I'm not familiar with welding hollow belting, but solid round urethane
belting can be heat welded with the proper tools.
The setup I've used was a jig/fixture to hold the ends aligned
properly, with one jaw that would slide. Then the hot heating iron
(with a flat plate end) was placed between the ends.
The ends were brought together, with the hot surface between them, and
when the ends showed that they're melting, the hot tip is slid out, as
the ends are pressed together.

When the belting cools, the excess material at the bond was trimmed
away, and the belt was ready for service.

The solid belting length was purposely made for a tight fit, in that
the belt length needed to be sized smaller than a V-belt. The extra
tension of the urethane belt would prevent slipping of the drive
pulleys.

I would expect it to be difficult to weld hollow belting (if it's even
intended to be welded), as pressing the melted ends together would
likely cause wall shifting or collapse, creating an uneven or not
uniform weld. I think it could be easier if the center was filled with
the same compound, maybe some scraps cut to fill the void.
Overall, it's probably best to join the ends with the method that's
recommended by the manufacturer.

WB
...............

x wrote:
Hi all

hoping someone will know the answer...
I have bought some reddish/orange hollow drive belting which is intended to
be joined 'in situ' with a small brass joiner. However, when i got it the
dealer was in the process of moving, and didnt have the joiners to hand. (
moved already..). However, the salesguy said that it was possible to join by
melting the ends together with eg, a soldering iron, and in fact this was a
stronger join.

After numerous attempts, i give up at least until i get advice from a higher
authority ( you guys!). I can melt the ends easily enough but it just won't
weld together.

Anyone actually done it? How?

thanks

russ