Hi guys, I have a colchester triumph 2000 lathe and im sick of listening to the gear noise in this machine. Im In process of converting it to run variable speed with a VFD and plan on using a belt drive from motor to spindle and bypassing all gears (just setting levers in a neutral position). Im debating on what type of belt to use and looking for advice...
First choice is H series timing belts. I would use 1.5" wide belts and a 9.5" diameter pulley on spindle. These are readily available in size I need from mcmaster and reasonable price. Downside is the H profile isnt really perfect for power transmission. Leaning towards this option because belts/pulleys are easy to get. Do you guys think this would be able to handle the power from a 5hp motor?
Second choice is 8mm HTD timing belts. This profile has more teeth and is better for transferring torque. But it comes in odd sizes. 30mm width is nice bit smaller then 1.5" (losing much of the advantages) and next size up is 50mm which is hard for me to fit. Also big pulleys are not available from mcmaster and they are at least double in price of comparable size H series pulleys. Could make the big one I guess but its a lot of extra work.
Third choice is Poly V belts. These would run smoother and quieter then any other belt. I think this might be whats used on newer colchester VS lathes. But im not sure if would handle the torque? Come to think of it thats what is used on my fadal mill and they use these belts up to 15hp. Maybe i should give this option a closer look? Pulleys would be easy to make if not available.
Any suggestions?
First choice is H series timing belts. I would use 1.5" wide belts and a 9.5" diameter pulley on spindle. These are readily available in size I need from mcmaster and reasonable price. Downside is the H profile isnt really perfect for power transmission. Leaning towards this option because belts/pulleys are easy to get. Do you guys think this would be able to handle the power from a 5hp motor?
Second choice is 8mm HTD timing belts. This profile has more teeth and is better for transferring torque. But it comes in odd sizes. 30mm width is nice bit smaller then 1.5" (losing much of the advantages) and next size up is 50mm which is hard for me to fit. Also big pulleys are not available from mcmaster and they are at least double in price of comparable size H series pulleys. Could make the big one I guess but its a lot of extra work.
Third choice is Poly V belts. These would run smoother and quieter then any other belt. I think this might be whats used on newer colchester VS lathes. But im not sure if would handle the torque? Come to think of it thats what is used on my fadal mill and they use these belts up to 15hp. Maybe i should give this option a closer look? Pulleys would be easy to make if not available.
Any suggestions?