Slightly OT: Drum Switch Lubricant

[pstephens]

Paula, are you using synthetic belts or leather? I know where to get them but I think I might want to upgrade for better traction.

On my lathe, the drive between the motor and the large countershaft pulley is a standard V-belt. For the flat belt that drives the spindle, I'm planning to use leather. There are synthetic substitutes available, of various types. Leather works quite well on a small, vintage lathe like this, and it's what was originally used, so that's the way I'm going. The ends of the belt will need to be scarf-jointed and glued.

If you do wind up with leather, remember that the smooth side goes against the pulley.

Paula

 

[hotrod]

Hey I've got one of those lathes too, my belt broke a week ago and it sounds interesting to upgrade my belting,where do you get the synthetic instead of leather belts. I havent had any luck finding a belt, thanks..

 

[elevmike]

Hotrod,

Almost any industrial bearing or mechanical drive supplier carries belting. You might also get it from South Bend. Theres a South Bend website somwhere...

 

[hotrod]

Thank you, will check on that.

 

[pstephens]

Mike is correct, almost any power transmission house can make up a belt to the length you need. Here's one I've heard good things about:

Baltimore Belting Co.

McMaster-Carr also sells various types of flat belt stock.

You can get a "Texalon" belt from South Bend (now owned by LeBlond), but for mucho $$$. Their number is (888) 532-5663

Regards,
Paula

 

[booten]

Hey Paula,

While looking for some info I came across this and thought of this thread.

Just thought I would through it out here (May work for your application).

http://domino.automation.rockwell.com/applications/kb/RAKB.nsf/0/42B380A095AC512D85256AFB0067B9E7?OpenDocument

Bill