Is there anyway to stop a leather belt from slipping on an old South Bend lathe

[Sidekick]

Yesterday I had to turn some brass bushings an my 1950s South Bend lathe and as soon as the cutter hit the brass the spindle stopped turning. The top leather belt on the step drive was slipping on the drive pulley. The belt is probably 50 years old but still in good condition. Last couple uses it definitely would slow with heavy cuts. Just wondering if there's a dressing for old leather belts, cleaning / softening solution, or a good place to buy replacement belting and end clips. Possibly could there be man made belting with a little grip available. Thanks for any replies.

 

[85Hokie]

Something "like" this would help :

https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/liquid-belt-dressing-pint

 

[lynnmor]

I remember using belt dressing similar to what is posted above. Other than that, a new belt may be in order, search for them online and you will find numerous options. Sanding the pulleys to a dull finish will help as well.

 

[arml]

This man makes belts for SB lathes https://www.ebay.com/itm/330737677697

 

[Sidekick]

This man makes belts for SB lathes https://www.ebay.com/itm/330737677697

That looks interesting. Some type of synthetic material. I'm going to try the dressing first and this second.

 

[Sidekick]

Well I tried cleaning it with alcohol, spraying with 3m adhesive on the inside, and putting a little more tension on it. Tore the staples and now definitely need a new belt. Guess the belts only last 50 years . Was able to finish my bushing slowly in back gear though.

 

[Showmedata]

Neat's Foot Oil is the old standby, but when I got my (even older - 1937) SB lathe last year I had to give up on the old leather belt and order a new one. I opted for a modern belt.

You can find resources by searching this forum: https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/categories/south-bend-lathes.25/

 

[D2Cat]

Here's what you need. Guaranteed to fit.

https://www.amazon.com/ApplianPar-V-Belt-Adjustable-Lathes-Woodworking/dp/B08NPCTTXL/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?crid=3HX9HNC5QB8KI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LuiMl2c63onUDvr2N2lPIAetzUFHJfLsQ7O5R2H2_PM.Aj5Uu9Yv59Q8Ud93-I1LSvcLBzTcGLM9o-L18-55QZ0&dib_tag=se&keywords=laced%2C+cogged%2C+sectioned+lathe+machine+belts&qid=1728601218&sprefix=laced%2C+cogged%2C+sectioned+lathe+machine+belts%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-2-fkmr0

 

[Sidekick]

Neat's Foot Oil is the old standby, but when I got my (even older - 1937) SB lathe last year I had to give up on the old leather belt and order a new one. I opted for a modern belt.

You can find resources by searching this forum: https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/categories/south-bend-lathes.25/

Thanks for the link. Really great resource for South Bend lathes. .

 

[Sidekick]

Here's what you need. Guaranteed to fit.

https://www.amazon.com/ApplianPar-V-Belt-Adjustable-Lathes-Woodworking/dp/B08NPCTTXL/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?crid=3HX9HNC5QB8KI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LuiMl2c63onUDvr2N2lPIAetzUFHJfLsQ7O5R2H2_PM.Aj5Uu9Yv59Q8Ud93-I1LSvcLBzTcGLM9o-L18-55QZ0&dib_tag=se&keywords=laced%2C+cogged%2C+sectioned+lathe+machine+belts&qid=1728601218&sprefix=laced%2C+cogged%2C+sectioned+lathe+machine+belts%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-2-fkmr0

Those belts are made to drive on the V walls and work well for that. They don't drive well on the flat narrow stepped inside. Would be nice if they made one for flat crowned drives.

 

[mikester]

Take smaller cuts

 

[D2Cat]

Actually, no more laces then that belt has you could easily make a new belt with those laces. Ever seen a baler belt spliced together? Same process, just easier because there is not much holding the ends together.

 

[Vlach7]

I remember a cream we would put on our leather firefighter boots to waterproof them and it would create a surface grip that would've been perfect for your belt. Not sure which brand it was, would have worked if you want to keep it original with the leather belt.

 

[barts]

I've heard of people reversing the modern multi-v or serpentine "flat" belts and running the smooth side against the pulleys w/ good results.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Since the pulley runs between bearings, I assume the belt has to be field joined. If you end up with a new belt, you may be able to field (cold) vulcanize it. It would run smoother than a laced belt.

 

[Oleracer]

I finally dumped the leather belt on my south bend. Run a serpentine belt upside down super glued together and never looked back. Nobody is wiser and never a problem again. Look it up on utube. Many have done it. Dont bother with amazon or ebay leather belts. All garbage and dont last.( went thru 4)

 

[Sidekick]

I finally dumped the leather belt on my south bend. Run a serpentine belt upside down super glued together and never looked back. Nobody is wiser and never a problem again. Look it up on utube. Many have done it. Dont bother with amazon or ebay leather belts. All garbage and dont last.( went thru 4)

Did you go with a narrower belt and use a special super glue that stats soft so it doesn't crack while flexing around the pulleys? I have some 1 inch wide 10 ft long industrial t10 timing belts that I may try.

 

[hagrid]

Dad and I use pine tar.

 

[Steamer Pete]

Yesterday I had to turn some brass bushings an my 1950s South Bend lathe and as soon as the cutter hit the brass the spindle stopped turning. The top leather belt on the step drive was slipping on the drive pulley. The belt is probably 50 years old but still in good condition. Last couple uses it definitely would slow with heavy cuts. Just wondering if there's a dressing for old leather belts, cleaning / softening solution, or a good place to buy replacement belting and end clips. Possibly could there be man made belting with a little grip available. Thanks for any replies.

Look up Power Transmission Belts in McMaster Carr. Pick the correct width as your existing belt. Order a few more inches than the current length of your belt. Look up the antique tractor guys in your area. Most will have access to a Clipper lacer. Do NOT put a leather belt back on. They are sensative to weather changes, stretch over time, and drying out. There are modern materials that work far better.

 

[Missouribound]

Glad you came up with a solution.
Here's another one....but I doubt it will be less costly that what you did.

Leather Drive Belts | Hudson Belting

One of the ONLY remaining Leather Drive Belt manufacturing company. Our belts are sold throughout US and are unmatched in quality and price.

www.hudsonbelting.com