Post by mikeyrocks on Feb 2, 2017 11:53:26 GMT -5
Don't want to sound repetitive. Still concerned about home made belts from a length standpoint too.
Mine have to be stretched pretty tight to get into the pulley grooves. So they are tightly wrapped.
If I were asked to make belts I would have to cut them to the exact length for that given durometer rubber-to get the right tension.
Low belt tension may = slippage. Thoughts ?
I am pretty sure I can not make my belts slip even if I pushed down on the hopper plate with a good bit of my body weight.
But the counterweights are only set on 1.1, so not much off-balance.
There is a definite learning curve on putting these belts together. Melting the urethane without burning it which introduces carbon. Getting the angle correct while healing and keeping it stationary while it cools down is another chore to learn. With having 5 machine I was looking at a $100 investment in a set of belts for them. I spent $18.75 for 25 feet of urethane belting made for making drive belts from. The material comes from a highly respected industrial supply which describes this material as being the correct material for the purpose. I didn't bother asking for a list of specs or durameter numbers. When I choose an experienced reputable supplier I am confident in what they are stating and providing as being accurate, and proper for the purpose. A belt uses about 10 inches of material. Belts have more stretch when new so that needs to be accounted for as well. To me it was a very worthwhile investment and gamble since I already have have success in melting and fusing plastic before with heat or chemical dissolving. If it did not or does not perform properly then I would contact them with my questions about my situation.
I have not stated that going down the belt making road is the thing to do for everyone. It's an option for those of who are willing to go down that road. One merely has to choose which path is correct for them.
As I have stated previously on my homemade barrel and a weight of 85 or 90 lbs belt slippage does happen at times. I am of the conclusion that using a 5 gal propane to make a barrel is pushing this machine a bit beyond what it can handle consistently and dependably. I will eventually experiment with a dual belt pulley setup. I will also buy steel pipe to use in place of a propane tank and trim the overall weight of 75 lbs or so for barrel and rock. Easier to handle physically and easier on this size machine base.