drive belt

[bedway]

My mill takes a 84 inch drive belt. Id like to try to reduce the vibration in the belt while its engaged. Does anyone have experience with these twist belts with the individual links.  Thanks

[beenthere]

I use them on my shop tools, and they take out a lot of vibration.
Don't know what the length limits or HP limits they might have, if any.

Quality of the pulley's (machining, balance, etc. ) may enter into the vibration as well.

[Larry]

Those link belts are really meant as a temporary belt.  You can replace the belt on a machine like a lathe, or grinding arbor without pulling the spindle.  Marketing decided they could promote belt sales by advertising they reduce vibration which is a true claim.  The down side is they are expensive and won't transfer as much horsepower as a standard belt.

I buy good quality clogged belts to reduce vibration.  They also will transfer more power than standard belts.  Be aware there not for use in a clutch system.  I'm not sure if a link belt could be used in that application either.

Another thought is can you add an  idler wheel?

[DouginUtah]

I think the two manufacturers of link belts would disagree about them being temporary.

http://www.fennerdrives.com/high_performance_composite_vbelts/apps/pt/powertwist_forest_products.asp

Reasons for using PowerTwist Plus:

    * Easy to install without dismantling equipment
    * Runs in standard classical section pulleys
    * Unaffected by oil, grease, water, steam, and common chemicals and solvents
    * Working temperature range of -40 ºF to +240 ºF High resistance to abrasion and shock loading
    * Can be made to required length, by hand, in seconds
    * A permanent replacement, PowerTwist Plus has the same horsepower rating as conventional rubber V-belts
    * Available in 3L, A/4L, B/5L, C and D sections