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Linkbelt eats pully
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 2:56 pm
by WmZiggy
A few weeks ago someone posted a message asking if linkbelts eat-up pulleys. Well here are two pictures to confirm that they do. This one is off my Delta lathe. No question about it when looking at the linkbelt - it's coated in metal dust.
This pulley is 41 year old. I put the belt on last year. I've taken linkbelts off of all my machines.
[ATTACH]27030[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]27031[/ATTACH]
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 3:11 pm
by JPG
Harbor Freight?????
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 3:17 pm
by WmZiggy
JPG wrote:Harbor Freight?????
The pulley I got at Sears all those years ago. The linkbelt was from Harbor Freight.
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 3:36 pm
by JPG
WmZiggy wrote:The pulley I got at Sears all those years ago. The linkbelt was from Harbor Freight.
That was what I meant judging from the color.
What we do not know, is how much wear the previous 40 yrs created.
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 3:58 pm
by WmZiggy
[quote="JPG"]That was what I meant judging from the color.
What we do not know, is how much wear the previous 40 yrs created.]
The pulleys (I have the lathe counter shafted) get a workout on my Delta as I use it for wood, metal turning and all my buffing needs. From the looks (mixed with my intuition), the belt eats the metal. I recently looked at a Delta scroll saw made in 1935 fitted with an equally old (or older) GE 1/4 hp motor and original pullleys. Those babies were almost 80 years old and still running.
I can't say for certain that it wasn't pulley failure, but it's the first time in 42 years I have ever had one and all since I put that link belt on a year ago.
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 6:13 am
by newportcycle
I guess I could google it, but what is the benefit of the "linkbelts" over a standard belt?
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 11:10 am
by ChrisNeilan
I converted my 1963 Craftsman table saw to a link belt recently. However I changed the pulleys from the original crappy ones to machined steel pulleys. I don't think the original cast aluminum ones would hold up very long with a link belt.
One thing to make sure about. Link belts are directional. Make sure they are installed correctly.
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 2:15 pm
by Jack Wilson
Newportcycle:
Link belts reduce vibration, so are generally quiter.
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 3:24 pm
by JPG
Jack Wilson wrote:Newportcycle:
Link belts reduce vibration, so are generally quiter.
The greatest advantage is they are adjustable length. Belt too long, remove a link. Too short, add a link. Need to install on a captive pulley, open the belt and install, then close it back.
The entire belt is made up of identical links.
Re: Linkbelt eats pully
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2014 9:06 pm
by eartigas
I was the one asking this question recently. I actually read it in the 10ER forum in Yahoo.