[AT] all about running flat belt equipment

[rlgoss at twc.com]

Flat belts naturally run toward the largest diameter and longest distance between pulleys.  The first time my dad told me that, my reacton was, "Huh!?"  But what he said is true.  If you want to keep a flat belt on a pair of pulleys (always a problem for lining up mills and similar items) then at least one of the pulleys needs to be crowned in the center.  Cast pulleys are usually shaped that way from the get-go.  What you DON'T want is a pair of pulleys that are perfect cylinders.  We had a little bit of that problem with the John Deere tractor and the IH mill.  To cure the problem, Dad wrapped a yard or so of friction tape around the center of one of the pulleys.  It doesn't take much, but then alignment of the pulleys becomes much simpler and the belt seeks to run on the largest diameter/longest distance between the shafts.


Larry
---- Ralph Goff <alfg at sasktel.net> wrote: 
> On 3/15/2016 12:04 PM, Steve W. wrote:
> >
> > Basically the paper ones are stacks of cardboard held together with
> > waterproof glue. Then pressed to force the glue through the pores in the
> > paper. They set under pressure and heat till the clue dries. Toss them
> > on a lathe to true up the surface and you're done.
> >
> > Paper and leather were used because they were easy to find and easy to
> > check for problems. Wood gets used on slower speeds but it has to be
> > VERY straight grained and clear of any issues.
> >
> Its interesting you mention wood as I have wondered if a guy could just 
> turn one out on the wood lathe out of a piece of elm or maple.
> Or maybe some laminated?
> 
> Ralph in Sask.
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