- Joined
- Oct 3, 2015
- Messages
- 982
So I've been resto- modding an old Seneca Falls lathe, and I'm working on the drive train, basically putting power to the counter shaft. I came up with a 2 speed arrangement using a 2"& 3" pulley on the motor, and a 9"& 10" on the driven. The 2" on the motor goes to the 10" pulley for 5:1 reduction, and then a 3" pulley to the 9" for a 3:1 reduction. The problem lies in the belt length. Theoretically, the belt length should be same for both speeds, according to my math, BUT.....when set up for the 3"& 9", the belt length is about 1/2 shorter.
I wanted to use a simple belt tensioner so it would be easy to change speeds, but now there is quite a bit of difference in position of the tensioner.
I figured that the pulleys were slightly under/oversize and might account for the discrepancy, so I actually measured the diameter with 12" calipers with the belt on to get a true o.d. When adding the diameters, there is only .015" difference between the 2 combinations. When figuring the circumference, the difference is .048" shorter for the 3&9 combo, but in all reality it is closer to 1/2". I know this by measuring with split v belt made for that purpose.
Am I missing something here? or do these have to be dead nuts on the money to accomplish a simple task?
I wanted to use a simple belt tensioner so it would be easy to change speeds, but now there is quite a bit of difference in position of the tensioner.
I figured that the pulleys were slightly under/oversize and might account for the discrepancy, so I actually measured the diameter with 12" calipers with the belt on to get a true o.d. When adding the diameters, there is only .015" difference between the 2 combinations. When figuring the circumference, the difference is .048" shorter for the 3&9 combo, but in all reality it is closer to 1/2". I know this by measuring with split v belt made for that purpose.
Am I missing something here? or do these have to be dead nuts on the money to accomplish a simple task?