linkbelt: wow! what a difference

[jwaterdawg]

I'm sure this is old news to most of you, but wow what a difference a link belt makes. I just installed a link belt on a 14" BS with a 6" riser. Amazing! There was always a residual vibration in the BS, even with lots of tuning. The vibration had a frequency of ~60Hz and now it's completely gone, kaput, nada.

I must say I was very skeptical about all the claims, but it was on sale at Amazon and so I figured what the heck. Well worth the money. I will definitely be ordering more....

[Ken Massingale]

Yep!! :-d

[jarhead]

Since we are on the subject... for those who own a HF BS and replaced the belts, did you replace both belts or just the main one?

[Ken Massingale]

Since we are on the subject... for those who own a HF BS and replaced the belts, did you replace both belts or just the main one?

Both of them

[cgallery]

I have an 8-1/2" jointer/planer made by Inca that has a wooden stand and a motor connected by a rather long belt (see photo). What advantages, if any, might I find in replacing the original belt with a link belt?

I imagine these link belts only help in certain circumbstances? Having never used one, I don't know their advantages.

Are the expensive? I've seen someone at Rockler buying one. I imagine there are less expensive sources?

Thanks,
Phil

[jwaterdawg]

Amazon recently had them on sale 5' for $24 with free shipping. If you have a HF nearby they seem to have a good price but only if you can pick up in the store. The shipping nullifies the pricing.

[Ken Massingale]

Phil,
The major advantage to link belts is vibration reduction. I can't tell from the pic, can't you raise the platform the motor is mounted on to get it closer to the driven equipment?

[LCHIEN]

Phil,
The major advantage to link belts is vibration reduction. I can't tell from the pic, can't you raise the platform the motor is mounted on to get it closer to the driven equipment?

The other advantage is the adjustability if
you need spare belt(s) for several machines you only need one spare

you don't know the length of the belt that needs replacing
you have a wooden base and some guy named Ken suggests you change the mounting to make the motor closer then having an adjustable belt will make this much easier to fit.

[sacherjj]

The one reason I will be adding a link belt to my jointer when I redo the mobile stand is because of memory. I've read many reports about a belt being left in a certain place and getting set to that place. Then this causes vibration in the belt that takes a while to work out. Link belts don't have this memory problem. I'm also debating adding it to my drill press for vibration issues. Although I don't know if that will make it more annoying to change speeds.

[Ken Massingale]

The other advantage is the adjustability if
you need spare belt(s) for several machines you only need one spare

you don't know the length of the belt that needs replacing
you have a wooden base and some guy named Ken suggests you change the mounting to make the motor closer then having an adjustable belt will make this much easier to fit.

Uh, I believe that is MR. Ken, Loring!
Good point on the spare belt thing, and the point Joe made about no memory set in a link belt is good too. These things are becoming more important with each post.