This section is from the book "The English And American Mechanic", by B. Frank Van Cleve. Also available from Amazon: The English And American Mechanic.
Horse power X 240 / Diameter of wheel, ft. X Revs. per min = Strength of tooth. ...
√strength / Breath, ins. = Pitch, ins. Strength / (Pitch, ins.)2 = Breadth, ins.
The above rule will be found very suitable for a speed of circumference of about 240 feet per minute. For speeds above, add to 240 half the difference; for speeds below, deduct half the difference between 240 and the actual speed, the result being a suitable multiplier.
For instance: at 300 feet per minute, 60 being the difference, 240 / 30 = 270 multiplier.
At 160 feet per minute, 80 being the difference, 240 - 40 = 200 multiplier.
The reason being that, with higher speeds, the friction, wear, and liability to shocks is increased, at lower speeds decreased, and the teeth may advantageously be proportioned accordingly.
 
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