08-30-2018, 10:55 AM
Compared to a 1x42 a 1x30 may or may not have a smaller footprint on you bench and probably will not be as tall. Depending on the motor and frame it may weigh less. Belts are slightly less expensive but not so much so as for it to be a real consideration. Harbor Freight units are very inexpensive.
Other than that there are no real advantages with a 1x30 over a 1x42 and indeed some disadvantages. Shorter belts have less surface area, wear more quickly and there is less belt surface to dissipate heat. Harbor Freight units run twice as fast as the Kally so heat generation can be a problem. Of course they could be converted to variable speed but that would negate any cost savings. There very well may be commercial duty 1x30 units, but most are probably not going to be a heavy duty.
Given a choice I’d take a 1x42
Other than that there are no real advantages with a 1x30 over a 1x42 and indeed some disadvantages. Shorter belts have less surface area, wear more quickly and there is less belt surface to dissipate heat. Harbor Freight units run twice as fast as the Kally so heat generation can be a problem. Of course they could be converted to variable speed but that would negate any cost savings. There very well may be commercial duty 1x30 units, but most are probably not going to be a heavy duty.
Given a choice I’d take a 1x42