Shopsmith Forums

I can't say enough good things about linkbelts. I have used them on numerous machines and when someone suggested using one on my SS I thought why not? I now have one on my greenie and it works way, way smoother than any SS machine I have ever used before and I've had a few of them over the years. I like repairing things so I have rebuilt a few of of them now and this is the most dramatic fix I have found yet. Now I will replace the belt in my 81 model. There are a few different brands out there and a lot of them are metric with a 12 mm width. I sourced some from a company called http://www.stockroomsupply.com which are a true 1/2" belt. I would not recommend the metric belts.

Hey BestDust,

My Mark V has the movable sheave. Will the linkbelts work on that setup? I guess the older machines have multiple pulleys, which I can see will work with the belt you describe. I am wondering if the side pressure on the linkbelts will be OK on the variable speed model, like mine. Hope this makes sense! I am off to get a cup of coffee!

jon wrote:Hey BestDust,

My Mark V has the movable sheave. Will the linkbelts work on that setup? I guess the older machines have multiple pulleys, which I can see will work with the belt you describe. I am wondering if the side pressure on the linkbelts will be OK on the variable speed model, like mine. Hope this makes sense! I am off to get a cup of coffee!

Yes, they will. I have not done it but othershave.

I have used Link Belts for many years on my personal Shopsmiths. Below is some information I saved a few years ago. This topic caused a lot of heated discussion when I suggest the use of Link Belts a few years ago so I quit pushing them. Link Belt cost is the only reason I do not put them on headstocks I rebuild and/or sell. I agree with all the below information.

Bill

Link Belts reduce vibration in any belt driven machine! Common V-belts develop a "memory" and retain their non-operating shape causing annoying and unnecessary machine vibration. Unlike V-belts, these specially engineered link belts do not develop a "memory", but retain their flexibility for smooth operation. Link Belt is 1/2" wide, easily adjustable and available either by the foot from Woodcraft and others or in a prepacked 4' length. Includes instructions for use.

The contractors Saw Performance Package includes two 5/8" shaft sized machined steel pulleys that are balanced to run truer than the original cast iron or die cast zinc pulleys provided with your equipment. Combined with the link belt, they'll give you the smoothest running machine possible. This is an inexpensive, but effective upgrade for your Contractors saw. Includes machined motor and arbor pulleys, and 4' of link belt. Can be changed out in 10 minutes or so.
Power Twist Plus Link V-Belt ½”
 Virtually no transmitted vibration results in smoother cleaner cuts and finishes.
 Outlast conventional rubber belts in tough woodworking conditions.
 Installs in minutes on captive pulleys without dismantling drives.
 Makes up to any length by hand in seconds---NO Tools!
 An easy to install, quick replacement for conventional 1/2" V-belt.
You are buying a 4 foot section of Power Twist PlusV-belt.
SGTool, 1225 Lightner Road, Tipp City, Ohio 45371. (937) 667-2946

I get quite a kick out of Link Belt's promos when they say you don't need tools to install or remove them. Possibly true but one heck of a lot easier if you use needle nose pliers to twist the T shaped inserts!

[quote="billmayo"]I have used Link Belts for many years on my personal Shopsmiths. Below is some information I saved a few years ago. This topic caused a lot of heated discussion when I suggest the use of Link Belts a few years ago so I quit pushing them. Link Belt cost is the only reason I do not put them on headstocks I rebuild and/or sell. I agree with all the below information.

Bill

Link Belts reduce vibration in any belt driven machine! Common V-belts develop a "memory" and retain their non-operating shape causing annoying and unnecessary machine vibration. Unlike V-belts, these specially engineered link belts do not develop a "memory", but retain their flexibility for smooth operation. Link Belt is 1/2" wide, easily adjustable and available either by the foot from Woodcraft and others or in a prepacked 4' length. Includes instructions for use.

The contractors Saw Performance Package includes two 5/8" shaft sized machined steel pulleys that are balanced to run truer than the original cast iron or die cast zinc pulleys provided with your equipment. Combined with the link belt, they'll give you the smoothest running machine possible. This is an inexpensive, but effective upgrade for your Contractors saw. Includes machined motor and arbor pulleys, and 4' of link belt. Can be changed out in 10 minutes or so.
Power Twist Plus Link V-Belt ½”
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Compared to even used prices on evilbay for other parts, this looks like a pretty inexpensive "upgrade." I'm adding it to my Christmas wish list.

How many feet do you need? I see most laces sell linkbelt by the foot.

terrydowning wrote:How many feet do you need? I see most laces sell linkbelt by the foot.

You need 35 links to try first for the motor belt. That is around a 26"-27" length belt so 3' is a good start. I use link belts on all of my motor driven shop equipment along with machined steel pulleys.