Link Belts on Band Saw

[teedubya56]

Anybody ever had a bad experience with link belts?

I put one on a contractor's table saw and it was a great improvement. I also have one on my jointer and it works fine.

I put one on my bandsaw (Rikon 18") and it runs noisy and makes a horrible high-pitched squeal as the saw is winding down when it is turned off. I tried adjusting the belt tension with no success.

Finally gave up and put the v-belt back on.

Anybody have a similar experience?

tw

[TDHofstetter]

Boy, that sure doesn't sound "normal". Is that a stamped sheet metal pulley, by any chance? Or is it cast?

[fredbelknap]

I used one on a table saw and it worked great. Never tried it on a bandsaw. The only place that they shouldn't be used is in reeves drive like on a variable speed lathe or drill press, so I've been told. I dont usually change a belt unless I'm having problems.
Fred

[Joe Lyddon]

If it's a V drive, a link belt should work fine...

[teedubya56]

I don't think it has cast pulleys - probably stamped steel (didn't pay that much attention to them). Next time I'm in the shop I'll look closer.

It has cast iron wheels and spins for a while when power is removed. That is when the link belts made the most racket.

I had just had such good luck with the link belts on other machines, I thought it might really help the bandsaw. When I put the original belt back on, it runs fine.

Another of life's mysteries.

Thanks, guys.

[TDHofstetter]

Here's something you might try - try just flipping the belt around so it runs the opposite direction. That might do it.

[teedubya56]

Thanks Tim.

I'll give that a try.

[Doug B]

TW, I put a linkbelt on my 14" Ridgid Band Saw and it worked fine.

[Joe Lyddon]

Nov 18, 2009 14:10:51 GMT -6 TDHofstetter said:

Here's something you might try - try just flipping the belt around so it runs the opposite direction. That might do it.

Good idea... it could make a difference!

[sachbvn]

Nov 18, 2009 14:10:51 GMT -6 TDHofstetter said:

Here's something you might try - try just flipping the belt around so it runs the opposite direction. That might do it.

I'm pretty sure there is an actual direction that those link belts are supposed to run in - I'd guess that switching them should work - especially if the machine runs just dandy when you put the original v-belt back in.


QUESTION: Should those link belts work on my adjustable speed lathe? I'd imagine so - looks like it's just a small V-belt on there now. It really makes THAT much difference huh??? Maybe I'll give it a try!

Zac

[TDHofstetter]

If it's got electronic speed control and conventional V-belts, the link belts will be just fine. They're available in 3/8" and 1/2" widths (I've got the 3/8" on my drill press). If it's mechanical speed control, though, it won't work.

[sachbvn]

It's got two sets of pulleys that open and close in tandem to adjust the speed as I move a lever left or right (slow/fast) - w/o taking the guard off I can't remember what the belt looked like.

They pulleys almost look like two bowls butted up against each other backwards..... if that makes any sense??

Zac

[TDHofstetter]

Reeves Drive, same speed-shifting mechanism as is used in most snowmobiles, and was even experimented with in cars.

Nope, a link belt won't work with a Reeves drive. Pity, but they're just too rough on it. Too, a Reeves-drive belt is usually fairly wide - wider than any link belt.

[Joe Lyddon]

The best buy on Link Belts I've seen is at HF... very good & reasonable.

[fredbelknap]

The link belts that I have has little arrows pointing in the direction of travel. Easy to miss.
Fred