Shopsmith Forums

A couple of weeks ago I started a thread on link belts for a Mark 5. After pricing the Fenner belts, at about $10 per foot, I opted for the Harbor Freight ones which were less than $4 per foot with one of their 20% coupons.

So, here's my results. First installation was on my newest machine, a 1986 510 headstock. I tried it here first because it was time for a lube & my speed changer was not operating as smoothly & easily as on my 1961 Mark5, so it was a higher priority. (that machine-the goldie-is my favorite both because of color & because it was my smoothest runner)

But, I digress. (I'm not sure I'm digressing, but I've always wanted to use the phrase) At any rate, I did my clean/lube/adjust and installed the link belt. The result was a noticeable difference. The machine runs much smoother & quieter and after a fair amount of run time, there's no noticeable additional shine indicating wear on the shieves.

I liked the result so much, that I decided to add it to my 1961. Harbor freight's package gives you enough for 2 SS belts with a bit left over, so cost ends up at less than $10 per machine.

Now my older machine runs even smoother, actually both now are about the same, both better than when I started and the 510 a lot smoother.
But there's an added bonus that became apparent when I did it the second time. On the first one, I followed the instructions to size it (Bill Mayo's 35 link size for the Fenner belt also works for the HF belt) (your results may vary...little disclaimer there) and put it together & installed it as you would any SS belt by disconnecting the little keeper that holds the pork chop to the button bearing & sliding the belt through. I always find that a pain in the arse to gt my hand in there.

Now with the link belt, I make it 35 links but don't connect it together yet, then I thread the belt end around the idler shieve, flip that end of the belt over & connect it...all done. I takes almost no time at all.

I pays to practice opening & closing the belt links a couple of times before starting. It's easy once you've done it a couple of times & you've got extra links anyway. Direction is not noted but here's a link (no pun intended) that's helpful.http://www.theoriginaldubby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/AccuLink_BeltInstructions.pdf

Thanks Tom,

I recently ordered 5 ft from HF for an old lathe I'm bringing back into service. I'll be sure to keep 35 links for the SS.

I don't have experience with the link belts on a headstock, but I put a link belt on my SS bandsaw mounted on a SS power stand. DRAMATIC difference in smooth and much less noise. I picked up a couple of packages of link belts when Rockler put them on sale.......

The second belt will be used when I get my round-2-its lined up and weld up a stand for my SS jointer....

Bud

After I wrote the above and mentioned that 35 links was the right length because that's what I did, I remembered that I counted the links for the belt on the second machine, but I simply matched the SS belt length for first headstock.

I was curious if the link count was the same. It was not. Turns out that the first one's length was 36 links. So I figured that it would be even better if I took out a link...35 was the magic number. But on this machine taking out the link resulted in a small amount of extra vibration, so back to 36 & it smoothed right out.

So I guess results do vary. The good news is that the whole removal/add back a link thing didn't take long at all.

Lesson learned...if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

trainguytom wrote:After I wrote the above and mentioned that 35 links was the right length because that's what I did, I remembered that I counted the links for the belt on the second machine, but I simply matched the SS belt length for first headstock.

I was curious if the link count was the same. It was not. Turns out that the first one's length was 36 links. So I figured that it would be even better if I took out a link...35 was the magic number. But on this machine taking out the link resulted in a small amount of extra vibration, so back to 36 & it smoothed right out.

So I guess results do vary. The good news is that the whole removal/add back a link thing didn't take long at all.

Lesson learned...if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The slight increase in vibration and/or noise is because the lock tabs on the link belt is touching the motor shaft (SLOW) or the idler shaft (FAST). I found 35 links worked well as I would not go fully to the FAST or SLOW positions on the speed dial until I had broken in the link belt (20 hrs). I find the same vibration and/or additional noise problem occurs if I use a non-Shopsmith drive V-belt that is too short.

I feel the slight aluminum dusting from the sheaves using a link belt are still within tolerance of normal wear.

Tom,Bill,

I just picked up a belt at Harbor Freight today. Haven't put it on my 510 yet.

Do you know how many links, in total, comes on one belt? Mine was 69.

At 35 or 36 per Mark V, I guess I'll be getting another for my 2nd machine.



EDIT!!......Day 2....... I put a link belt on the SS with 35 links....and it was WAY too big. So I took out 3 links (to 32) and it's close to correct.Even at 32, it looked larger than the OEM belt and I still think I need to remove 1 more link as the belt sits slightly proud to the pulley's edge (instead of 1/8-1/16" below the outer edge in "fast" position). At least the links are no longer hitting the shafts at slow/fast extremes. So, I wonder if it's manufacturing variation, or an change in link size (whichever, at least I have enough for 2 belts!).

I assume these link belts are still supposed to NOT extend out past the outer circumference of the pulley (since they are the same 1/2" wide ??).

Fred

Link belts will ride slightly proud of the pulley edge, but just make sure it clears the part of the headstock casting near the idler pulley...see this link as a reference: http://www.theoriginaldubby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/AccuLink_BeltInstructions.pdf

As to the number of links in your purchase, I think the package I got said 5'. Maybe I got a little more or you got a little less. As to the number you need to replace, I suppose when all else fails, go with the number that matches the belt you're replacing...ASSUMING that it's the correct length to begin with. I've found Shopsmiths with replaced belts that were the wrong size.

Also, if you need 3 or 4 links to do a second belt, send me a PM. I'll be glad to send them to you. It's a shame to get a whole 'nother package for just a couple of links.

trainguytom wrote:Link belts will ride slightly proud of the pulley edge, but just make sure it clears the part of the headstock casting near the idler pulley...see this link as a reference: http://www.theoriginaldubby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/AccuLink_BeltInstructions.pdf

As to the number of links in your purchase, I think the package I got said 5'. Maybe I got a little more or you got a little less. As to the number you need to replace, I suppose when all else fails, go with the number that matches the belt you're replacing...ASSUMING that it's the correct length to begin with. I've found Shopsmiths with replaced belts that were the wrong size.

Also, if you need 3 or 4 links to do a second belt, send me a PM. I'll be glad to send them to you. It's a shame to get a whole 'nother package for just a couple of links.

Thanks for the reply,Tom

I DO have enough links, now that I found that I'm not needing to use 35 to equal the original SS. But I really appreciate the offer!

The belt I had on the machine was an OEM Shopsmith belt (almost new), and it's the same length as an older belt I have. So, apparently, my link belt is the correct 5' total length, but with fewer links Because I need only 31 or 32 links (from my original 69), I'm OK to make 2 SS lengths and still have a few extras. Harbor Freight keeps me on my toes!