Argh - belt sander keeps snapping belts Options

[Tdskip]

Hoping someone has figured out how to make these belts last more than a minute, I haven’t. Trying to do the last bit of cleaning up some welds and no matter how lightly I apply the belt to the metal the belt keeps snapping.

I am applying the belt to the metal on the return loop, or in other words the belt surface is being pulled over that metal rather than pushed.

The manual is of zero help.

Anyone knowledgeable in this dark art?

Thanks!

[tygaboy]

I don't have the best luck with the HF abrasives. No help today but get 3M stuff. SOOOOOO much better and they last longer enough that they work out to be no more $$.

As far as today: check the belt path on the sander to be sure there's nothing snagging. Check the pulleys, too.

EDIT: Also check the tension is correct and the slider area isn't bound up.

Next, I'd check a fresh belt to see if you got a bad batch. Sometimes the belt comes apart where it's (supposed to be) joined.
Finally, consider the direction you're sanding. I get more snags when the belt is contacting the material and trying to push back vs pull away.
Hope this helps.