Belt for SB 16" x 8

S

Submachine

Aluminum

Joined

Apr 23, 2013

Location

Cleveland

• Nov 6, 2015

• #1

I have an old SB16 x 8 with the three spindles and back gear, versus the 4 spindle model. The leather belt broke.

I don't know if the belt was the correct size. It was over 2 inches wide and measured about 68 inches long.

What is the correct belt size and a good place to buy?

 

S

SteveF

Titanium

Joined

Jul 4, 2004

Location

central NC

• Nov 6, 2015

• #2

Is there some reason you don't think that belt was the correct size?

Per my post in the 9a thread I would not recommend the belt from the Validus Group on ebay. McMaster-Carr has flat belts of various sizes and also the connectors.

Steve

 

O

Ohio Mike

Titanium

Joined

Oct 30, 2008

Location

Central Ohio, USA

• Nov 6, 2015

• #3

Don't use the old belt, you never know if it was correct and belts stretch. Reset the belt tension to just sort of completely loose and then you measure around the pulleys. This will give you plenty of room to tension the belt and still have a little play if your measurement is off and you're a bit short.

Two good sources of leather belts below. Plenty of other synthetic alternatives out there also.

John Knox
Custom Leather Drive Belts-Single-ply (11/64''), up to 4'' wide

Al Bino
Expertise

 

S

Submachine

Aluminum

Joined

Apr 23, 2013

Location

Cleveland

• Nov 6, 2015

• #4

I could never seem to get it completely on the spindle. That is why I thought might be too small or too wide. I was hoping a standard size replacement was available or some advice as to what the original belt length and width were.

 

O

Ohio Mike

Titanium

Joined

Oct 30, 2008

Location

Central Ohio, USA

• Nov 6, 2015

• #5

Width would be standard, believe the 3 step cone 16" is a 3" belt. The length depends somewhat on the alignment and any shimming of the under drive unit in the base which is why its best to measure it.

 

S

Submachine

Aluminum

Joined

Apr 23, 2013

Location

Cleveland

• Nov 7, 2015

• #6

Thanks, that helps a lot. In what motor position should I measure it? Raised?

 

S

SteveF

Titanium

Joined

Jul 4, 2004

Location

central NC

• Nov 7, 2015

• #7

You want to have it in the belt engaged position.

Here's the instructions from the "How to Run a Lathe" booklet.

"When measuring for belt length the belt tension device should be adjusted so the cone pulleys are moved toward each other as far as possible. Determine the exact belt length by carefully measuring around the cone pulleys with a steel tape and then subtract 3/8". This will give the belt tension enough to drive the lathe without any further adjustment."

Personally, I wouldn't adjust the pulleys "as far as possible" in case the belt is cut a little short so I still have some adjustment.

Steve

 

S

Submachine

Aluminum

Joined

Apr 23, 2013

Location

Cleveland

• Nov 7, 2015

• #8

Thanks for the info.. I am going to make a test one out of old belts in my closet that seem to be too small for me now

If they work to get me through the weekend I will be happy. In any case, I won't be upset if the break.

 

I

iwananew10K

Diamond

Joined

Sep 12, 2010

Location

moscow,ohio

• Nov 7, 2015

• #9

http://www.wswells.com/data/howto/paula_stephens/beltsize.pdf

I recommend John Knox too,his standard clipped belts are great.

You will see that 68.25" is called for in the link, however I would call John and order it at 67.75"... It will stretch quite a bit in the first few hours of use, John actually offers a shortening of his belts to account for it but IME you can save him and yourself the trouble by ordering it a bit short to begin with.

YMMV

Ps- yes, it's a very good idea to verify the length by measuring it yourself.

 

Last edited: Nov 7, 2015

S

Submachine

Aluminum

Joined

Apr 23, 2013

Location

Cleveland

• Nov 7, 2015

• #10

I have a stupid question about the operation of the tension handle. ( by the way I need on if anyone has one)

It has three positions
Up - loose
Middle - is this the running position?
Down - tight.. Or is this the running position?

 

SBLatheman

Titanium

Joined

Jul 7, 2008

Location

South Bend, In

• Nov 7, 2015

• #11

iwananew10K said:

http://www.wswells.com/data/howto/paula_stephens/beltsize.pdf

I recommend John Knox too,his standard clipped belts are great.

You will see that 61.25" is called for in the link, however I would call John and order it at 59.75"... It will stretch quite a bit in the first few hours of use, John actually offers a shortening of his belts to account for it but IME you can save him and yourself the trouble by ordering it a bit short to begin with.

YMMV

Ps- yes, it's a very good idea to verify the length by measuring it yourself.

Click to expand...

68 1/4" per the chart

Submachine:
I think I have a belt for that machine(one of the good kind that SBL sold). I may also have a tension handle.
Send me an email if you are interested.
Ted
[email protected]

 

I

iwananew10K

Diamond

Joined

Sep 12, 2010

Location

moscow,ohio

• Nov 7, 2015

• #12

dag, my eyes do wierd crap...corrected...good catch.