The holes in the belt should be punched if possible with an oval punch, the long diameter coinciding with the length of the belt. Make two rows of holes in each end of the belt, so that the holes in each row will alternate with those in preceding row, making a zigzag. Four holes will be required for a three-inch belt in each end, two holes in each row; in a six-inch belt, place seven holes in each end, four in the row nearest the end.
To find the length of a belt when the exact length cannot be measured conveniently, measure a straight line from the center of one pulley to the center of the other. Add together half the diameter of each pulley, and multiply that by 3¼ (3.1416)
. The result added to twice the distance between the centers will give the total length of the belt.
A belt will work best if it is allowed to sag just a trifle.
The seam side of a rubber belt should be placed outward, or away from the pulley.
If such a belt slips, coat the inside with boiled linseed oil or soap.
Cotton belting may be preserved by painting the pulley side while running with common paint, afterward applying soft oil or grease.
If a belt slips apply a little oil or soap to the pulley side.
Q. How does the capacity of belts vary?
A. In proportion to width and also to the speed. Double the width and you double the capacity; also, within a certain limit, double the speed and you double the capacity. A belt should not be run over 5,000 feet per minute. One four-inch belt will have the same capacity as two two-inch belts.