Jointer: Motor Spins but the Cutterhead Doesn't
If your jointer's motor spins but the cutter head doesn't, not to worry, we can help. First, review our suggested parts for this type of problem. Once you have the part narrowed down, read our guide for tips on completing the repair yourself. Check your owner's manual for instructions specific to your model.
Belts
Belts are used to transfer power. Worn, or stretched belts, will not be able to make proper contact on the pulley. If worn enough, they will not spin and may even produce a burning smell against the pulley. To inspect the belt, remove any panels (if needed) to access the belt. If the belt has broken off, install a new one. If the belt is still attached, grab it to check for tension. If the belt looks good, try to apply tension to the belt by adjusting the motor position. If the belt is still loose, it is stretched and requires replacement. Remove the belt and install a new on around the pulleys and apply the tension on the belt by adjusting the motor. The belt tension should not deflect more that ¼ to 3/8 of an inch.
Belts are used to transfer power. Worn, or stretched belts, will not be able to make proper contact on the pulley. If worn enough, they will not spin and may even produce a burning smell against the pulley. To inspect the belt, remove any panels (if needed) to access the belt. If the belt has broken off, install a new one. If the belt is still attached, grab it to check for tension. If the belt looks good, try to apply tension to the belt by adjusting the motor position. If the belt is still loose, it is stretched and requires replacement. Remove the belt and install a new on around the pulleys and apply the tension on the belt by adjusting the motor. The belt tension should not deflect more that ¼ to 3/8 of an inch.
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Pulleys
A pulley that is loose on the shaft can cause a belt to come off. Remove any panels needed to access the pulleys. Remove the belt by loosening the motor bolts and sliding the motor in. Grab the pulleys to check for looseness and replace any that are. This method will vary on all models as pulleys are held on differently. Some pulleys are held on by a main bolt, which can be removed with an impact wrench. Some will require a puller and others will have a set screw on it that, once removed, the pulley will come off. Install the new pulley and reassemble in reverse order. The belt should not deflect more than ¼ to 3/8 of an inch. Reattach any panels you may have removed to access the pulleys.
A pulley that is loose on the shaft can cause a belt to come off. Remove any panels needed to access the pulleys. Remove the belt by loosening the motor bolts and sliding the motor in. Grab the pulleys to check for looseness and replace any that are. This method will vary on all models as pulleys are held on differently. Some pulleys are held on by a main bolt, which can be removed with an impact wrench. Some will require a puller and others will have a set screw on it that, once removed, the pulley will come off. Install the new pulley and reassemble in reverse order. The belt should not deflect more than ¼ to 3/8 of an inch. Reattach any panels you may have removed to access the pulleys.
Find your Pulleys here
Keys
Some pulleys have a keyway that sits inside the shaft and locks on both the shaft and pulley in order for the pulley to rotate with the shaft. If the keyway has broken from fatigue, it will need to be replaced. Remove any panels needed to access the pulleys. Remove the belt by loosening the motor bolts and sliding the motor in. Now, check for a loose pulley. Remove the set screw on the pulley and remove from the shaft. Remove the remainder of the broken keyway from the shaft, or inside of the pulley, if it is still present. Clean the shaft. Install the new keyway in the slot on the shaft and then align the pulley on the shaft and over the keyway. Once installed, reinstall the set screw and tighten. Reinstall the belt and apply the correct tension and tighten the motor bolts down to keep the...
Some pulleys have a keyway that sits inside the shaft and locks on both the shaft and pulley in order for the pulley to rotate with the shaft. If the keyway has broken from fatigue, it will need to be replaced. Remove any panels needed to access the pulleys. Remove the belt by loosening the motor bolts and sliding the motor in. Now, check for a loose pulley. Remove the set screw on the pulley and remove from the shaft. Remove the remainder of the broken keyway from the shaft, or inside of the pulley, if it is still present. Clean the shaft. Install the new keyway in the slot on the shaft and then align the pulley on the shaft and over the keyway. Once installed, reinstall the set screw and tighten. Reinstall the belt and apply the correct tension and tighten the motor bolts down to keep the tension. Replace any panels you may have removed to access the pulley.
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