Dave;

	As others have indicated, flat canvas drive belting is still manufactured and readily available from many idustrial supply sources.  Most of what is available is cut to width from very wide stock rolls so it does not have a finished (rounded) edge, but that is probably a minor concession you can live with.  Factory-made endless drive belts (the seam was overlapped and glued and/or sewn at the factory) with rounded edges (as used to drive threshing machines and other farm implements) are now very difficult to find new (and prohibitely expensive), but making up the desired length with either "Alligator" or "Clipper" lacing is easy to do for lineshaft belts.

	One issue is that much of the new canvas belting comes in lighter colors of tan to beige to yellow, rather than black.  Shop around with suppliers to find black (assuming that you want black).  Prices and shipping/handling costs can vary by 100% to 200% from my experience, so try multiple sources to find the best deal.  I usually find an Amish farm implement shop that stocks belting and have it custom cut to width and length, usually at a very reasonable price, here in the midwest.

	Are you going to run the lineshaft?  If not, you might consider at least checking into sources for used, older belting that might look a little more in keeping with the period, assuming the restoration isn't seeking to make everything very spit and polished or "new."  There are some very large stashes of old belting in the hands of private collectors and some clubs that might be negotiated for under the right circumstances.  A lot of it is actually quite useable, but new is certainly less problematical if the lineshaft is to turn.

	One problem in replacing all of the belting in an industrial shop is that it results in a very uniform look of color and type whereas many shops, even if maintained very well, ran a wide mix of belts of varying ages, and thus displaying variations in color, texture, and connectors.  Even after the switch to canvas belts, many shops would have had some leather belts remaining for quite some time, especially on smaller or less often used machines.  Applying belt dressing will darken new belts, of course. Just something to consider as far as aesthetics.

	What is the type of industrial shop that is being restored?

Todd Stockwell
Curator of Agriculture, Industry & Technology
Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
650 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2725
(317) 232-8270, fax (317)233-8268
[log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of David Harvey
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 1:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Seeking sources for 19th ca. industrial belting


Hi Everyone,

We are currently restoring a late 19th ca. early 20th ca. working
model of an industrial plant and it has power transmission belting for
a drive system that we need to replace (the orignals are worn and
fragile). The orignial flat belts are made of canvas with some
evidence of another material having been applied to the surface.

Does anyone out there know of modern sources of such flat industrial
belting that I can possibly use for this project? I have heard that
some living history museums that interpret workshops and factories
from this period do have some operating belt drive systems.

Any leads would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angles, California

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).