Shopsmith genuine V-belt and poly V belt info

yellowbug · Post by **yellowbug** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 7:46 am

I too bought a belt from Shopsmith and measured it with a v-belt length measuring tool, yes the width is approx. .530 but the length was 26" same as a standard 4L260 belt, both read 26" on the scale.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 8:23 am

yellowbug wrote:I too bought a belt from Shopsmith and measured it with a v-belt length measuring tool, yes the width is approx. .530 but the length was 26" same as a standard 4L260 belt, both read 26" on the scale.

The v-belts that disappointed everyone, if I remember correctly, were the proper length but were a bit too narrow (or maybe too wide) and therefore not seating properly into the v-groove. This initiates a speed problem.

The belts also had some sort of a welt (rough spot) that caused a noise and vibration sorta problem.

That problem went away when Shopsmith established a new source. I think the bad belts came from Gates. I think.

If you want (need) to read all about it first hand, Charlese was involved and he reported details here on the forum.

I just this week received new belts from Shopsmith. Both the poly-v and the drive belts (504170 & 504193) are now hecho en mexico.

Side comment: The bearings (6803RZ) on the new idler shaft (522741) are made in China (RB Tech).

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:21 am

Dusty;
Where did you get the info on the bearing on the idler shaft? Do you have one?:D
I looked at the VXB web site and that bearing has an upper limit of 15000 RPM with grease lubricant.
I was wondering why SS put the upper limit of the buttons on the PP headstock at 9500RPM. Perhaps to keep closer to the speed limit?
Bill V

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:28 am

[quote="wa2crk"]Dusty]Yes, I just received an idler shaft and new belts. I am preparing for a rebuild.

The bearing numbers came off the bearing. The dimensions are for a typical 6803. The bearings on the idler shaft are 6803RZ. I was unable to find a specification for a 6803RZ bearing from RBTech. Yes, I noticed the top end RPM for the 6803s listed on the VXB website. What we don't know is whether that specification is applicable to bearings from all the different sources.

One of my machines has already been rebuilt using the new idler shaft and I believe it has different bearings. I have jsut been searching my pilesd of paper looking for my notes from when I did the rebuild to confirm.

Wasn't able to find paper but I pulled the belt cover and read the bearing description. The other shaft has 6803RS bearings installed. These bearings are made in China as well. There is an SST stamped on the bearing but I don't know what that signifies if anything.

camerio · Post by **camerio** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:43 am

leirbag wrote:Thank you to every member for there nice welcome,

I did order from All-in-one wood tools, in Ontario. Shopsmith wont ship to Canada I ask, and send them a email explaining them that we can not take advantage of there very complete web site, witch every part is listed etc... Maybe some day they will change there way of making business in Canada. Just be capable of ordering from there web site and having there weekly special would be nice.

I am glad you are also trying to convince Shopsmith to deal directly with us in Canada, at least for the web specials and also for parts.
I did manage to enlist a member of this forum who acted as a go-between for me when I wanted to order from Shopsmith directly for a web special but it works only for small parts. It was nice of that person to accommodate me.
I had the occasion of thanking him again lately when I sent him my best wishes for the new year.
Then, many others offered to do the same for me and I thank them again. It is so nice to be part of this community of SS owners. Just the gold mine of information available because of this forum is so well worth it. I was alone in my area and now I belong to this big club of SS owners via the net.