MACHINE SHOP TIPS

Tubalcain discusses linked v-belts, an alternative choice when your main belt breaks on a lathe.
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[@robertpearson8798]

If I had a big box of V-belts like that it would always have every size available in it except the one I needed at the moment. One of the advantages of modular belting is that you always have just the right size. I also like the lack of memory.

[@messenger8279]

Always a pleasure to listen to you.

[@baconsoda]

I could listen to you all day long! Here, where I live in Ireland, there are still machine shops and belt and bearing stores that are still beating the big box stores because they have people who actually understand what you are talking about and will give you exactly what you came in for. They even deal across wooden counters with faded, hastily drawn, diagrams and the patina that comes from many years of 'customer service'.

[@tomwyrick2824]

Man, I'm moving to Ireland!!!!

[@baconsoda]

We'll make you feel very welcome.

[@satibel]

with beer and leprechauns.

[@baconsoda]

Definitely, the beer and leprechauns are the best bit, except the leprechauns, they are running about everywhere and are a damn nuisance.

[@mustie1]

l have a roll of the link belt and for the life of me l cant get it apart,

[@commando340]

fenner drive belts from w w grainger are the best thing since candy. really great for a Atlas with two drive belts on the spindle. then you dont have to remove the spindle.

[@geoffgwyther7269]

I agree about the snick, snick, snick, of the joined belt. totally unaccceptable , so annoying . I got over the problem by taking a belt 3" too long and tapering each end over 3" and guing them together. Any glue suitable for leather will do . most contact adhesives work OK, Tapering can be acieved with a razor and a sanding block. The more perfect the splice the longer it will last. I have had them last for years before needing regluing, and of course ... silent.

[@NoelBarlau]

Harbor Freight usually has 1/2" link belt in stock, it's "Accu-Link - Item #43771" listed at $25 for 5'.

[@MrHevyshevy]

I always enjoy your videos and your sense of humor..

[@GK1918]

guess I am a lucky one, for an in town hardware, you pick and weigh / brown bag scale it. Our shop is all flat belting our biggest is a Greaves 5" wide the longest is an Avey press 20 feet long.

[@cyberbadger]

Your tour of belts was interesting and educational. I have used several US made lathes across the years. I have a small benchtop Grizzly Chinese made lathe and it has it's own belt, a timing style belt with grooves that worries me - when that belt breaks I hope I can get replacement from Grizzly!

[@helicrashpro]

I am a fan of the linked belts. A bit expensive but can be very convenient and in my experience, do last a long time. I don't really see any negatives other than being more expensive. And BTW, I am a big fan of your videos as well.

[@cny02253]

I have been using the linked belts since they first came out, and they do reduce vibration. They reduce maintenance costs. They seem expensive, but if they stretch or fail, you replace 2 links and you are done. But that almost never happens. I have never had a problem and having used them in more than 20 machines, from saws to lathes in a production environment, I think they are actually superior to other belts.

[@sleefox]

I had commented before reading all previous postings. I had heard that the link belts caused excessive wear and it would seem that you have had good luck with that. I am concerned with aluminum pulleys found on older lathes.

[@mrhalfstep]

The folks that complain about the excessive noise from laced belts using Clipper lacing are probably using belts that were not laced properly. I'm not being critical of you, but just as an example, the first belt you showed in this video had the wrong lacing for the thickness of the belt and for the pulley diameter that it was being used on. Those are important considerations when lacing belts. I've laced, using many lacing products, hundreds of belts from all sorts of materials and of many thicknesses, used with all sorts of pulleys and drive rollers, so I know whereof I speak. The belt that you show would make noise, but I could lace a belt for that lathe that wouldn't, if it was a real concern, just because I would follow the instructions that come with the lacing materials. I realize that you probably used what you had because the noise it might make didn't really matter to you, but I just hate to hear people (again, not referring to you) criticize a product or process when they haven't followed the directions or have done an amateurish job of the task. Having said that, I also believe that sometimes perfection can be the enemy of good enough. I think that's an old Russian proverb. LOL

[@thadstuart8544]

I was listening to you and thinking "I like this guy". Then at looked at your channel info and you have $300k subscribers. Apparently many people like you as well. Great job explaining

[@mrpete222]

😄😄😄😄

[@ikesquirrel]

I don't mind tKing the spindle out. It only takes a few minutes and then setting it back up is about 10-15 minutes.

[@outsidescrewball]

Hi Pete... Good info and enjoyed your humor, now I have a new source to order v- belts from....YOU...quite the stash! Chuck

[@mrhalfstep]

I can't begin to count the number of times I've used these linked belts to keep a machine running at my old job. To remove the flywheel and drive assembly from a large mechanical punch press can be a multi-shift job involving a crew of as many as 4 men per shift and a truck crane. These belts were often installed "temporarily" only to be still running fine months later when our plant would be shut down for 2 weeks to properly effect large time consuming repairs. BTW the belts that have an "l" in their size are "lightweight" or fractional Horsepower belts. Home gamer belts, if you will. They are for transmitting power from sub 1 horsepower engines. The A,B,C,D,etc belts designate industrial belts that are more heavily reinforced with cords (like tires) and if they include an "x" along with the other letter it means they are slotted to round the pulley better and they typically last longer.

[@mrpete222]

Thank you for that information

[@365hillclimb]

I absolutely love hearing all the references to what the world was like before I came along. I like the thought of people sewing their own dresses and making their own machining. It seems like people were more willing to invest in learning to do things properly because they understood the consequences of doing things wrong.

[@stevew270]

I have a 5 gallon bucket of about 40 v-belts and you might ask "Do I ever have the length I need?", absolutely not! 🙃

[@John-yn1ej]

Hi could I persuade you to part with that length of black link belt you purchased at an auction? Thanks!

[@Foghorn436]

The hardware store comments always crack me up.. because it's so true! :)

[@k5at]

I've used the Twist-Link belts on my table saws. It's advantage over a standard V belt is that a V belt will take a set if it isn't used often. This causes vibration. When I changed to the Twist-Link belts, no vibration. I've used them for about 20+ years. We have them in the hardware stores here in the Dallas area.

[@FredMiller]

Great info and I got a grin out of your perspective on newer big box stores and the "experts" that man them. I could not agree more. Sometimes when I am shopping there I will help out fellas that look lost or confused on how to address and or resolve a problem. They are always appreciative....

[@1captjake]

The do have link belts at Harbor Freight. It's one thing I would actually buy. They do help on vibration on table saws. 5 ft for 24.99 that's expensive.

[@MaturePatriot]

May you still be turning metal when I am pushing up daisies. I ordered 2 pair of Roebuck jeans from Sears one time that came with price sticker lower that what I had paid for them.

[@chuckthebull]

Mr Pete..... i learn so much from your videos and enjoy them so much and think its your little side comments i get such a kick out of...Even at frame 7:00 you almost say "up $()!|'s creek" and then catch yourself..LOL.... sorry to call that out because you did such a great job sidestepping it... My lady (over 40) has all that sewing stuff and i get a lot of guff when i use her tape measures...... "beaten the belt subject to death"..HA!.love it!...Never change Mr Pete... I miss the olden days too...All i have left is Denny's.....

[@mrpete222]

Thanks for watching. Yes, I sure live in the past.

[@chuckthebull]

There was much beauty in the past...I never understood why people want to live in a sterile future.. why the good stuff is dropped for the sake of progress..why not have both... Cheers

[@Chevota22]

Mr. Tubalcain, I have seen at least half ( if not 3/4's) of all your videos now. I can't thank you enough for posting them. Great info for anyone in the trade picking up little tricks, or the guy just learning and starting out. In this video, (concerning V-belts) I appreciate the information, but even more, your little comments. I was literally laughing out loud. It made my day. Thanks again!

[@aryesegal1988]

Often times, it seems, Cody favors death over other options... I wonder how much he values his life! ;) All jokes aside, though, it's a great video. I learned a lot! :) Thank you very much for posting, Mr. Pete.

[@HondoTrailside]

What I watched this for was to see something not covered. Years ago a gunsmith told me he ran link belt on flat belt lathe by just turning it over, so the wide side was against the flats. I never saw it, but I have no reason to doubt him. I was hoping to see that hack here, for confirmation. If one did do that, one would have to be careful not to ripped by the moving underside of the link belt which is quite scary. One thing I was hoping to see covered was which side leads when installed like that. one side would be safer than another, but there might be a right and a wrong way to load the belt. When installed on v-drives, the arrows trail, which would also be preferable for safety, and should meet the same criteria, but who knows.

[@colinwarner7762]

Mr Pete, please don't be so pessimistic, I too am the other side of seventy, I am taking up a new hobby. I have bought a smallish Myfort lathe, and weekly I am adding tools etc, to get me going. But on listening to your comment about passing on before you have a chance of using one of your untried link belts, well I wonder if I ought to put the items I have bought up for sale on Ebay. and spend the money before its to late. regards Colin UK.

[@dirkwickline4528]

I get my linked belts from Harbor Freight. green links instead of red. 6ft about 30 bucks each. 25 with the super coupon.

[@paulmanhart4481]

Hi Mr Tublicain. I have a 1968 SB 10L. I’m thinking of modifying it with a 4.25 HP 130 VDC treadmill motor with variable speed and electronic lead screw. I’m concerned about belts with that much HP. I plan on sizing the motor pulley and drive pulley so as never to exceed max rpm for lathe. What would you recommend for pulleys and belts? Is it possible to replace the flat pulleys with V groves? Thanks for your great videos. I love your teaching style and attitude. Paul

[@mrpete222]

I don’t think you would want to replace the flat poly with a V pulley. The flat belt will slip if you overpower it. That is good, that is your safety net

[@paulmanhart4481]

@@mrpete222 Thanks.

[@mr16ga]

Thanks Pete, I have never used a linked belt because of the price. After watching this episode I will use one instead of taking my mill apart. BTW you inspired me to start a machine course at the local J C. Lots of work for an old retired guy dueling with a bunch of 18 year olds.

[@jasonburns1407]

Hi Mr Pete I was going to buy one of these belts for my hercus 9 inch southbend clone I guy told me it destroys pulleys is that true?

[@mrpete222]

Never heard that

[@crookedriver2079]

Actually, I think the factory v-belt drive w/ four pulleys on the haedstock is fairly rare these days.

[@grantham4187]

Very informative information as usual. I had to machine a jig on my metal lathe for a crowned pulley. It's on KZbin.

[@sleefox]

There has been questions raised about the link belts causing more wear than a conventional "V" belt. Any comments appreciated.

[@Guds777]

From the stealership, you got that right mr Pete. hehehe. just sell the belts on ebay for cheap...

[@LarryBlowers]

my old workplace had several air handlers on the roof and the hvac guy carried a large supply of the link belt material,, with several buildings under his thumb he used tons of it

[@joey29er41]

any ideas about how much space these belts need ? i can imagine a link catching on to something and destroying atleast itself during lashouts at startups or even a crash.These belts run through some pretty tight spaces ,through the headstock down through the table.

[@DrewDiaz]

I just moved a table saw 1940's vintage Unisaw that I accurized in 96 and installed these belts- I believe it provided less slip and vibration...

[@not2fast4u2c]

Good Information on the V belts

[@TFB82]

MrPete, we need to make you an intro for your videos.

[@FredMiller]

I think Mr Pete is too practical for that kind of fluff ;-)

[@TheDisorderly1]

Another great video. I've always wondered how to measure a belt. Thanks Tubalcain.

[@BasementShopGuy]

Loved it. Can listen to you talk about the old days for hours!

[@Ace-ig6vs]

I'm having quite a bit of slipping on the link belt I put on. Should I make it tighter? Just got an atlas 618 lathe and don't know much about it. Didn't come with a belt either so I don't know what size it should be. And I'm certain it's not because I'm trying to take to deep of cut.

[@mrpete222]

Try tightening it up

[@tom7601]

Thank you for the tip videos. Years ago, I worked in a service station, as opposed to today's gas station. We had the belts hanging on a rack and used the same stick to get them down that we used to " stick" the underground tanks. Tom, Vista, CA

[@bigjim8088]

I know this is older video but I am proud to say I'm glad my grandmother taught me to sew and patch my pants. But I am 41 yrs old. And I also have a fabric tape measure.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@topari01]

Very interesting. Thanks for posting. Tom Australia

[@tomwyrick2824]

I agree with Chuck Itall I get a ton of useful bits watching your videos and I just love listening to your side stories and commentaries!! I hope your children and or grand children appreciate what an interesting guy they have for a dad or grandfather! My dad and Grandfathers were all angry tired selfish old pr=#!$.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks so much for the kind comment. To my kids. I'm just their dad.

[@johnunderwood3132]

I guess just use a v belt. I’m sure it will spin the fly wheel?

[@johnunderwood3132]

Can I use that type of belt on my 9” model c? My fly wheel is flat but the pully is v . Not sure how to word the belt type I need

[@mrpete222]

Yes

[@mrmatt2525able]

great video, i learned a lot, thank you

[@bencapobianco2045]

I have a south bend lathe with cone pulleys on it and when you leather blew apart (from age) I put a power twist link belt over the pulleys upside down and it runs beautifully on the backside of the belt. no clicking spinning quietly with plenty of traction. It has been on my machine like that for over 15 years now without a single problem

[@mrpete222]

👍

[@optimusprime3484]

What width belt did you use? Curious to try this method rather than gluing a belt or using the pinned type. Thank you.

[@briggstim1]

My wife loves you and she’s only 44

[@mrpete222]

lol

[@DREADLOCKMODSHOP]

I actually like the clicking of a flat belt

[@dan27052]

Stealership, I love it!! I think ill be using that term a lot in the future!!

[@commando340]

+Dan Carpenter Me too

[@Coffieman5150]

HA! stealership. good one.

[@ErnieNoa3]

I love all your comments!

[@paulmanhart4481]

You crack me up.

[@mrpete222]

😄😄

[@ihatenumberinemail]

Where do you find these auctions?

[@mrpete222]

Newspaper ads

[@ihatenumberinemail]

Thanks! I never would have expected a source like that.