tallyho8
Elite Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2004
- Messages
- 4,998
- Tractor
- Kubota L4400, Kubota ZD326
I have used conveyor belt from grain elevators as flooring in my barns and sheds for many years now and have been very satisfied with the durability and economy of these belts.
These come in 3 common thicknesses, 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4". The 1/4" is about 3 times as thick and tough as the sidewalls on a truck tire and the 3/4" is indestructible and very tough and hard to cut. I have the 3/4" belt. It is 4 1/2' wide. When I cut it into shorter lengths and only have to cut 4 1/2' I use a razor knife with a new blade constantly dipped in diesel for lubrication and it usually takes me about 15 minutes to cut it exerting as much pressure on the blade as possible. By the time I make one cut I am worn out and need a long rest.
My problem comes in where I am trying to cover the floor of the alleyway of my barn which is 16' wide and 60' long. Three strips are 13 1/2' wide and then I need a strip 2 1/2' wide. This means I have to rip a piece 60' long. This is much harder to do than it sounds. Between cutting times and rest and recuperation time for my aching muscles, it would take me at least a week to accomplish plus about 15 utility knife blades and probably 2 or 3 sliced fingers.
I have never found a power saw that would cut this material. Has anyone ever found an easier way to cut this belting?
These come in 3 common thicknesses, 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4". The 1/4" is about 3 times as thick and tough as the sidewalls on a truck tire and the 3/4" is indestructible and very tough and hard to cut. I have the 3/4" belt. It is 4 1/2' wide. When I cut it into shorter lengths and only have to cut 4 1/2' I use a razor knife with a new blade constantly dipped in diesel for lubrication and it usually takes me about 15 minutes to cut it exerting as much pressure on the blade as possible. By the time I make one cut I am worn out and need a long rest.
My problem comes in where I am trying to cover the floor of the alleyway of my barn which is 16' wide and 60' long. Three strips are 13 1/2' wide and then I need a strip 2 1/2' wide. This means I have to rip a piece 60' long. This is much harder to do than it sounds. Between cutting times and rest and recuperation time for my aching muscles, it would take me at least a week to accomplish plus about 15 utility knife blades and probably 2 or 3 sliced fingers.
I have never found a power saw that would cut this material. Has anyone ever found an easier way to cut this belting?