[SEL] Belt dressing

[curt at rustyiron.com]

Rob,
Does the article speak to reversing the belt directing every so often? It
would seem reasonable to expect the fibers on the surface of the belt to
all lay down in the pulling direction and get smoother and smoother w/
time. By reversing the belt, maybe increased friction can be gained for a
while as the fibers reorient and lay down the other direction.

How about any surface treatments to the face of the sheaves such as
sandblasting to improve bite?

Just curious.
Curt Holland

> Last week I was studying the traditional method of lacing belts using a
> “sewing” technique. Luckily, I’m lazy and the book is still sitting
> handily beside me on my desk. The book addresses various aspects of
> leather belting and was written by two MIT professors of mechanical
> technology.
>
> They state that rosin based belt dressings are poor substitutes for proper
> belt care and will greatly decrease the life of the belt. Petroleum based
> oils will also degrade the leather. They recommend neatsfoot oil, a
> mixture of cod oil and tallow, or other lubricants used in currying
> leather.
>
> Sticky belt dressings are popular in industrial environments where a
> shutdown would be more expensive than damaging the belt. Even so, at the
> earliest possible opportunity, the belt should be cleaned and lubricated
> with a proper dressing.
>
>
>
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