Linn Clutches?

[FloridaMike]

Do any of the FF members use and recommend the Linn two belt groove clutch for engines up to 25 HP?  It would be going on my homemade band mill driven by a 20.8 hp Honda.  Looking for some feedback before spending the $310.  Search found some 12+ year old info, but nothing recent.

Thanks!

[bandmiller2]

Mike, I know little of the Linn clutch except its expensive. I would make a rocking engine base or use an idler pulley and spend that money on something else. Frank C.

[FloridaMike]

I have already made a pneumatic cylinder activated idler pulley, but it seems to be a pain getting the belt slack not to ride on the engine pulley (wearing a flat spot).  With a clutch, it will be one less control (12 volt electric/air solenoid to mess with.

If they work properly and last, I don't mind making the investment in keeping it simple. 

Thanks for the advice, I know their are a lot of mills using belt tension to engage/disengage the band wheels.

[larrydown60]

I would ck Surplus center

[paul case]

The belt slack can be kept in check with a guard that holds the belt just a smidge  away from the pulley. That is what my woodmizer has. So did the ez boardwalk.

PC

[bandmiller2]

Mike, as Paul says you need a close fitting belt guard. With the belt tight you just want it to clear the belt. Sometimes just a couple of smooth pegs at the slack belts midpoint will do the trick. Frank C.

[Jemclimber]

As Paul and bandmiller say some guards should fix your flat spot issue. My little chippper with the over center idler pulley uses a couple pins around the smaller engine pulley to keep the belt away when not engaged.

[Crusarius]

I don't know how big of a hurry you are in but I ordered one of those clutches along with the basic kit. I will hopefully be getting it within 2 weeks. But then I still need to build everything. I can let you know what I think of it but be a while before any logs get cut.

[SineWave]

FWIW:

Ebay ad deleted by Admin, refer to rules

[FloridaMike]

Thanks for the feedback!  I haven't heard from anyone who has had a Linn clutch that didn't work well, so I'm guessing they work as advertised (if a little pricey).