Choosing the best lathe belt depends on factors such as the type and size of the lathe, as well as the materials used in the belt. Kevlar reinforced belts are often considered the best, while wood lathes can use cheaper V-belts. Original manufacturer belts are recommended for metal lathes.
You can often choose the best lathe belt by considering several important factors before purchasing your belt, such as the type and size of your lathe. Even the type of lathe – metal or wood – can make a difference in the best belt to choose. The type of materials a lathe belt is constructed from can vary greatly and can often be the difference between a good belt and the best belt for the lathe. You may want to choose a specific brand belt for your lathe, as generic belts are rarely the same quality as the lathe manufacturer’s brand of belt.
The common lathe belt is produced in a flat design and configuration. This allows you to easily slide the belt from one level or sprocket to another to change the operating speed of the lathe. Lathe drive sprockets are usually flat, stepped drums that provide a smooth, level surface for the lathe belt to operate on. While a pure rubber belt may be less expensive, it is rarely the best lathe belt. The best belts are commonly made from a reinforced rubber material that will resist fraying and stretching.
Kevlar® reinforced belts are generally considered the best by many lathe manufacturers. This type of lathe belt will provide a long service life, allowing for frequent speed changes and extended extended use without stretching. If you are looking for a metal lathe belt, you will usually want to choose an oil resistant belt as oil is a very common product in metal turning. With lower quality belts, a small amount of oil can cause belt slippage and erratic rotational speeds due to slipping belt. You will often be more satisfied with an original manufacturer type belt when replacing a metal lathe belt.
A wood lathe is not as sensitive to the type of tape used as a metal lathe. The common wood lathe uses a V-belt and can often be driven with a very cheap, low-quality belt in place of the original belt. However, when searching for the best lathe belt available for your lathe, you may want to consider a fiber reinforced belt. This type of belt commonly withstands many speed changes and extended high-speed operation without showing any signs of wear. This type of belt appears to have a thin cloth or fiber coated finish over the rubber belt and will typically last longer than a simple rubber belt on a lathe.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
