be a bad assumption.

   I'm tickled pink to get the JET planer, I think I got a heck of a deal.  I've been going crazy trying to decide what to do for a planer, I prefer real tools that last, the benchtop models really don't seem to be built for anything more than the occasion use a hobbyist would need.  While the JET may not be a true industrial class tool, it certainly is a heck of a lot more tool than those plastic benchtop class machines seem to be.  Time will tell on the JET, but it's built with cast iron and steel, I just don't see how I could go wrong.

3. 
   gastonbob | Feb 21, 2006 04:29am | #7

   I also have an oppurtunity to buy this planer at $600 and am worried about the belt situation and and how well it generally works. Also is there another 16" planer within a couple of hundred bucks either way that is far better. Thanks

1. 
   Jumpman | Feb 24, 2006 07:29am | #8

   In a different thread/discussion, I asked about using link belts on planers and received a very positive response. 

   http://forums.taunton.com/fw-tools/messages?msg=7633.19

   For those having belt problems on their JET planers due to slight or worse misalignment of pulleys/shafts, this may be the answer.  Check it out.  I have no personal experience yet with these belts, but they come highly recommended by those who have used them.  These belts seem to be vastly superior to conventional belts and are supposed to be reasonably priced.  I plan to fit my JET 16" planer with these belts whether I'm having belt problems or not.