Noel take a look at this supplier 

**LINK**

H

Edited By Harry Wilkes on 09/06/2022 17:04:43

I'm using this link belt off eBay, seems to work well enough, cheaper than Fenner, and far better than either the black or white plastic link belts from RDG
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174456949982

Bill

Would be surprised ikf it was a Z section (A very badly worn A? )

You should be able to find some one in Kings Lynn who could supply suitable replacements.

The argument in favour of using a link belt for the secondary is that it avoids disturbing the Headstock bearings

I heard Roger Warren give just that advice to someone else, years ago when I was looking to buy a BH600.

If all else fails, based on limited dealings with them, I have found Anglia Bearings, in Sturrock Way, Peterborough to be helpful. Although this means quite a long journey form you.

Howard

Are you sure its the belt? Have a good look at the condition of the pulley/s involved. Your belt may be bottoming in the V of the pulley due to wear there. Don't be tempted by link belts if you use top speed on a Myford S7. It won't fit, but otherwise go for it if you want.

My ML7 has Z section pulleys on the primary drive from motor to countershaft. But an A section belt works ok, just rides a bit high in the V groove. Does not slip at all. (Inadvertently tested by starting up with back gear engaged and drive dog in place still!)

Why did Myfords opt for Z section for motor to countershaft and A section for countershaft to spindle?

(I have never felt sure which of these should be called "primary&quot.

I assume the answer has to do with the power being transmitted but I would welcome an informed comment.

A link belt might bend around those small diameter pulleys like the one on the motor better than a solid V belt perhaps? I use AX profile "cogged" belts with the notches that let them flex around small pulleys for this reason. Can;t say there is any noticeable difference because I never used the lathe with the old belts on it. But I think maybe some people notice a smoothing out after fitting a link belt simply because their old ancient belts had taken a "set" from sitting unused in one position for long periods, and they do harden up with age regardless of use, so could run a bit rough.

Ega — I always assumed the lathes followed motorcycle practice where primary drive is from motor to gearbox, ie the first step in the drive train.

Edited By Hopper on 11/06/2022 12:37:28

I agree that a link belt does not seem to have any advantages, but I have only reported my findings. My conclusion is that the frequency that it vibrates at when running is obviously different to a continuous belt. On some machinery at our work, they have recently changed to linked belts and are having less issues with some of their machines. The Z section link belt I went for was the twist link system, so does not have the mass of the metal lock pins with the belt. It does look to be flimsy and I did wonder how well it could even be working. I have lad the link twist belt on for over 10 years now. It is made from linking in the pressed sections into each other that makes a funny looking weaved belt.

I just looked it up, mine came from Fenner drives, and is called the power link twist belt series.