Link belts on Jointer etc.

[LCHIEN]

I found this article
http://www.paragoncode.com/shop/link_belts/

Do you guys have good results from these belts (like Harbor Freight's?)

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43771

I'm thinking about putting one on my new Delta JT360 jointer, it vibrates a little, I'm pretty sure its the belt.

What's the verdict?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

"I'm thinking about putting one on my new Delta JT360 jointer, it vibrates a little, I'm pretty sure its the belt."

If the belt is your problem the PowerTwist will solve it. I know that is a strong statement but I have installed PowerTwist on 3 different applications with amazing results. I put one on the Jet Contractor saw I got a few months ago and I could tell a small difference, going from Nickel test to Dime test. The big differences were in an old Rockwell jointer my father has and my father in laws drill press which resides in my shop. Those two applications were absolutely amazing. Seriously. Amazing. I can't say enough about them.
Powertwist seems to be the standard, though they did not invent them. I got mine from Wilke and they do sell prepack and by the foot (I believe they still sell by the foot though someone told me they didn't. Who knows?). For you Central PA folks I do note that they are imported into there American Headquarters which is in Manheim PA. Maybe a bulk purchase should be in order????

[brumere]

I've used the Harbor Freight brand on three of my stationary tools (jointer, drill press and table saw) and noticed improvement on all three machines. For me the improvement was nost noticable on my jointer and drill press due to the lower mass of these machines compared with the table saw. Several of these I've had installed for more than three years with no problems.

If you watch carefully they do go on sale occasionally.

Bruce

[Knottscott]

I've got a link belt on my Griz jointer. It improved vibration. They do have more wind noise but not much, and they do stretch a bit over time so it'll need to be adjusted in 6 months or so. Fenner is the major manufacturer.

You might also find that a good quality radiator belt will do.

[wassaw998]

I put one on the Jet Contractor saw I got a few months ago and I could tell a small difference, going from Nickel test to Dime test.

I can't even hardly get a dime to stand on edge period, let alone on a TS !

[Knottscott]

I can't even hardly get a dime to stand on edge period, let alone on a TS !

Superglue...

[Lance]

Jeff's Dime Test

I think Jeff might have been using those copper-colored dimes I sold to him for a nickel apiece. They have flatter edges!

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I think Jeff might have been using those copper-colored dimes I sold to him for a nickel apiece. They have flatter edges!

I thought there was something awefully fishy about that deal!

[onedash]

I had a belt in my hand at woodcraft this weekend but grabbed a Beisemeyer cut off fence and my wife said I had to pick one. I'll get the belt next time(for my jointer)

[LCHIEN]

Well, maybe i won't need one after all.
I ran some wood thru it and after the belt seated in it was a whole lot smoother and the parts don't rattle anymore.
I guess I should have known better.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

If anyone is still looking this appears to be a good deal and you only pay for the length you need . . . ..

http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthr...lapsed&sb=5&o=

[Bud]

These link belts are new concept for me, being a newbie and all! Could someone please explain the total benefits of switching to them. Also what is the nickel test?

[onedash]

just ordered two from harbor freight. They are WAY more expensive at woodcraft. I will use it on my jointer and drill press.
the nickel test is testing the vibration of your saw. If it doesnt fall over you have a pretty smooth running machine.
since some belts get a memory from not being used all that often your belt will cause excess vibration. I noticed it quite a bit with my jointer. when it was brand new it ran pretty smooth. Over time it has began to vibrate quite a bit especially at start up. My drill press belt seems to loose so I plan to use on on there hopefully with one less link to tighten it up a little.

[LCHIEN]

These link belts are new concept for me, being a newbie and all! Could someone please explain the total benefits of switching to them. Also what is the nickel test?

nickel test - if your machine vibration free enuf to balance a nickel on edge and not have it fall over.

Link belt - a segmented belt composed of 1-1/2 or so inch links that lock together to form an adjustable belt. Belt can replace a conventional V-blet (but not a BT3100 belt) and be smoother and more vibration absorbing.