One belt o.k. ?

[NONHOG]

I am new (in a way) to this saw. Bought it years back . Anyway its been on loan for at least a few of its years . Just go around to replacing the belt that the last loanee never told me was broke.
I did not realize that it needs 2 belts . Is using just one asking for it.
Or should I wait till I get the second one installed also .
Thanks,

[dbhost]

I know the belts are designed to "give" under pressure in order to protect the motor. I would think that running one belt would cut that give load in half. I would wait to get that second belt on...

[master53yoda]

In the size that the saw belts are normally they will deliver approximately 3 hp through an A section belt. If the saw HP is higher then that you will need both belts. If you are doing lite cutting the one belt will work but I wouldn't start a bunch of deep ripping in maple with out checking

[LCHIEN]

I assume you have a BT3x model.
The saw was designed to deliver full pwoer to the blade with the two belts.
Operating with just one risks breaking the belt when overloaded.

With one belt You could do for light cutting loads like small pieces of plywood and 3/4" material crosscuts and short rips.

If you cut thicker material or try to cut a larger sheet of plywood that binds slightly then you risk breaking the belt.

[NONHOG]

Thanks I'll order up another before I get started.

[master53yoda]

I assume you have a BT3x model.
The saw was designed to deliver full pwoer to the blade with the two belts.
Operating with just one risks breaking the belt when overloaded.

With one belt You could do for light cutting loads like small pieces of plywood and 3/4" material crosscuts and short rips.

If you cut thicker material or try to cut a larger sheet of plywood that binds slightly then you risk breaking the belt.

i missed that it was a bt correct don't run it without both belts

[Uncle Cracker]

I think you'd be wise to replace both belts now while you're at it, rather than just the missing one. That way they will age (and stretch) simultaneously, and you don't know how close you are now to losing the one that's been running by itself for however long.

[BerniePA]

I think you'd be wise to replace both belts now while you're at it, rather than just the missing one. That way they will age (and stretch) simultaneously, and you don't know how close you are now to losing the one that's been running by itself for however long.

I would have to go with this recommendation also. That way you won't find yourself running on one belt again next month.