DIY CNC Metal Lathe Build (Part 1) - Spindle Restoration and CNC Conversion

[gcrimi2005]

In the past, to increase the spindle speed of a lathe grinding machine, I had used a toothed belt, thirty seconds after the first start-up it exploded.


I have always seen the belts mounted on the outside of the motor body, for easy replacement and for the black dust they release. There in a closed environment, I think a chain is more suitable. More durable, it doesn't dirty the inside of the crankcase. Of course at the price of greater noise.

[tonyfoale]

In the past, to increase the spindle speed of a lathe grinding machine, I had used a toothed belt, thirty seconds after the first start-up it exploded.


I have always seen the belts mounted on the outside of the motor body, for easy replacement and for the black dust they release. There in a closed environment, I think a chain is more suitable. More durable, it doesn't dirty the inside of the crankcase. Of course at the price of greater noise.

Chains give a rougher drive which is not desirable for a precision machine tool. As for cleanliness, a chains throws off lubricant and needs frequent lubrication, their one advantage in this particular application is that they can be replaced without dismantling the spindle assembly. There are countless millions of notched belt installations throughout the world which do not mimic your failure in 30 seconds. If your experience was typical then such drives would not be still in existence.