[Mike Marandola]

Like JesseK said, it is very important to use the manufacturer's data regarding belt length. Instead of using a welding kit we just melt both ends at the same time using a small butane torch and then press them together. The downsides to this method are that you won't be able to do it in the pit and it sometimes requires two people (an extra person to turn off the torch). To clean up the flashing, rolling the belt on a bench grinder works like a charm.