Thread: Sticky Spots!

On a certain old drive belt that ran from the trator PTO to the 3' docking saw we use to use talcum powder on the drive belt. We had the same problems, absolutely clean belt and drive gears but something in the system wasn't 'tuned'.
I though it may have been the joint in the belt or variances in belt thickness, but couldn't find anything out of the ordinary.

To apply we had a talc filled piece of cheese clothe that you'd rub along the belt every now and then (like a pounce bag in polishing). It only applies a very fine layer and never did the belt or equipment any harm.

See what the others think as this solution may not be highly appropriate for lathes ???


[This message has been edited by Eastie (edited 24 July 2002).]

G'day John - easy fixed. Use a bit of brake fluid on it. I have a small bottle of it with a spray applicator and always give the belt and pullies a light spray before demo's etc. Makes em run as smooth as can be and whisper quiet.

Have been doing this for many years on the belts of Teknatool lathes with narry a problem. Many turners in the know do the same.

Cheers mate - Neil

PS No it doesn't damage the belt. However too much in one hit may make it slip for a minute or so. Don't get too carried away with it and drown the thing.

[This message has been edited by ubeaut (edited 26 July 2002).]

There is a product specifical for belts, probably a little less corrosive than brake fluid.
VHT used to market a belt dressing called SUPERCHARGER BELT GRIP
for use in motror racing Iff they are stlii arround
I have seen a CRC belt dressing product.
I have used DRI-LUBE stick wax my self.

Gooday.

Dri-lube is a petroleum based product, deadly to rubber or neoprene. Brake fluid is vegetable based and will not harm the above even if you immerse the belt in it for weeks or years. Cars and all vehicles that use brake fluid would be in deep doodoo if that were not the case.

Belt Grip and other products are not reccommended for lathe belts as they have agents in them to "stick" to the belt. They are applied while the machine is running and make a hell of a mess.

Trust us, BRAKE FLUID is great on lathe belts




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Ian () Robertson
"We do good turns every day"

Thanks fellas. I'm off to find some brake fluid. Talcum powder works, but only for a while.
Regards John H.

John - Talc is an abrasive as well as a lugricant.

Hmmm, the master has spoken (in a slightly hungover kinda way).

Yep, it is an abbrasive and it is often used as an "ultra fine" cutting compound.

My experience only related to a big mother of a saw run via a 10ft - half inch big sucker of a drive belt, and it worked just fine

It's not as though we were attacking it with 80 grit wet and dry.

So there


[This message has been edited by Eastie (edited 31 July 2002).]

Once again fellas a big thanx! Especially to the masters (both of 'em!)
Sparingly applied brake fluid this morning, result nothing short of miraculous, lathe as quiet as a sleeping baby, hardly hear it breathing!!!!
Whilst we're on the subject,sort of,What do I clean the rubber tyres on the bandsaw with? They are a bit gunked up following the sawing of a quantity of discs of sappy radiata pine!
Regards John H.

John, those big hunks o' sheoak will make her squeal without a doubt.

Set back a spell and try a little vegetable oil if all else fails.
I use walnut oil in finishing and have put a spot of that on the belt without too much bother!
Just my 2c worth
Cheers



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Johnno

Johnno. Does your post above refer to my lathe or my bandsaw?
'Cause I can assure you brake fluid works a treat on the lathe, but on the bandsaw tyres?
Regards John H.

John, in a light hearted vein the lathe.

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Johnno