Great feeedback!
I did watch the video and noticed that when he attached the inboard side (right side) and released the clip it pulled the paper snug. Most often I see a small amount of space between the paper and the drum no matter what I do. Also, I think my spring clip requires a LOT more lifting force than I can apply with just my fingers, thus I always use the supplied tool.
When the belt tears it actually separates into two pieces. Following is what the drum end looks like.
I removed the sandpaper tail and laid both pieces together
This is the tool supplied by Laguna as part of the purchase.
Here is the tool being used
Answers to questions
Are you winding the belt on the drum in the correct direction?
Yes, the same as the suggested video
Also, the wraps of the belt do not need to be touching each other - a small space is OK. That may help you seat the belt properly.
Yes, if you have too much space it will not be possible to install the tail into the slot on the right side. For me, I found it necessary to have the belt edges touching all along the way. Also, care must be taken when you insert the starting tail on the left side. If not inserted correctly (deep enough) you will encounter issues when you attempt to insert the tail on the right side.
My guess is you are not getting the tab inserted correctly in the retaining clip. It is not intuitive on which way it should go. I have the same style machine and this also happened to me until I somehow figured it out
Tonight when I installed a new belt, it looks the best I have done, e.g. the belt is snug on both ends.
Make SURE that you're actually getting it to grab on the right side. My guess is that it's not actually catching on the right, then just flapping around.
I have had that happen. Also, I've noticed that when you start on the left side, if you don't insert the tail enough it will result in having a tail too long on the right side and it is very difficult to properly seat it on the right side.
John, I think most of us who own drum sanders can identify with your frustration. It does take a little experience to become comfortable with the process. I can't add much to the advice you already received from the previous posters. That said, once you have the new roll installed take VERY light passes at very slow belt speeds, after each pass look to see if you see any slippage, if so tighten and go again. After you are comfortable that the belt is securely installed, you don't need to inspect after each pass, but I would still take light passes at slow speeds (heat is the enemy of sandpaper, you can minimize this with light and slow).
Excellent suggestion! Now that I have a new belt installed I will give this a try in the next few days.
After installation and a bit of run time, readjust the paper. It will stretch a bit initially and will require tightening.
Another great suggestion I will try in a few days.
For what it is worth, when running wood through, I always stay at least 1 1/2" away from the right side of the drum. If you have a board passing under where the right side grabs, it is prone to damaging the abrasive or ripping it out of the catch.
I agree and previously had marked on the outside of the protective cover on the left/right sides the boundaries of where I would prefer to stay. Until I learn how to install the darn belt this will be a must. The board I was recently sanding was almost 19" wide and I did not want to make a left/right pass. This is something I don't feel comfortable with doing.
From your photo it looks like the inboard end is pulling free from the tension clip. Are you using pre-cut sandpaper? If you're cutting your own off of long rolls, shorten the length by 1/2" and check your angles when you cut off a new wrap. Before you install a new wrap bend ~2" of the tag end down at a 90 degree angle. This makes it easier to insert the tip into the tension clip, which is a bear to get right until you've done it enough times to get the feel for it.
Bad photo, it had not pulled loose. Currently, I'm using pre-cut sandpaper but plan to cut my own from long rolls I have purchased. The pre-cut are too darn expensive and with my learning mistakes I've gone through 10 rolls and counting. I like the idea of bending the tail, if you don't is is super difficult to get the darn paper in the correct slot.
PS..on my Woodmaster sander it’s recommend to put a wrap of fiberglass tape on both ends on the paper.
Another great suggestion I can try in a few days.
I'm in the process of building a set of custom shelving for my son and daughter-in-law. I'm using 2x4s that have been planned to the same thickness. I then glue several together to ensure I can get a 12" deep shelf. After the glue sits, I first sand the boards to ensure the joints are flush and then cut to a width of 12". This is what I wanted to do with the drum sander. Because of the issues I encountered, I did two boards using my ROS. I have 8 more boards to create, thus getting the drum sander working is high on the list.