Daverw
Well-Known Member
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
3d printing file for gypsy
- Thread starter Daverw
- Start date
ash2020
Well-Known Member
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.
. 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
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
I’m not looking to drive the chain but just have it as a free running chain pulley,
ash2020
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
Don’t know if TEVdesign would sell you just the gypsy?
thinwater
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
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).
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
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
I did think or hard rubber but thought that it needs to index both upcoming chain and tail end at the same rate
Roberto
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
I will not feel so bad trying to make a copy then
Roberto
Well-Known Member
IIRC copies for personal use are allowed by most intellectual property law systems anyway
ash2020
Well-Known Member
Hello! Did you not see my post.
ash2020
Well-Known Member
It sounds like it was already in the public domain which means it is not patentable.
MickToo
Member
Roberto, I also have this model of Lofrans (albeit my rope wheel is on the left side). Did you print the double chain wheel yourself?
I'm wishing to construct a similar chain handling system to prevent the inevitable heap of chain blocking the windlass.
Roberto
Well-Known Member
Hello, the picture is not mine but I have the same Cayman. I haven t made the final decision about how to proceed yet
The first such method I saw was like this, a transverse bar directly above the deepest spot of the chain locker
and a bar, while holding it by hand the chain friction is enough to turn the roller and make the chain lazy side go over it. I need to put a sort of circular divider in the middle (not done yet) so that both sides of chain cam move freely.
This similar system below uses tho davits rollers bolted together, if you look he added some screws to the inside of the rollers to increase friction.
I later found the ''Cayman'' system, the hole above the windlass has 16mm dia and the metal is 40mm wide it should be enough, above all no need to drill holes on the deck or locker (which often stops me from doing things for years), I am tempted to follow that system. A sliding 16mm bar, on and off, seems nice.
I havn t got a 3d printer, I once ordered a small fitting for the Windpilot to be made at a local 3d shop and it was not that cheap, I suspect the double gypsy as the one described wouldn t be cheap at all, for the moment I stick with the components I already have.
Please let know if you advance/make anything.
MickToo
Member
OK - we're in a similar place, looking for the same solution. I'm hopeful that TEV Design will develop the Cayman variant of their Chain Helper (but €300... research and development costs I guess)
