Gilmer versus Poly drive, opinions please

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:13 pm

wiredone wrote:So now, I'm switching gears. Again. I am looking into replacing the Poly belt and just running it. Of course, being my fathers son, I am a very frugal do it yourself kinda guy.
That being said, does anyone know the length of the poly belt or even a cross reference to a Gates or Dayco belt number?
I see the ones that are being sold by "tri state automotive" on ebay for just a couple of bucks less than SS does, and I would rather find the actual generic belt and save a few bucks.
By the way, the number printed on the Tri State Belt online is their phone number! How clever.
Also, they claim that SS motor belts are inferior and don't fit right, but theirs are the correct size and they have them custom made. Hmmm.............
Anyone add to this? Expand? I know that there was a thread last year about belts, but I have been searching on the forum and cannot find it.
Thanks.

I believe the Poly-V is around 14.5" long with 9 grooves called a "J" belt. I had been unable to find a replacement (no cross references could be found) when they were unavailable/back ordered from Shopsmith until recently. I talked to Gary from Tristateatuto some time ago and suggested several hard to find Shopsmith parts and belts that I needed and he responded. I have been very satified with all their various products including the Poly-V and Gilmer belts that I have received from tristateauto.

wiredone · Post by **wiredone** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 11:14 am

billmayo wrote:I believe the Poly-V is around 14.5" long with 9 grooves called a "J" belt. I had been unable to find a replacement (no cross references could be found) when they were unavailable/back ordered from Shopsmith until recently. I talked to Gary from Tristateatuto some time ago and suggested several hard to find Shopsmith parts and belts that I needed and he responded. I have been very satified with all their various products including the Poly-V and Gilmer belts that I have received from tristateauto.

Thanks Mr.Bill, I was wondering if his claims were true or not. He seems to know what he is talking about and claims that he has his drive belts custom made because of the motherships crappy incorrectly sized belts. If this is true, more power to him and I am glad to support enterprising folks like that.

wiredone · Post by **wiredone** » Fri Mar 09, 2012 12:47 am

Luckily, it's a 1960 Brownie, gilmer quill and a 11/8 motor.
Also got a 59 greenie and an extra 1 1/8 motor all for a buck fifty.
Oh my!