Too much grease!!!!

Go to your local auto parts store. You can buy a small can of a sticky spray to reduce belt slippage. Sorry I cannot remember the name ( Belt grab or something like it)- it's been a few years since my days managing a store.

Ricc Havens Elkhart, IN

Ruth,

First check and see if anything came loose on the drive system. There should be an adjustment on the motor to tighten the belt if in fact that it came loose. I grease the heck out my General and have never had a problem with getting grease on the belt (just on me).

Good Luck,

Basil Kelsey Ypsilanti, Mi.

Joe Moran wrote: Ruth, You might try cleaning the belt and pulleys with a little mineral spirits. (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I am quite sure that one or more cycles of cleaning with and solvent will clear things up. If you want, you might apply a little belt dressing as well. You can get belt dressing in a spray can--if you spray it ointo the contact areas with the lathe running, you should see an immediate improvement.

WD-40 or kerosene while it is running. Let it run awhile

Russ Post Falls, ID Russ Fairfield Post Falls, Idaho

Um, CA glue?

...Kevin

Thanks for all the good suggestions.

I don't even want to think about replacing the top belt ever again!

So if I wipe it down good (belt and pulley) with either acetone or mineral spirits; lightly sand the belt and spray it first with Belt Grip, Brake Cleaner then WD-40, I should be set, right? : O : ) .......only kidding.......

Ruth

Woodturners Logo My shop and Turnings at

Dan, Thanks for the suggestion of the link belt for the upper pulley system on the General. I have one of those belts on my bandsaw and really like it. I had been told by someone here on the ng that I could not use the link belt on my lathe. I'll have to call General and ask because that sure would solve problems.

Ruth

Woodturners Logo My shop and Turnings at

Ruth, as I recall the General has a mechanical variable speed drive which may not work well with the link belt. I think the Reeves type speed change needs the v-shape of the belt to operate properly as it is basically changing the diameter of the pulley as the two halves move in and out. With the link belt there is nothing to make the belt "ride up" like the shape of the conventional belt. Your idea to call General is a good one.

Ruth wrote: (clip) I had been told by someone here on the ng that I could not use the link belt on my lathe. (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^ Ruth, don't believe everything you hear. (Present company excepted.) You will also hear that you must not run link belt in reverse. The manufacturers actually specify a "correct" direction, but may members of this group report running it in both directions with no problems. If your lathe uses Vee belts, it should be fine with link belts.

The cost of a belt is higher, true. But, often, you will break a belt because of a stall, which causes the motor pulley to spin in place, burning the belt. With link belt, if that happens, you can replace a few links and actually SAVE money. So, I suggest, when you buy your link belt, buy a foot or so more than you need, and keep in on hand for repairs.

I can' prove this, but I have the definite impression that the link belt is less likely to slip in place than regular Vee belt, so it lasts longer and saves you still more money.

Joe Moran wrote: (clip) I think the Reeves type speed change needs the v-shape of the belt to operate properly (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Joe, the Jet 1236 I used to have had a Reeves variable speed drive, and I used a link belt on it with no problems. Actually, link belt does have a Vee cross section. You could probably use it on your Stubby as well, if you ever have to change belts without resorting to the new draft Maintenance Guide. Of course, that's only academic--since Stubbys never break belts :-)

"Ruth" wrote

Hi Ruth

I may be "setting a cat amongst the pigeons" here but I talked with a seasoned millwright last week regarding greasing some large 15 hp motor bearings, he advised just give em a shot now and then, dont pump until the stuff oozes out from the bearing face. He said the old adage that "more is better" is not good advice and there have been tests done that show bearings run hotter when packed to the point of leakage. Also,avoid solvent around greased bearings , solvent melts grease.

Rob

I always use LDD to clean my belts!

Leif Thorvaldson wrote: I always use LDD to clean my belts! ^^^^^^^^^^^ And I'll bet you're going to tell us they never crack!

I can see you are picking up the nuances that I have been intimating to the group, Leo! Not only do they not crack, they don't split, warp or bind. They run truer, more smoothly and contribute to longer belt life! Hoo ---Ah! *G*

And it makes the lighting brighter, and the finish shinier, unless you don't like shiny finishes, then it makes it even more natural looking ;)

Apparently, the only thing it can't do is clean dishes. It's too busy!

"... Relax, you're soaking in it." -Leif, the Madge of RCW

_____ American Association of Woodturners Cascade Woodturners Assoc., Portland, Oregon Northwest Woodturners, Tigard, Oregon _____