carpetmill belts

When I was making a lot of the mills I used "Runner Carpet" from Lowe's. It comes in 27" wide rolls and cut to length. About four-five maybe even six years ago the manufacturer went to cheaper version of the same carpet. The back was not as thick and not nearly as durable as it had been in the past.


When I noticed the difference I sort of stopped making them and experimented with different carpets. I really never found one that suited the purpose. Either too thick or too thin, not very durable in comparison to their older versions.


What I have started doing lately is cutting two identical pieces and over lay. The bottom is walking side down and the other is walking side up.


Long story short I do use 3M contact cement to hold the two layers together, as well as the over lap edge putting the end together. Never had an issue with the glue giving up over time.


Best of luck. S

 

My sliding surface is made of sheet plastic. It is a smooth and hard surface and it causes very little wear to the carpet. About once every other month or so I raise the carpet up and spray the surface down with Armor All. I apply it liberally and allow it to dry over night. The carpet moves really freely after that.


Good luck with the belts Dan. It is hard when something works for a long time and then it changes abruptly. Good luck. S

 

I did the same with mine for longest. Granted it took me a couple years to dial in to what I was looking for but when I got it where I wanted it, that point seemed to be what a lot of others liked as well. I sold a bunch of the mills over a number of years. Then the carpet manufacturer went cheap and I didn't like the way they worked or the lack of durability. Sort of put the brakes on a good thing.


Now I build them occasionally but not like I did some years back.


If making the mills keeps you busy, occupies some time and pulls in a dollar or two, you should never stop. Best of luck. S

 

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