Guitarrich
Well-Known Member
Hi,
I've seen lots of posts about using "Winchbit" and "Winchrite" attachments as "electric winch handles". A right-angle drill is recommended due to torque, and there are lots of words about torque and the best type of electric drill.
This is a bit different. My friend has Selden Furlex 400 electric headsail furlers, and when the system tripped out, he had to rig the Selden emergency tackle, which involves a continuous line in a "spinner" which has a 13mm square shaft that plugs into the side of the Furlex gearbox, (and is secured with a central screw). He describes how awkward this was to use, as the gearing is so low. I've checked, and the gearing is indeed so low (it has to be really) that I recon an ordinary cordless drill would have the power to wind in a sail in a crisis.
Similarly the mainsail has hydraulic furling. The emergency crank for this is a standard star-type socket, but the provided handle is shorter than an ordinary winch handle, due to the limited access. Again, it feels very low geared.
Therefore I am looking for two "bit adaptors", one with a standard star size/shape, and one with a square section of 13mm. This is a great opportunity for anyone with a lathe and a welding kit, (and some knowledge!!). Any offers?? The square one has to be fairly straightforward; starting with a length of 13mm square bar, and turning one end down to around 10mm .........
I've seen lots of posts about using "Winchbit" and "Winchrite" attachments as "electric winch handles". A right-angle drill is recommended due to torque, and there are lots of words about torque and the best type of electric drill.
This is a bit different. My friend has Selden Furlex 400 electric headsail furlers, and when the system tripped out, he had to rig the Selden emergency tackle, which involves a continuous line in a "spinner" which has a 13mm square shaft that plugs into the side of the Furlex gearbox, (and is secured with a central screw). He describes how awkward this was to use, as the gearing is so low. I've checked, and the gearing is indeed so low (it has to be really) that I recon an ordinary cordless drill would have the power to wind in a sail in a crisis.
Similarly the mainsail has hydraulic furling. The emergency crank for this is a standard star-type socket, but the provided handle is shorter than an ordinary winch handle, due to the limited access. Again, it feels very low geared.
Therefore I am looking for two "bit adaptors", one with a standard star size/shape, and one with a square section of 13mm. This is a great opportunity for anyone with a lathe and a welding kit, (and some knowledge!!). Any offers?? The square one has to be fairly straightforward; starting with a length of 13mm square bar, and turning one end down to around 10mm .........