Smart and brown model L belt change

[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

Are there any model L owners out there who have changed the flat drive belt? I have removed the headstock but can’t immediately see how to remove the belt from the bed casting. Is it a belt that has to be welded on the machine or am I missing something obvious?
Best regards Mick

[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

[HacksawParticipant @hacksaw]

I've got a S&B model M which is flat belt , and it has a joiner, that makes a tick tick tick noise over the hum of the motor….Well it did have , last time i changed it , i just scarfed it and epoxied it together ! No more ticking   

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alligator-Belt-Lacing-No-27-For-5-6-7mm-Flat-Belt-Joiner-Strip-2-x-12-inch-old/122931525580?hash=item1c9f4a37cc:g:UXcAAOSwke9aA1sE

Edited By Hacksaw on 10/02/2018 17:58:35

[Bob StevensonParticipant @bobstevenson13909]

Epoxy may only be a short term repair as leather tends to have fats and oils that defeat the bond..eventually.

 

At Epping Forest Horology Club we have a row of Model L lathes and the belts are replaced (about every 40 years so far!) using a glue supplied by Bracehand(?) the original and still existent makers of S&B lathes…..L models are still able to be made to order and spares are available

 

http://www.barrystarling.co.uk/id3.html

Edited By Bob Stevenson on 10/02/2018 18:27:28

[HacksawParticipant @hacksaw]

Ok ok ! It was actually hoof repair adhesive/ filler…. It was the only "glue " I had to hand in the forge…sets in 30 seconds, some 2 pack stuff ..The belt is rubberized canvas . It stuck it anyway !

[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

Hi Bob. I guess the belt from S&B will be the same as Tony Griffiths supplies through the lathes website?
I managed to buy a cast iron cabinet stand with motor mounting plate but no motor or counter shaft. Is there a reference I can study to see what the motor mounting should look like so I can replicate it?
I will contact the S&B people to see if they can assist with a drawing or photos.
Best regards Mick

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

If your lathe is anything like my 9" Southbend, the shaft has to be removed from the headstock to fit a belt. (or use a split belt with a joiner)

Paul.

[Bob StevensonParticipant @bobstevenson13909]

Bracehand can supply manuals for S&B lathes………you can replace belts without removing the spindle, but you can't remove the spindle without cutting the belt. our model L's have giant motors which are only rated at 750 watts but are the size of a bucket. The motor sits on a plate which has two positions according to a lever…..this enables the belt to be released/tentioned for speed change. The headstock needs care in disassembly as there is a device fitted that eliminates the pull of the belt to prevent wear. Our team used to cut the old belts but in our later overhauls they have sliced the belts and reglued

These lathes are incredibly well made to a quality not seen now. They were designed and built for 'night and day' production and to use one you quickly get what real lathes are all about…for turning small parts in brass and steel quickly and efficiently they really can't be beaten in my view.

[Perko7Participant @perko7]

I used leather belt on mine and the scarf joint was assembled using ordinary wood glue (Aquadhere or other similar glue). Been 4 years now and no signs of letting go yet, but i run very low tension out of respect for the 90-year old headstock bearings which i believe are still the originals.

[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

Having looked at some partial photos of the motor and counter shaft set up I am wondering if a motor and inverter assembly would be an easier and more versatile way to go?
I have no experience of such set ups as all my machines have their original motor and I she a rotary converter. But if I could achieve speed change without changing belts then that would certainly be worth considering.
Best regards Mick

[Bob StevensonParticipant @bobstevenson13909]

Actually, that might be your only chance to return it to use…..I can't imagine how much a new motor would cost. Six years ago we were quoted neary £5k for Bracehand to 'refurbish' a complete Model L and they told me that we could have new ones for £14k each!!

[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

Wow Bob that’s a cool price tag for a refurbished machine.
I fancy the idea of a motor drive package so that I can build the headstock and drive motor in place then create a belt to suit the shaft centres.
I’ve given the cabinet a good clean down and think I will go the whole hog and repaint it.
Does anyone have a preferred supplier of motor inverter packages?
Best regards Mick

[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

Hi all.

My Newton tesla motor drive kit arrived today. Seems to be a very well prepared package so I don't anticipate any issues installing it on the model L.

I also managed to source a full set of imperial disc collet chucks with the closing collar so that will improve the versatility of my lathe.

Just stuck on the flat belt again, I'm waiting for a response from a firm in Doncaster that deal in flat belting so I'm hopeful I'll get a belt soon.

[davebParticipant @daveb17630]

S&B drive belts were a composite of leather and plastic. Two different glues were required to join them. At one time (perhaps they still do) the makers would supply a press clamp on loan when you bought a new belt and glue.

[ANDY CAWLEYParticipant @andycawley24921]

Tractor Man, please can you tell me the name or the firm in Doncaster as I live very near and I have a flat belt requirement.

[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

Andy sent you a private message.

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