[TroyO]

I am working on making my own belt drive, and was wondering... any reason not to use (3L) 3/8" size belts?

It looks to me (Not that I've finished the math/layout yet) that you should be able to use a 1/2" (Instead of 5/8ths) base plate, 1/4" (instead of 3/8ths) motor mount plate and gain the 1/4" difference between the belt sizes. (1/8th per pulley)

Besides the more obvious advantage of being a little grippier with a larger belt, it also would allow you to find replacemenets at most hardware stores, and (A bigger advantage IMHO) you could also use one of the vibration dampening 3l Series link belts.

Less vibration should = better cut, right?

Since all the belt drive conversions I've seen use the 2L size belt I get the feeling there's probably something basic I'm missing... so let me know! LOL.

[knudsen]

I can't see any real disadvantage. Maybe a little more friction, but you also get a little more flywheel, which is good, esp. on interrupted cuts like flycutter work.

What kind of max spindle speed are you shooting for and how many ranges? I was thinking about going with the LMS kit, but read the torque is kind of lame at high speed range. So, I thought I would need to go to a tread mill motor first, then I thought with a tread mill motor, I could use a home made single speed range. Then, as usual, I did nothing.:rainfro:

[TroyO]

Actually... in hindsight I probably won't be making a 3L version, simply because the stock I ordered was for the usual version. (Hoss's plan, actually.)

I still think it's a good idea... I wish I had come up with it before I ordered stuff, LOL.

I also did some research and the 2L belt does have some advantages... it's specifically designed for small diameter/high speed use. Not that the link style belts wouldn't be a good thing anyway but 3L may not make the small radius cutoff.

[Starleper1]

I use 2L on all my kits. When you get into the 3L, obviously they are wider and deeper which means you need more clearance. The 2L belts just fit the X2 better IMO.

[skmetal7]

anyone tried using timing belts? you wouldnt need as much force to keep the belt from slipping, and thats less stress on the motor bearings. only problem is changing pulley sizes for torque.

[hoss2006]

anyone tried using timing belts? you wouldnt need as much force to keep the belt from slipping, and thats less stress on the motor bearings. only problem is changing pulley sizes for torque.

blades has done it.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55239
Hoss