Tool for measuring G2 belt tension for Shapoko-/X-Carve-like CNC machines.
Uses the load cell from a luggage hand scale [1] and a 3D-printed part [2] to create a small device that is placed under a belt, at its mid-point and displays the amount of tension on the belt in pounds or grams.
The Inventables Forum has advice for how to measure and set the tension on drive belts for the X-Carve. A common suggestion involves pulling a belt up to one inch hieght at its mid-point with a hand-held scale and tensioning the belt to between three and six pounds.
By varying the length of the pan-head M4 bolt attached to the load cell, it is possible to set the belt height to the desired height.
A mark on the center of the mount can be used to line up with an indication of the center of the belt to provide repeatable measurements.
The mount could be improved by adding a feature for a wire strain-relief mechanism. A bit of hot-glue in the scale body where the wires emerge can provide a marginally acceptable form of strain-relief.
write this section and describe the files in the 'cad' directory
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Travel-LCD-Digital-Hanging-Luggage-Scale-Electronic-Weight-110lb-50kg/274148902171?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dfd041084d6524943879dd44fea301e24%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D254324079627%26itm%3D274148902171%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A82bfd94c-b1d6-11ea-ae39-74dbd180cbe1%7Cparentrq%3Aca74b7141720a9e8f33acbd3fffa6a1e%7Ciid%3A1
- https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4498468
- https://www.shapeways.com/model/upload-and-buy/10667019
- put link here to inventables Forum notes on belt tensioning for X-Carve