Lapidaryforum.net
Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => Fixing, Modifying and Refurbishing your Lapidary Equipment => Topic started by: olgguy on June 23, 2016, 02:44:08 PM
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Have you bought a box of belts a long tine ago, and now when you put one on the splice comes apart rather quickly? I have tried to reinforce them before they do, but when the original glue lets go it doesn't help. Have tried heavy aluminum foil tape used in duct work, and fiberglass stranded packing tape, neither really helps for long. You have to completely remove the old glue by scrapping and cleaning with Acetone and even a wire brush. Next find some form of "Tyvek" sheeting that is used for vapor barrier on outside walls of homes. Du Pont makes a version and even US post has shipping bags made out of it. This is a nonwoven plastic fabric and if it is printed on it can be glued. First cut a strip as wide as your belt, then lay it parallel to the splice and cut it into a diamond shape. Find the center line and mark both the belt ends where the patch will be. Paint the whole patch and one end of the belt with "Pliobond" contact cement, available at Ace Hardware, In a few minutes it will become tacky and ready to apply the patch up to the line on one end of the belt. Then pressure roll with a wallpaper seam roller. Now coat the other end of the belt and complete the joint, again roll and place a weight over the whole joint and let it set. The products total cure will be in seven days but I have used them a lot sooner. This is worth it if you are repairing one of those expensive belts. Note if you ever plan to use the glue again you must take the time to clean the threads and cap of the can.