Prompted by another thread... Drive Belt for Tablesaw

[matt]

I've long since planned to upgrade the drive belt on my table saw and was reminded of references to alternative belts in threads back when I first bought my saw.

I've tracked down a Powerlink belt from Fenner:

...but I don't understand the references to "A/13" and "B/17". Also not really sure what I should be looking for in general from a type and fit point of view.

Someone also mentioned getting a belt from Halfords. Is this really possible?

Appreciate any advice.

 

[Duncan A]

Hi Matt

The letter in a V-belt designation refers to it's cross-section size, the smallest usually being Z, then A, B, C, and D in order of increasing size.

The two digits refer to the inside length in inches.

So, for example, A20 has an A profile 13mm wide on the outside, 8mm deep, and is approx 20 inches inside length. (within 1/10 inch).
The B profile is 17mm wide, 11mm deep.

Metric belt designation is a bit different. The profiles are the same but length is expressed in pitch millimetres, somewhere between the inside length and the outside length. So a metric equivalent of an imperial A20 would be A540, not A508 as might be supposed by a straightforward conversion of the units.

Be careful. If a belt designation is SPZ,A,B etc. it is a wedge belt, not a V-belt, and it will have a different (narrower/deeper) profile.

The belt in your picture is, of course, a link belt so has adjustable length. Very commonly called Brammah belts by old farts like myself!

Hope that makes it all clear.

Duncan

 

[matt]

Thank you, Duncan. I think I've got it. I'll take a look at the current belt and see if it's got any similar markings / measure it.

 

[Streepips]

I have never personally had a need to rplace a drive belt on a tablesaw or felt an inclination to upgrade a drive belt.
Is a better belt required because the original slips or is noisy?
I think the only belts ever replaced by me are the little yellow ones on the Scheppach 260 planer thicknesser, but after a few years the machinery settled down and had the same belt on for about ten years now.

Every table saw I have had has had a V belt, same pattern as a car alternator/fan belt and they always get an annual check, or more if I happen to be under there anyway. Only ever tightened one once.......
and yes, the machinery does get used, daily .
So is there something I am missing?
Or do some machines have less than satisfactory drive systems to start with?