02-26-2015, 04:24 PM
Nothing wrong with using an idler. My mill-drill uses two of them (stepped sheaves) to set 3 belts for 16 speeds. The idlers float, you loosen/tighten all the belts at the same time with a single clamp. Very easy.
My Logan lathe uses step pulleys and back gears like most, but the motor drives a 2 step flat pulley through a vee belt! The flat pulley allows shifting the belt while under tension. I don't like it much and just leave it in the low range.
My Logan lathe uses step pulleys and back gears like most, but the motor drives a 2 step flat pulley through a vee belt! The flat pulley allows shifting the belt while under tension. I don't like it much and just leave it in the low range.