Adding chain

[Keith]

Sometimes you can go up one size, but about the only way to be sure is to just try it out.

[Jon]

I also need to add chain, can't find a 3/8 BBB connector, and am wondering if anyone has had any success with splitting then rewelding a link.

[Marc1]

Are all blacksmith gone from your corner of the woods?

[Jon]

Marc,
I was looking for something more specific as to rod*, if any post tempering treatment was requd., and how effective spray can galvanising paint would be.
Jon

[Marc1]

Well...when I was 16 I did an apprenticeship in blacksmithing yet that was ...hum...40 years ago.
In the US you have one of the strongest blacksmith groups in the world, have look at this link: http://www.anvilfire.com/
I wish we had anything close to that here in Australia.

A couple of email to the "guru" will set you on the right path to a knowledgeable blacksmith in your region, versed in the art of forging and welding a simple chain link with the appropriate steel.
"Hot dip" galvanizing is a very simple process yet not very healthy to do without proper ventilation. Many blacksmith have died from inhalation of zinc vapors by putting galvanized water pipes on the forge. Ask the blacksmith about it or take your chain to a galvanoplasty workshop. I must qualify what I am saying since I have no idea of the economics of this proposed solution. It is perhaps much more practical to just buy a longer chain, I don't know. However to link a chain is a job done in first year apprenticeship.
Spray paint galvo will rub off with use for sure. You can have the link forged in stainless steel 316, after all the amount of material needed is insignificant.





-- Edited by Marc1 at 03:28, 2008-03-23

[Keith]

Jon wrote:

I also need to add chain, can't find a 3/8 BBB connector, and am wondering if anyone has had any success with splitting then rewelding a link.

Are you worried about the connecting link not working in your windlass? For a few bucks, I'd just buy a regular 3/8 connecting link and try it out. I doubt that one link would jam up the works. You've got everything to gain and only $10 to lose!

[AdamT]

I think he's concerned that the connecting link would lower the overall strength of the chain, i.e., it's only as strong as its weakest link.

[Jon]

I thought I'd replied but it must be in etherland.
It's the coupling link dimension that's the biggest concern. On a previous boat, manual windlass, I used a non-standard length link and had lots of jamming and wear on the gypsy.Don't want to risk it with the power windlass, as I've just had the centre of it's gypsy rebuilt due to wear by , probably free wheeling with too short a key.
Mark's idea of the stainless link sounds interesting as I have some 316 rod somewhere.
The best idea is probably FF's to buy* 200 ft of new and use the old for tails.
Jon