Well, the motor was fitted, the pulleys wouldn't turn so something was wrong, then i discovered the rib that was cast into the top housing cover was rubbing badly on the top of the belt edge :(

Off it all comes again, rib was duly altered with a grinder ;) all back together again and nice smooth movement this time, my measurements and belt length calculations were spot-on and the adjuster slot on the motor plate was mid-way when tight. :)

Lugging a 3Hp motor up top on a Bridgeport on your own with only a pair of steps is no fun, doing it twice was pushing the limits a bit ;)

Just got to fit the VFD, wire up and we should be good.