"Belting" my cylinder phono...

Does anyone have some experience with this?

What is the proper length? At what point do I connect the belt ends? What is the best method to connect them?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Pictures too?

I've never owned an Edison phonograph, but I understand that this is a relatively simple process.

There are instructions on this site: http://www.intertique.com/EdisonPhonographRepair.html

When I do belts, I measure the leather by passing it over both pulleys as discribed, but I also mark the leather with a pencil, so you know where to start the bevel for the join. I also measure it with the brass tension wheel clear of the belt, so it is fairly tight. You'll find new belting will stretch rather quickly once it's being used, and the tension wheel will take up the slack.
Make sure when you glue the joint, that the belt is around the mandrel pulley when you do it. The first time I made one, I did it off the machine, and then found I had to pull the top works down to get it onto the pulley. Once the glue is dry, you can then pass the belt down & over the lower pulley. Make sure the tension wheel moves freely and put a tiny drop of oil in the centre, so it doesn't cause any drag on the belt. Don't over oil it though. You don't want oil on the belt itself.

Yes, I sell a belting a instructions for doing this...... $ 6.50 plus $1.25 postage.

Calumet Phonograph Repair Service
5 Vine St.
Hebron, IN 46341
(219) 614-8268