Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur
How tight is 'reasonable tension'? How much force should we use when tensioning drivetrain belts? How much tension is too much? Will floating idlers work?
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Not knowing the geometry of your situation its impossible to describe exactly how much tension is right. There are rules of thumb for the amount of deflection when pushing on the belt from the side, but this depends on the belt arrangement, width, torque, etc. The least amount of tension which transmits your load reliably and does not skip under max. load is the right amount. Any tension that is wrapping the pulleys securely and not slipping teeth will also keep the belt tracking. Use a method that is adjustable and just experiment with it. When possible I always prefer an adjustable shaft location with no tensioners vs. tensioner idlers, as idlers add moving parts and complexity and subtract from your efficiency. If you use an idler and are transmitting power in both directions, it should have a fixed location. Spring loaded or "floating" idlers are for power in one direction, and are located on the slack side of the belt path.