Splice Timing Belt

[comphappy]

Well we have manged to get out selves in somewhat of a bind (see what I did there) and we do not have room for much of a tensioner for our timing belt (not high torque), and we are going to have to splice a custom belt, as Gates gave us those 10' sections last year I assume there has to be a way we can do that, any recommendations?

[Woody1458]

After much research onto this topic and testing with no reliable splice method, we emailed Gates. They said that there is no supported splice method for the timing belt. Best solution we found is to take wood staples and staple them together into a piece of wood, then pull out the wood and bend the extra flanges. Glue would help its sturdiness. Make sure you match up the teeth.

[JesseK]

The first thing that comes to mind is a standard epoxy compound -- but more to the tune of fiberglass epoxy and not the 5-minute stuff.

You'd have to cover the entire belt for about 1/2 an inch on either side of the join. Then let it harden in a semi-cool room overnight and it should stick together ok while maintaining flexibility. We did something similar to this for a sample of our conveyor belt material and it's working out ok for our (low torque) needs.

[artdutra04]

Just go to someplace like SDP/SI, go to their metric 5mm pitch belt page and order the width and length of the belt you need.

Their belts are like $6-$10 each. It's a lot easier than making your own belts, and they won't ever come apart like a spliced belt may.

[TubaMorg]

If you are unable to get the correct belt size and you HAVE to cut and splice your belt you can use the method we used in the Navy for emergency flat belt repairs:

1. Cut the belt to length.
2. Use stainless steel lockwire to sew the two ends together. The gauge of the wire is determined by the application. The small kitbot belts don't need very heavy wire.