"emergency V-belts" for machine tools?

Question

I have a couple of old machines that are needing their V-belts to be replaced. To change out the belt requires dissembling the machine which is a hassle. I am wondering if any one has used one of those "emergency V-belt" that are offered in some auto parts catalogues for roadside repairs. These belts appear to be built in segments that are removable so as to size for proper fit so disassembly of the machine (an Atlas 6" lathe and an old Craftsman combo belt/disc sander) is not necessary. I am thinking that the low HP of the machine tools relative to their auto use would make this an ok option.

Any one running such belts on their tools? What sort of experience have you had?

Thanks, brian

Mark · Accepted Answer

Use linkbelt.  Grizzly have them in reasonable lengths, 3/8 and 1/2inch.  Work a lot better than panty hose or emergency belts.Work a lot better than the originals, too. / markOld &

Rex B · Answer

Probably similar to the red segmented belts offered by HF, Grizzly and others. Everyone who has used one prefers them to the regular betls, both for convenience and for making the machine run more smoothly.

So buy one and try it.

- - Rex Burkheimer Fort Worth TX

Old & > I have a couple of old machines that are needing their V-belts to be

Leo Lichtman · Answer

"Old & in the way...." wrote:  (clip) Any one running such belts on their tools? What sort of experience have you  had?^^^^^^^^^^^^^They work great!  I have found the following advantages:1.)  Belt replacement without machine disassembly.2.)  They don't take a set when the machine is not running, so on startup, they have no vibration.3.)  If a belt breaks, you can replace a few links, assuming the rest of the belt is not worn out.4.)  For conventional V-belts, length increments are 1".  Increments in the link belts are 1/2".  (Usually doesn't matter, but there are cases where it does.)

F. George McDuffee · Answer

We have accumulated about 20 hours of operation on a j-headBridgeport with an emergency belt with good results.  This is thekind that looks like a normal v-belt [black] but has holespunched every 1/2-inch and is jointed by two metal plates. Thelink style belts can be harder to get but were available fromHarbor Freight for 20$US. I don't have direct experience withthese but the old timers suggest these are better than the blackv-belt because of less vibration.

Old & in the way.... · Answer

Thanks guys, I was hoping for as much.brian

Steve W. · Answer

The red link belts were actually standard equipment on some 16-18 hpPower King/Economy tractors. They were used on the hydraulic pumps andfor the starter generator.

Gunner · Answer

Link belts are often standard equipment on some of the finest SwissScrew machines..machines that must be vibration free as they often arerequired to turn to 50 MillionthsGunner

"emergency V-belts" for machine tools?

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