3d printing file for gypsy

[Daverw]

I’m looking for a print file for 8mm anchor chain gypsy, currently searching web but not sure where to actually look, hopefully there are some 3D printing experts on here

 

[ash2020]

Hi there. I'm a 3D printing expert! . Seriously though, I've got a couple of high end machines and I've been doing it since before Covid. I doubt if you'll find a file online that suits your exact need but it would probably be fairly easy to draw up and print. Can you send a picture or drawing with dimensions?
I think for durability, you would need it printed in something like carbon filled nylon or glass filled nylon or PETG. Maybe ABS or ASA but wear would be quite an issue. However, once you've got a file you could replace it frequently at low cost.
Is it not possible to get one from the original manufacturer.

 

[michael_w]

As a project, make the pattern in wax and cast in bronze via lost wax method, A plastic chain gypsy is going to last about 10 meters of chain if you are lucky. I've just bought a new gypsy for my Lofrans Cayman for £200.00.

 

[Daverw]

As a project, make the pattern in wax and cast in bronze via lost wax method, A plastic chain gypsy is going to last about 10 meters of chain if you are lucky. I've just bought a new gypsy for my Lofrans Cayman for £200.00.

I’m not looking to drive the chain but just have it as a free running chain pulley,

 

[ash2020]

I think Michael is right. I'm not sure about 10 metres, but it wouldn't last nearly as long as a metal one. It is perfectly possible to 3D print a wax model then do a lost wax casting. I did a pair of engagement rings that way once in silver and they came out nicely. I have no idea of the cost though. Maybe investigate getting one CNC milled?

 

[ylop]

Don’t know if TEVdesign would sell you just the gypsy?

 

[thinwater]

I’m not looking to drive the chain but just have it as a free running chain pulley,

Then is there any need for the chain link molding, or is it just a grooved pulley? In the latter case, it could be turned on a lathe in 15 minutes. Likewise, the 3D file would be simpler.

 

[LiftyK]

Yeggi.com (yes, really) is the place to look. It is a search engine that looks across many libraries of models. I searched for "anchor chain gypsy" and a few things came up. This is a complete winch. Anchor winch. It mentions gypsies but I don't see a component for that. I can't tell if it is meant to be a model of a winch or a real winch you can make.

 

[DangerousPirate]

There are a lot of people who print for you if you have the design. Just give it a google. It's a service. Google "3d print as service" there are many options to choose from. I'd recommend one if I knew, but I haven't used it overly much and couldn't say who does a good job for a fair price.

 

[Roberto]

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7283777

it says work in progress though.
If you want to make the double gypsy for the chain distribution mechanism linked above, have a try with hard rubber rollers of trailers for motorboats: take a wide one, put a round separator in the middle and add some indents (that s what I am doing anyway, seems to work).

 

[Daverw]

Don’t know if TEVdesign would sell you just the gypsy?

They are just shipping their first batch, I’ve spoken to them and they have a waiting list until probably the end of this year, cost is approx £250,
The idea they have looks really good, the upcoming chain drives the tail end back into locker at the same rate,

 

[Daverw]

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7283777

it says work in progress though.
If you want to make the double gypsy for the chain distribution mechanism linked above, have a try with hard rubber rollers of trailers for motorboats: take a wide one, put a round separator in the middle and add some indents (that s what I am doing anyway, seems to work).

I did think or hard rubber but thought that it needs to index both upcoming chain and tail end at the same rate

 

[Roberto]

The idea they have looks really good,

People are very quick in claiming ideas as their own original ones, for the sake of trying and be fair in the internet jungle, the original idea came a few years earlier by someone else who simply let others know about this method he had found (yes internet has chronology).
As I have a Cayman with its hole on top of the case, I am trying this diy variation; others put the rollers on a bar across the top anchor locker.

 

[Daverw]

I will not feel so bad trying to make a copy then

 

[Roberto]

I will not feel so bad trying to make a copy then

IIRC copies for personal use are allowed by most intellectual property law systems anyway