Why they stop using steel belt.

[Tienle]

Hi,
Anyone here still use the old style steel belt? I wonder why they stop using it. I have one come with the lathe. I plan to use it until I get a leather belt. How do I cut this to make shorter belt?
Thanks

 

[markba633csi]

What lathe is this for? Is this steel belt to be used with metal pulleys? I would expect it to slip and give unsatisfactory service, use a rubber belt
Mark

 

[woodchucker]

Is it a watch makers lathe?
That is still available I think.

 

[chips&more]

What makes you think this is an original factory lathe belt? I have seen metal spring belts on old movie projectors.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

Hi,
Anyone here still use the old style steel belt? I wonder why they stop using it. I have one come with the lathe. I plan to use it until I get a leather belt. How do I cut this to make shorter belt?
Thanks

Hi Tienle,
They have some wonderful polyurethane round belts that work just great for small lathes
it comes in both imperial and metric dimensions
http://www.fennerdrives.com/eagle/

you can weld the belts together with a BIC lighter or spade soldering iron tip.
the belts are not formed to a specific size, they come on a roll

i use different grades of these materials, for material and food handling purposes too, but i have the belt welder

 

[woodchucker]

Hi,
Anyone here still use the old style steel belt? I wonder why they stop using it. I have one come with the lathe. I plan to use it until I get a leather belt. How do I cut this to make shorter belt?
Thanks

https://www.mcmaster.com/#coil-spring-round-belts/=1bpsvkc

 

[woodchucker]

Hi,
Anyone here still use the old style steel belt? I wonder why they stop using it. I have one come with the lathe. I plan to use it until I get a leather belt. How do I cut this to make shorter belt?
Thanks

So assuming you have a connector, I would dremel cut it with a cutoff wheel. That will give you a nice clean cut without ruining the shape. Retrieve the connector from the cut off section and re-use.
The belts are efficient and can make 90 degree twists between the pulleys. They run smooth. I am curious about the lathe.

 

[Tienle]

I’m setting up a watchmaker lathe. It’s a unknown bed, levin headstock with a wrong draw bar, no collet and no tail stock. I will have a complete Boley next week. I want to use the steel belt to keep a vintage look. I don’t do watch repair or anything serious. Just learn to cut small parts.

 

[Tienle]

So far this is my temporary set up in waiting for the Boley coming next week. I have a very tight space to work so look like the motor is too close to the lathe.

 

[cmantunes]

Anyone here still use the old style steel belt? I wonder why they stop using it.

The main reason, I believe, is that steel belts destroy the pulleys. Rubber belts don't.