SS 26" scroll saw help ....PLEASE!

[Nick]

I have an "emergency" belt in my auto repair kit that is a large, round strip of rubber with an ingenious piece of hardware to join the ends after you cut it to length. This would do just fine, I'm sure. As an added attraction, you could replace the belt without have disassemble the machine. These are available at most auto parts stores.

You might also try an old mechanic's trick -- cut a leg off a pantyhose and tie it in a loop. Works for automobiles; don't see why it shouldn't work for scroll saws.

With all good wishes,

[mborgstrom]

Hey guys,

I really appreciate the suggestions! I have now spent over $10 dollars trying to make/buy a belt. Either they slip, stretch, or don't work at all. I have always prided myself as someone who could fix anything (like MacGyver) but this has just about won. I have learned some neat stuff during my endeavours though that I will share with you.

1. I have successfully glued rubber "O" rings together using cyanocrylic (crazy) glues and accelerator. It actually holds tight!

2.There are several sizes of snap ring plyers tips. Yep, found out the hard way!

3. Rubber "O" rings meant for sealing (gaskets) are made of softer rubber that stretches more than you would think.

4. Hardware stores sell small "O" rings and auto part stores sell BIG ones.

5. There are lots of fellow woodworkers pulling for you when you meet adversity.

Now I'm off to see if my wife wants X-mas ornaments more than her pantyhose! (I'll check the front porch on the way!)

Thanks again for all of the suggestions.
Mike

[sswoodworker48]

Mike,

As you and those that have replaced the scroll saw drive belt (count me in) know, it is very different from your everyday o-ring. It is not very "stretchy". In fact, as you'll find out, it takes a bit of effort to get it to stretch over the two pulleys - a very tight fit. I've never seen o-rings quite like them. Don't believe these were ever meant to seal anything.

Hope the new one arrives soon.