Joined
·
132 Posts
and let me just say, this is by far the coolest thing I have ever cranked, although my crarkfire is a close 2nd. Absolutly amazing piece of equipment, just make sure you bolt it down!
It's a shame I don't have the equipment to make a video or time & money for travel to a place to give live demo's to all who have problems loading belts with 1918 loader. It's not very difficult if machine has not been maladjusted out of frustration. From my experience, keeping the rounds evenly pushed into belt is best accomplished by using a right hand enclosed in a quality leather glove and whilst cranking with left hand, (also glove enclosed) guide the loaded belt coming out of the star wheels by applying a slight left motion with each crank to move the belt left, keeping it from moving to the right and allowing the later rounds to not be pushed in as far as the first ones. This is something that comes from experience and mechanical aptitude. It is one great machine, but requires some patience and experience. All this assumes the belt loader is securely mounted to a platform or work bench and has a container to support the loaded belt as it egresses.gunslingerdoc said:I friggin hate mine. Ive messed with it and messed with it. When I can get it to work I end up with xylophone looking belts - the rounds seat fine initially then get farther and farther out. Ive tried loading with belts hanging loose, supported, etc. Ive tried Swedish and US belts. Ive increased and decreased tension holding the belt. and Ive messed with the needles. So far its been a hugh PITA (no Im not selling it 'cause I hate to be beat by something mechanical).
I had high hopes of watching the kids crank away and load belts - humbug. They like to link and will gladly link me up a can or 2 any time I'll let them.
Rant off.