[SEL] Belt dressing

[Rob Skinner]

On Dec 31, 2012, at 6:53 PM, curt at rustyiron.com wrote:

> 
> 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?


I’ve not read anything about reversing the direction of travel. 

As to “roughing up” the surface of the pulley, I think it would actually decrease the friction. Think about racing slicks.

I think one would typically get satisfactory results if one was to abide by generally accepted rules for load capacity and drivetrain design, and then followed recommendations for proper maintenance.