Thread: Did i pay to much

Linked belts have been around for a long time.
One of our older (at least 1960's) combination machines in the mens shed had a linked belt.

We use size B link belts on all the generators on all our gas compression engines. They've been around since at least the beginning of the last century, early motorcycles used them in the final drive. Because the links rub against each other they wear out and loose their tension ridiculously quickly compared to the same size V-belts; we need to adjust ours every 1000 running hours and replace them every 4000 (about 6 months) but we can get 2 or 3 years out of the V-belts running alongside them.

Splitting and joining the links, especially on a new belt, is a bit tricky until you've learnt the nack. There are special tools available for this (some manufacturers throw one in with every reel) but I find a Leatherman is the best tool for the job.

By the way, the one in the photo looks like it was fitted backwards. If you imagine that every link is an arrow they all need to point in the direction of travel. This becomes really noticeable if the belt whips and catches on something... if it's your hand...ow.

Thank you both. Informative and interesting.

Will follow up on belt direction

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

At $5 for the head and a motor, I think you did well, provided that the motor is working and the head has viable bearings. Age has it's benefits, the unit still exists and hasn't gone to landfill, so it has survived longer than most Chinese stuff from today is likely to.
Only real issue is a lack of tool rests, belt guard and spark catchers, but an enterprising person like you could probably sort these out attached to the mount without having to mod the unit.

Not really sure, but the W could be an early Waldown trademark/symbol, stylisticly it is similar to the W in their later gear except for the incisions.

Mate that's a great find! Even if everything is gone on it and not repairable, a clean up and paint job and it's an ornament worth dusting around!

I'm sure it's easily fixed even if the bearings and shaft have had it.
I have an old 12" pedistal grinder of the same era that I'm planning on restoring to a slow speed grinder and buffer.....but that's long down the list.

When you make your motor mount, make a self adjusting belt tensioner and that should negate the linked belt stretch. The simples ones I have seen are done by hinging the motor on a board and the weight just keeps the tension on the belt. Add a spring or weight if it's not enough. I don't know how likely linked belts will want to climb their way out of the pulley groove but I have seen this system done with v belts.

Nice find! I'm glad it did not get melted down!

As for the "W" ....the 'Wonder Waldown".......

Sorry.... That's a very bad attempt at dad pun jokes..

I can confirm it is a W for Waldown and I have the same grinder.

Mine didn't come with a belt or motor and cost more than $5, so well done.

Im thinking of setting it up for slow speed grinder with a CBN wheel. Running to a step down pulley and then to the grinder ... is that a good way?

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

I can't see why not. I do really like the variable speed you can get with a VFD . I always see that as a plus with sharpening equipment but to be honest, you learn to get the best out of what you have. If you set it up on a pulley or VFD you're probably going to think it's tops anyway.

Another avenue might be secondhand treadmills. They usually have a pretty grunty DC motor and the variable speed controls are usually hack-able.

On a side note, I think the CBN wheels really like a very 'true' shaft. You can't just dress the wheel to suit a slightly off shaft like you can with the abrasive wheels...
Maybe test the shaft with a dial indicator first? You could be lucky... Waldown has a very good reputation!

I think things can change under load and heat as well. I'm sure there will be more tec savvy folks that can comment better on that!

Thanks Ben for the latest info there. Very handy to know

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

Im thinking of setting it up for slow speed grinder with a CBN wheel. Running to a step down pulley and then to the grinder ... is that a good way?

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

Dave, a better way might be to use a 240V three phase motor and VFD to drive it and you get totally variable speed for all your needs.

That's the setup I usually go for. The 3ph motors have always been well priced but the cost of the VFD has come down drastically.... You do get what you pay for but some of the local on this forum are getting a good run with the cheap VFD's.