Need Help!- Long timing belts?

[Flibblebot]

Hi. I'm hoping some kind soul here can help with a sourcing problem.

I'm building the 24x48 Solsylva leadscrew version, using allthread leadscrews until I can afford proper Acme leadscrews. It's taking its time because I keep having to stop to convert all the measurements into sensible metric measurements (5/64"? Much easier to say 2mm! )

I'm having a real issue with trying to find timing belts to drive the X axis. The belts for the Y & Z axes are no problem - they're reasonably short and easy to source. The X axis belt, however, is more difficult. The instructions ask for either a 414-tooth belt (82.8" long), or two 195-tooth belts (39" long).

I'm having a real problem sourcing belts this long (especially in XL-size belts) in the UK or Europe. I've tried the obvious suppliers, like HPC, RS, Farnell, etc. but nobody does belts that long.

I'm hoping that there are UK Solsylva builders out there that have solved this problem.

Does anybody know of a (preferably UK-based) supplier of XL belts that long? Alternatively, what's a sensible alternative?

[Kipper]

Never looked at a Slosylva machine...is it an MDF one? Try Megadyne in Gildersome near Leeds as they seem to always have what I want......If they won't sell to you ask who your nearest dealer is.

[hemsworthlad]

Originally Posted by Flibblebot Hi. I'm hoping some kind soul here can help with a sourcing problem. I'm building the 24x48 Solsylva leadscrew version, using allthread leadscrews until I can afford proper Acme leadscrews. It's taking its time because I keep having to stop to convert all the measurements into sensible metric measurements (5/64"? Much easier to say 2mm! ) I'm having a real issue with trying to find timing belts to drive the X axis. The belts for the Y & Z axes are no problem - they're reasonably short and easy to source. The X axis belt, however, is more difficult. The instructions ask for either a 414-tooth belt (82.8" long), or two 195-tooth belts (39" long). I'm having a real problem sourcing belts this long (especially in XL-size belts) in the UK or Europe. I've tried the obvious suppliers, like HPC, RS, Farnell, etc. but nobody does belts that long. I'm hoping that there are UK Solsylva builders out there that have solved this problem. Does anybody know of a (preferably UK-based) supplier of XL belts that long? Alternatively, what's a sensible alternative?

Rack and pinion. . . . . Have a look here at smilers build on uk site he used same Solsylva plans but used R+P. . . . http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/showth...p?t=242&page=4
If you like the look Pm me details and will have a natter, I can put you intouch with someone to get it from. Quoted me for Rack £42.00 for 2mtr length and pinion about £10.00. . Ish I think maybe a bit less for pinion, would have to dig out quote to be sure.
They will probably get you the belts as well, but to be honest at that length I wouldnt bother. . . . . . R+P will be much better.

Were R U in UK.

[timber_MG]

Rack and pinion when tensioned with a spring works a charm. If you are looking at R&P have a look at the Mechmate rails and mountings. You simply have the parts laser cut and have an easy to assemble and adjust axis.

[Flibblebot]

I'm already half way through building, and the differences between the R&P version and the leadscrew version would mean that I'd have to build most of the parts again.

I chose the leadscrew version for price reasons - a couple of metres of allthread rod is considerably cheaper than the equivalent lengths of rack, and at this moment I can't justify the additional cost. It is apparently quite easy to upgrade the components later, so I can upgrade to acme rods later.

When I asked for a sensible alternative, I meant were there alternatives to timing belts that I could use, not were there alternatives to the allthread.

Thanks, Kipper, I'll take a look at Megadyne.

I'm in deepest, darkest Wales, by the way - right at the end of the M4!

[Kipper]

Remember the rule with timing pulleys.....If you can fit two of the small pulleys in the span...flanges on both ends

[Flibblebot]

Thanks. I was going to use double-flanged pulleys all round - don't want to worry about belts always slipping off the pulleys.

Megadyne do a 195-tooth belt, I'm just waiting to see if there's a local supplier I can get them from.

[Flibblebot]

Just an update, in case anyone else is in the same quandary as me.

I never heard back from Megadyne, but after a bit more digging, I found that SKF Power Transmission do the right size belts (code PHG 390-XL-037 for the longer belt), and In Stock Direct sell them online.

I've ordered what I need, I'll keep everyone updated when they arrive! In the meantime, back to soldering up my hobbycnc board

[oldhack]

Originally Posted by Flibblebot Just an update, in case anyone else is in the same quandary as me. I never heard back from Megadyne, but after a bit more digging, I found that SKF Power Transmission do the right size belts (code PHG 390-XL-037 for the longer belt), and In Stock Direct sell them online. I've ordered what I need, I'll keep everyone updated when they arrive! In the meantime, back to soldering up my hobbycnc board

also belt palace has large ones
http://store.beltpalace.com/heavy-du...c-section.html

[Flibblebot]

With the only problem being that Belt Palace are in the US, not the UK!

[Kipper]

Originally Posted by Flibblebot With the only problem being that Belt Palace are in the US, not the UK!

Not really a problem....just ask for the shipping quote...Americans can be quite accommodating....almost friendly

You never know till you ask.

[martinw]

Dear Fibblebot,
This is probably off-topic, but an alternative to all thread is here at modest cost. Well, it was a couple of years ago. In the UK, as well.

http://www.huco.com/products.asp?cat=382

Best wishes,

Martin