by bdring » Thu May 06, 2010 8:55 pm
That is probably a little short. The width between the lead screws is fixed, but the depth can change by sliding on the t-slots. That allows various sizes of belts to be used. The ideal length is about 112". That puts the lead screws on the corners. That is not available, so you go down to the next size which is 103.2". This means you need to squeeze the depth to pull out 8.8". That means 4.4" out of each depth side of the belt. That sounds reasonable. If you pull out too much, the lead screws get too close together and the table will not be stable. If you put a lot of weight in front of the lead screws, the back might pop up. Removing the fold back bearings will reduce the required belt length by a few inches, but probably not enough to make the 86 inch belt work.
I want to know how they make these belts. Do they mold them? Do they splice and vulcanize them? The fact that they sell huge unjoined lengths is a clue, but why do they show so few lengths? How can they make unstocked belts in a week?
Bart
"If you didn't build it, you will never own it."