Don't let tools sit unused

[alamocdc]

Last week my Delta midi shredded the belt. The lathe is an older LA200 model and the belt was original. I'm guessing that 4 years of sitting in my hot garage without being used took their toll on the old belt. But I happened to have the belt off another LA200 with a bad motor, so I put it on and got back to turning. I knew last week to just go ahead and order a few new belts, but I blew it off. Tonight I shredded the other old belt. It was working fine until I moved it to a slower speed. So I ordered two this evening and I'm hoping they come in Monday because I have 2 orders of multiple pens to fill!

 

[IPD_Mr]

I did the same thing with printer cartridges a couple weeks ago. The darn thing told me to replace it because it was low and I kept putting it off. When it goes out you cannot over ride it and force a different color or anything, it is just a big ole paper weight. Now I have have a couple extra backups. Same goes for the metal lather. I popped the belt on it, but when I ordered belts I bought a five pack, it was cheaper. I think I have two left. :redface:

 

[alamocdc]

Argh! I ordered the belts from a company in MI Friday afternoon. They shipped them today via UPS ground! Really?!? Two small belts that will easily fit in a Priority envelope? So I won't see them until next week and I'm dead in the water with orders to fill! Sheesh! I guess that's what I get for trying to save a few $.

 

[76winger]

Do the belts on regular lathes go bad that often?

I would have thought there would be less wear going straight pulley to pulley. My Shopsmith has been using the same ones since I rebuilt it back in 2005/6. Of course now that I mentioned that I'll probably have a failure the next time I use it...

 

[alamocdc]

Dave, I used the lathe for 4 years in Ohio with no issues and it was well used when I got it. I don't know for how long, but the drive spindle had been replaced. I'm thinking that having the 2 belts just sitting in my hot garage for 4 years caused them to become brittle. Kind of a dry rot if you will. With regular use, they should last quite awhile. That said, my spare will not sit in the garage this time.

 

[CharlesJohnson]

HI IPD Mr.Check out the continuous feed ink systems at cisinks.com.I just installed a system on my Epson Stylus Photo R340.Great borderless pictures.$20.00 less than a set of cartridges for the system.75 ml ink per color,instead of 17ml per color.Under $29.00 for a set of 100ml bottles.the system came preloaded.Don't remember who recommended this a little while back,but a geat big thanks to you.So many great ideas being recummended on here. Thanks every body!