[tony@sm-w]

Hello Gentlemen, My machine is making a noise like a popcorn machine at the spindle belt location. Has anyone had to replace the belts on this certain machine?,,, and what was the level of difficulty and time frame that I will be looking at? Any tips or hints would be appreciatted.

[weibelmarco]

Indeed, popping noise is a sign for worn belts !

Remove the head cover and you will recognise what has to be done.
The area is pretty accessible and no special tooling needed.
Loosen this and that, replace, tighten that and this kind of thing.
Pretty much straight forward procedure.
If you don't agree.... just ask more !

Try to have the new belts ready when starting the project.

What year is your machine and which spindle does it have ?

(We have 3 Hardinge VMC's of various years and spindles and all have slightly different length belts)

Good luck.