Another fan of link belts

[Lou Ferrarini]

And another thank you to SMC.

I have a fairly new Delta Contractor saw, which I recently upgraded with the "Lowes Special $80 Biesemeyer fence". I have been reading the posts about link belts and machined pulleys. I was in Woodcraft the other day and they had the upgrade kit with the belt and pullys for $57 and the box was marked 30% off. So I picked it up and installed it.

All I can say is WOW, what a difference. It not only cuts smooth as silk like my friends PM2000, but it passed the penny test.

Thanks again for all the great info on this site.

[Lee Schierer]

it's like getting a new saw!

[Julian Wong]

I never knew the pulleys need replacing in addition to the link belt. Always thought the link belt groove was in the same shape as the regular v groove?

[Bruce Benjamin]

I never knew the pulleys need replacing in addition to the link belt. Always thought the link belt groove was in the same shape as the regular v groove?

You don't have to replace the pulleys. The reason some people do replace them is because some pulleys aren't made very well. The machined pulleys are supposed to be more precise.

Bruce

[glenn bradley]

I did that on my previous C-man. I totally agree and cannot understand why anyone wouldn't do it. What a difference.

[Jeff Hallam]

Where do you find the right size machined pulleys? I have thought about replacing some before but didn't know where to look for the actual parts.

[Pete Bradley]

I totally agree and cannot understand why anyone wouldn't do it.
One reason would be if there's nothing wrong with the machine or belts in the first place.

Some machines such as contractor saws with the motor hanging off the back may benefit, some such as high quality cabinet saws with good pulleys and belts already will not. They can also be useful on some machines that are sensitive to belts taking a set when they sit idle for a while. A link belt will deliver "night and day" better performance than a dried out old solid belt, but then again, so will a new good-quality solid belt.

Pete

[Steve Mellott]

I've also put the link belts on my Delta drill press and they make a tremendous difference.

Steve

[Wilbur Pan]

Where do you find the right size machined pulleys? I have thought about replacing some before but didn't know where to look for the actual parts.

Grainger (http://www.grainger.com) or McMaster (http://www.mcmaster.com) for name brand pulleys.

Surplus Center (http://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?UID=2008012519492259&catname=powerTrans&keyword=PPT1) for cheaper no-name pulleys.