I know the subject of the PM 1340gt belt has been discussed ad nauseam however I didn't find this question.
When I got the lathe 8 mo a go I immediately put a Gates notched belt on it. I run a VFD and use a the high range pulley arrangement and have found I have no need for the low range. I can go 70rpm up to 1800rpm with the VFD and it works fine for my use. Below 140 the motor sings a bit but I only go down that low for light parting and drilling work. In fact most of my work is light duty stuff. Mostly hobby gunsmithing.
I found the Gates notched belt has a big problem with memory. I've taken it back off and put the stock belt on. I don't know if it will last but I did notice it ran a bit quieter. That's got me thinking of going to a link belt.
Now that I'm researching link belts I'm wondering, has anyone done a double belt upgrade and what are the pro's cons of doing that? For a link belt I'd be running a A profile belt (most of these pulleys are fine with either A or B profile it seems). Maybe a double belt just adds more noise? Or would it in fact run smoother? Less potential for slip I'm sure but I don't do a lot of really heavy work. VFD gives a soft start so that isn't really a concern.
I have read all the comments about running in reverse. I do but not under any load. Mostly just running the carriage back when threading and the nut is engaged.
Have a 10% off coupon and considering these before it expires:
5/8" x 3" double pulley for headstock shaft
3/4" x 3" double pulley for motor shaft
And the 5' x 1/2" link belt from HF that I can get for $28 with the 20% off coupon. Don't know if I could make 2 belts out of 5' but even if I had to buy two of them the whole mod would be less than $90.
What does the wisdom of the forum say? Is this a dumb idea? Just go with single link belt & stock pulleys? Thanks!!!
-dave
When I got the lathe 8 mo a go I immediately put a Gates notched belt on it. I run a VFD and use a the high range pulley arrangement and have found I have no need for the low range. I can go 70rpm up to 1800rpm with the VFD and it works fine for my use. Below 140 the motor sings a bit but I only go down that low for light parting and drilling work. In fact most of my work is light duty stuff. Mostly hobby gunsmithing.
I found the Gates notched belt has a big problem with memory. I've taken it back off and put the stock belt on. I don't know if it will last but I did notice it ran a bit quieter. That's got me thinking of going to a link belt.
Now that I'm researching link belts I'm wondering, has anyone done a double belt upgrade and what are the pro's cons of doing that? For a link belt I'd be running a A profile belt (most of these pulleys are fine with either A or B profile it seems). Maybe a double belt just adds more noise? Or would it in fact run smoother? Less potential for slip I'm sure but I don't do a lot of really heavy work. VFD gives a soft start so that isn't really a concern.
I have read all the comments about running in reverse. I do but not under any load. Mostly just running the carriage back when threading and the nut is engaged.
Have a 10% off coupon and considering these before it expires:
5/8" x 3" double pulley for headstock shaft
3/4" x 3" double pulley for motor shaft
And the 5' x 1/2" link belt from HF that I can get for $28 with the 20% off coupon. Don't know if I could make 2 belts out of 5' but even if I had to buy two of them the whole mod would be less than $90.
What does the wisdom of the forum say? Is this a dumb idea? Just go with single link belt & stock pulleys? Thanks!!!
-dave