If you're wondering about Link Belts

I am not saying you are wrong,

Jim Engel

>I am not saying you are wrong, but I have been

getting an old Walker Turner lathe with a similar

mechanical variable speed drive, and have been

told by several people that the link belts work

great, and are handy because it is difficult to

know the exact correct size, and because it

avoids disassembly in replacing the upper belt.

Something to think about: Perhaps the 3/8 inch

rather than the half inch belts are more appropriate.

My lathe came with a 1/2 inch belt, which was

a replacement. I noticed in the spare parts that

came with the lathe that the original was

3/8 inch, and when I put that one on there

was a world of difference.

Like I say, you may very well be correct

but I have had other reports that they offer

advantages.

I would be interested in comments from others.

OK, lets say it this way...

Mike Schwing from Maryland

>The 1/2" belt replacement link belt, to replace the 1/2" belt that was on there - NO WAY does it work. Not a shot, not a chance. I can take video of it if you want!

Re: If you're wondering about Link Belts

Phil Clevenger

>Might be just my good luck, but I put a set of pulleys and a linkbelt on my Delta Contractors saw and was quite surprised at the result...best $50 I've spent.

Re: If you're wondering about Link Belts

Bill Howatt

>They worked on my lathe (not a Delta) that had the Reeves variable-speed drive system.

There are arrows on the belt so they run in the proper direction.

Bill

Re: If you're wondering about Link Belts

Peter Teubel

>I have link belts on my big lathe (non-reeves drive), shaving collector, table saw, and drill press. Soon to be on my jointer, bandsaw, and anything else I can find with a belt. They are truly wonderful for reducing vibration. Heck, I'd put them on my car but it has a serpentine belt :(

Re: If you're wondering about Link Belts

Don Henthorn Smithville, Texas

>In most cases a plain old cogged belt will provide as much change as the linked belts. Much less expensive.

Re: If you're wondering about Link Belts

W Kram

>Cogged belt?

Can you describe what this is & where it can be purchased?

Re: If you're wondering about Link Belts

RevDoug

>Basically a "V" belt with teeth on the inside of the belt. You can get them at any automotive store.

Turn 'em round,

RevDoug

Re: If you're wondering about Link Belts

Bruce, N.B. Canada

>Mike make sure the belt is running in the correct direction as these bets are made to run in the direstion as indicated by the arrows. Sounds to be like your belt might be a bit too long if in fact it is twisting sideways in the pulley groove.

I have link belts on my variable speed general lathe and would never go back to the original "v" belt. Someone suggested a cogged belt, the cogs let it form nicely around the pulley as well as alow for extra cooling, but they will take on a "set" just like a convential "v" belt but not as bad. If you are going for a cogged belt you will probably find them at a industrial power transmission dealer. I have installed link belts on everything in my little shop without any problems, certainly worked for me..

good luck

thanks everybody - but no go

Mike Schwing from Maryland

>Tried longer/shorter and made sure they were running in the right direction - they were to begin with (I did notice the arrow before the first attempt) Went to an auto parts store today to get a replacement for the original, they had one but no cogged version. I guess I'll just keep on keepin' on.

Re: thanks everybody - but no go

Tug Fork Bob

>I have a Delta 1440 also-purchased last July and been fighting a rattle at low speed ever since--have tried new belts from Delta, new motor drive pulley, and finally a complete new headstock with no positive result.

I was going to try a link belt next, but thanks to your post I will forget that attempt. Pretty well convinced at this point the problem lies in the motor pulley.

Bob

Re: If you're wondering about Link Belts *LINK*

Bill Swinyard

>Harbor Freight sells a 1/2" x 5" link belt for $19.99. I've got it on my HF bandsaw and still have enough left over for yet another belt. Reduced the vibration to almost nothing.

I know there are other/better(?) link belts out there -- the red ones -- but for my money you can't beat this deal.


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=43771

Re: If you're wondering about Link Belts

Don Henthorn Smithville, Texas

>Cogged belts have cogged inner surfaces instead of smooth ones. They can usually be found at the better auto parts suppliers or at bearing and belt suppliers> There is a better name for the latter stores, but I can't come up with right now. I'm having a senior moment.

Re: thanks everybody - but no go

Mike Schwing from Md.

>Bob, the more I get to use my 1440 the less I am happy with it, and I use it a lot. With nothing on the lathe, no chuck, nothing, there are speeds at which the thing vibrates, and of course, they are speeds at which I like to turn. Alter the speed just a bit - the vibration goes away. There are two small speed ranges where this occurs, and they are at detents, of course. I would also like to have a slower speed than the slowest setting. I could probably figure out a way to alter this but I see a new lathe showing up instead someday relatively soon.

The detents component is another gripe - it is constructed of nylon and deflects/damages easily. The motor is boled on with two 13mm bolts - IMO way too small to provide a good solid hold for such a heavy item.

I've already had the safety switch break apart on me, and replaced it with a better one - what do I need a safety switch on a lathe for? I have no kids. I also want to remount it to the tailstock side - I have to reach over the spinning workpiece to shut the thing off.

I guess you learn a lot when you buy your first (insert tool here).