BP "J" with Step Pulley

[plongson]

I recently acquired a Bridge Port "J" with step pulleys...about circa 1972.
Previously I ran a BP with the variable drive and it was pretty quiet. I'm feeling like this step pulley version is quite a bit noisier. Perhaps from the cog belt? Perhaps from the "V" belt.
Is it my imagination or is the step pulley version noisier than the vari-drive version??

 

[markba633csi]

Sounds like something is worn- those are usually pretty quiet generally speaking
-M

 

[Cadillac]

A step pulley head I would think would be quieter. The problem with the vari drive is the bushing. Bushings wear out and the assembly flops around causing the noise.
I have a step pulley J head and it’s pretty quiet. Is the head quieter in hi speed than low? If it is could be bearings on cog pulley shaft.

 

[plongson]

Thanks, I'll go check it in a bit.

 

[Winegrower]

I’ve had/used both. Neither were very quiet nor did one impress me as louder or quieter than the other.

 

[Jim F]

The one I run at work is about the same as the variable speed ones.

 

[Lo-Fi]

What sort of noise we talking? There's a lot can be "not quite right" in that area

 

[woodchucker]

I recently acquired a Bridge Port "J" with step pulleys...about circa 1972.
Previously I ran a BP with the variable drive and it was pretty quiet. I'm feeling like this step pulley version is quite a bit noisier. Perhaps from the cog belt? Perhaps from the "V" belt.
Is it my imagination or is the step pulley version noisier than the vari-drive version??

Cog belts can be loud. Mine is. Do you have a video you can post?

 

[MrWhoopee]

My step pulley Kent has a loud rattle at certain speeds in high range. Pretty certain it is the dogs that drop in to engage high not dropping far enough.

 

[plongson]

Here's a 10 second video. See what you think...Does not sound BAD, just a bit noisy.
View attachment 20220714_112148.mp4