Mark V 500 belt questions-Poly V and drive.

[fgrule]

I've searched for info about belts and am a bit confused. I think I'll go with a link belt on my "main" 500. It's Poly-V looks like new.

However, I just bought a 2nd 500, mainly to get the bandsaw and belt sander that were in the purchase, that badly needs a drive belt and maybe a Poly-V......a newbie with TWO mark V 500s.....imagine that! I'm in deep, I'm afraid.

Posts a while back indicated that Shopsmith was selling some drive belts that weren't as good as older belts. Is it safe to buy a Shopsmith belt,now. Are there good alternatives?

The Poly-V on the "back-up" machine is showing some fine cracking, but seems pliable and no noise. Will it likely be OK for a "light-use" machine, or is it time for a new Poly-V.

Thanks! Fred

PS: regarding the search function: Is there a way to search phrases or 2 words together....like "drive belt"....... or "sanding drum",etc.

[JPG]

I've searched for info about belts and am a bit confused. I think I'll go with a link belt on my "main" 500. It's Poly-V looks like new.

However, I just bought a 2nd 500, mainly to get the bandsaw and belt sander that were in the purchase, that badly needs a drive belt and maybe a Poly-V......a newbie with TWO mark V 500s.....imagine that! I'm in deep, I'm afraid.

Posts a while back indicated that Shopsmith was selling some drive belts that weren't as good as older belts. Is it safe to buy a Shopsmith belt,now. Are there good alternatives?

The Poly-V on the "back-up" machine is showing some fine cracking, but seems pliable and no noise. Will it likely be OK for a "light-use" machine, or is it time for a new Poly-V.

Thanks! Fred

PS: regarding the search function: Is there a way to search phrases or 2 words together....like "drive belt"....... or "sanding drum",etc.

Use google with site:shopsmith.net/forums

[JPG]

I've searched for info about belts and am a bit confused. I think I'll go with a link belt on my "main" 500. It's Poly-V looks like new.

However, I just bought a 2nd 500, mainly to get the bandsaw and belt sander that were in the purchase, that badly needs a drive belt and maybe a Poly-V......a newbie with TWO mark V 500s.....imagine that! I'm in deep, I'm afraid.

Posts a while back indicated that Shopsmith was selling some drive belts that weren't as good as older belts. Is it safe to buy a Shopsmith belt,now. Are there good alternatives?

The Poly-V on the "back-up" machine is showing some fine cracking, but seems pliable and no noise. Will it likely be OK for a "light-use" machine, or is it time for a new Poly-V.

Thanks! Fred

PS: regarding the search function: Is there a way to search phrases or 2 words together....like "drive belt"....... or "sanding drum",etc.

Use google with "drive belt"site:shopsmith.net/forums

Ya gets this:http://www.google.com/search?q=%27%22drive+belt%22site%3Ashopsmith.net%2Fforums&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[nuhobby]

There was a flare-up in something like late 2008 where SS had switched vendors on its lower motor belt, and was shipping crown-topped belts. But after that I believe they've been back to the original, flat-topped, well-liked motor belts.

Never have heard of any trouble with SS Poly V or SS Gilmer belts. I've got 2 Poly-V's in the new Power Pro (the upper one the same as the classic Poly V) and they are running perfectly.

[fgrule]

Use google with "drive belt"site:shopsmith.net/forums

Ya gets this:http://www.google.com/search?q=%27%22drive+belt%22site%3Ashopsmith.net%2Fforums&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Thanks, JPG.

I had Googled, but not included "shopsmith.net/forums" in the search. I'm a bit computer-challenged!

Chris: Thanks, I'd not seen Poly-V's mentioned as troublesome,either.


Fred

[wiredone]

There was a flare-up in something like late 2008 where SS had switched vendors on its lower motor belt, and was shipping crown-topped belts. But after that I believe they've been back to the original, flat-topped, well-liked motor belts.

Never have heard of any trouble with SS Poly V or SS Gilmer belts. I've got 2 Poly-V's in the new Power Pro (the upper one the same as the classic Poly V) and they are running perfectly.

I called ShopSmith a few weeks ago and asked about the belts being different etc, and was AMAZED at the hostility I encountered.
That guy was just ANGRY when I innocently asked about the difference in the belts. He said it is a crowned belt and 1s .490 x 25.75"
and get this, "it's always been that size ever since they started making the Mark 5 in 1955!"
His name was Dave and since he was nearly yelling and didn't even know when the ShopSmith Mark 5 was first made, I didn't buy the belt. Wrong size.
I just got mine from the guy on Ebay as per Bill Mayos recommendation.

[bdeweese]

Use google with "drive belt"site:shopsmith.net/forums

Ya gets this:http://www.google.com/search?q=%27%22drive+belt%22site%3Ashopsmith.net%2Fforums&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Thanks JPG - That is very helpful. I had been wondering the same thing. Seems like the search tool built into the forums isn't quite as capable as just using all powerful Google.

Bob

[JPG]

Thanks JPG - That is very helpful. I had been wondering the same thing. Seems like the search tool built into the forums isn't quite as capable as just using all powerful Google.

Bob

That is an understatement!

site:shop... must follow the search string.

I learned this from a more astute member. Where o where are you Mike?:D

[futralwoodworks]

My two cents: I just ordered a set of new ones from a guy on e-bay for my Mark V (poly and drive) and they work great!:)

[JPG]

My two cents: I just ordered a set of new ones from a guy on e-bay for my Mark V (poly and drive) and they work great!:)

If you 'just ordered' them, how do you know they work great?:D