Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 11, 2009 07:46pm | #1

   The link belt won't help your bandsaw if there's some other reason for the vibration.  Just as an example, a couple years ago mine started vibrating rather obnoxiously.  I tore into it, could find anything to account for it, then discovered that one (or two?) of the bolts holding it down to the stand had loosened ever-so-slightly.  Doh!  Is the vibration in your new, or has it always been there?

   I've seen non-PowerTwist link belts for sale, so certainly there are knock-offs.  If you can't find any other reason for the vibration in the band saw, wouldn't hurt to call Rockler and ask them about the manufacturer of the belt you bought.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
2. 
   RonK | Apr 11, 2009 08:14pm | #2

   It is possible that the link belt is the wrong size. On some contrctor saw the pully is a different size then the common link belts sold online. You can get the right size but you have to special order or find a vender who carries them.

3. 
   JerryPacMan | Apr 11, 2009 09:16pm | #3

   Link belts are usually marked with a date code and then "Fenner Drives Powertwist Plus A".  Also, your should have a direction arrow every 10th link.

    

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans.

   When your ship comes in... make sure you are not at the airport.

4. 
   flairwoodworks | Apr 11, 2009 09:37pm | #4

   The first thing I'd check is the alignment of the two pulleys. Use a straightedge - it should sit flat against both pulleys. If not, you probably need to adjust your motor's location.

   Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
   (soon to be www.flairwoodworks.com)

    - Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

5. 
   mike4244 | Apr 12, 2009 09:53pm | #5

   Compare the linkbelt width to the standard belt. The linkbelt may be to wide for your pulley. There are several different sizes of vee belts and link belts should match the pulley size.I had a similar situation with a lathe a friend bought. I tested the cone pulley first for balance.It was balanced well, then looked closer at the vee belt. The belt was too wide and rode higher than the top of the pulley. The correct belt took care of any vibration.

   mike

6. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 13, 2009 06:52pm | #6

   I believe that Fenner "Power Twist" belts were the original adjustable length link-type belts. There are a number of other manufacturers now. However, I have never heard on one being any better or worse than another.

   The question always is, why are you going to a link belt? They are not inherently smoother running than a proper, fresh standard V-belt. If you have belt induced vibrations, it's a lot cheaper just to buy a new standard V-belt.

   Howie.........
1. 
   Don01 | Apr 16, 2009 06:25am | #7

   "The question always is, why are you going to a link belt? They are not inherently smoother running than a proper, fresh standard V-belt."

   1. Almost anything is better than some of the OEM supplied belts that come from the offshore manufacturing sites. The Yong & Co belts that came with my jointer had the undocumented feature of being somewhat scalloped along the sides.

   2. Link belts will tolerate more misalignment of the 2 sheaves.

   3. Driver generated vibration is less likely to be transmitted through the belt via the continuous tension cords - there aren't any. Again, most of the offshore stationary equipment is not supplied with balanced machined steel sheaves.

   4. Link belts are less likely to develop a memory if left idle for any length of time.

   5. Longevity. The link design permits the use of more durable materials in construction. Conventional belts use rubber based compounds to facilitate continuous flexing.

   Are any of these over whelming reasons? Well #1, 2 & 3 could easily require you to have to analyze the entire drive train, so it may be possible to knock off or significantly reduce the negative impact by making one change.

   Don