# Belt Tension issues / Disassembling the arms **URL:** \ **Category:** Troubleshooting\ **Created:** [September 27, 2025, 3:14pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/belt-tension-issues-disassembling-the-arms/24958 "2025-09-27T15:14:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JimB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f4b2a3/32.png) [@JimB](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/JimB)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2025, 3:14pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/belt-tension-issues-disassembling-the-arms/24958/1 "2025-09-27T15:14:24Z")
I have been having issues with my belt tensions for a few cut attempts now. A couple of the belts require extremely high retraction force (north of 2500) to get the belts to retract. Once i get the belts retracted and extended then begin a cut, the cuts operate well for a small period before the belts that need the high retraction force start to go slack and the cut errors out. When I first assembled the Maslow I was able to make good cuts of a couple projects. Then this issue started arising. One of the topics I’ve found on a similar issue suggested taking the arms apart to inspect the encoder magnets. I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to get to these parts without fully disassembling the Maslow. Or am I on a path of taking it completely apart? Edit: Im using a frame based on the plans on the Maslow website with a 4x8 work surface in the middle. Im running it in a vertical orientation (about 25 degree tilt) ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2025, 7:04pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/belt-tension-issues-disassembling-the-arms/24958/2 "2025-09-27T19:04:31Z")
JimB wrote: > One of the topics I’ve found on a similar issue suggested taking the arms apart to inspect the encoder magnets. I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to get to these parts without fully disassembling the Maslow. Or am I on a path of taking it completely apart? unfortunantly no easy way to get access, you need to detach the rod tops from the braces, pull the router out, disconnect the four joints of the top clamp from the uprights, then lift each arm out. if you get some m3x14 bolts with socket caps it’s easier to reassemble, and there are rod top clamps that I designed that are easier to put on than the stock ones. David Lang ---
**Author:** ![JimB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f4b2a3/32.png) [@JimB](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/JimB)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2025, 5:22pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/belt-tension-issues-disassembling-the-arms/24958/3 "2025-11-28T17:22:27Z")
Hey David, thank you for this! I am curious about the m3x14 with socket caps comment on reassembly. You use these everywhere? My biggest honest fear of disassembly is the nuts and how they aren’t held into their openings. Considering gluing them into their slots in the future. ---
**Author:** ![dlang](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/dlang/32/859_2.png) [@dlang](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/dlang)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2025, 6:48pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/belt-tension-issues-disassembling-the-arms/24958/4 "2025-11-28T18:48:12Z")
JimB wrote: > Hey David, thank you for this! I am curious about the m3x14 with socket caps comment on reassembly. You use these everywhere? they fit everywhere except the belt ends (and I have 3d printed belt ends that I use that they do fit) > My biggest honest fear of disassembly is the nuts and how they aren¢t held > into their openings. Considering gluing them into their slots in the future. with the 4.1 kit, the only place the nylock nuts aren’t a friction fit is in the uprights. the only thing to watch out for in gluding them is to make sure you don’t get glue interfering with the threads. David Lang