We have accumulated about 20 hours of operation on a j-head
Bridgeport with an emergency belt with good results. This is the
kind that looks like a normal v-belt [black] but has holes
punched every 1/2-inch and is jointed by two metal plates. The
link style belts can be harder to get but were available from
Harbor Freight for 20$US. I don't have direct experience with
these but the old timers suggest these are better than the black
v-belt because of less vibration.

On Wed, 28 Sep 2005 10:49:42 -0700, "Old & in the way...."
wrote:

I have a couple of old machines that are needing their V-belts to be
replaced. To change out the belt requires dissembling the machine which is a
hassle. I am wondering if any one has used one of those "emergency V-belt"
that are offered in some auto parts catalogues for roadside repairs. These
belts appear to be built in segments that are removable so as to size for
proper fit so disassembly of the machine (an Atlas 6" lathe and an old
Craftsman combo belt/disc sander) is not necessary. I am thinking that the
low HP of the machine tools relative to their auto use would make this an ok
option.

Any one running such belts on their tools? What sort of experience have you
had?

Thanks, brian