capstan questions (1 Viewer)

[alfio]

Hello all

Potentially interested in a capstan setup. I'm looking for more information to confirm that what I'm thinking/planning will work but I'm not finding much. I'm after two specific pieces of data on capstans:

1) does the capstan (meaning the actual 'drum') have to have a waist (meaning an internal slope) or can it be straight (cylinder)? I hope that makes sense

2) is there a formula to figure out what rope diameter works best with what capstan size?

If anyone has any good reference sites or books on capstans, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

A

 

[gnob]

there is no taper in a winch drum.

the minimum bend radius of the rope is speculative at best. plenty of reading online.

 

[alfio]

there is no taper in a winch drum.

the minimum bend radius of the rope is speculative at best. plenty of reading online.

OK cool, hadn't thought of it as minimum rope radius but was more thinking along the lines of rope thickness vs. drum height. Will look into that angle.

On the taper question, these two models illustrate the differences of what I'm seeing/wanting more information on:

(1) straight drum

(2) 'tapered' drum

Thanks

A.

 

[ChaseTruck]

Do I understand this correctly that without an external brake setup, the only brake while under load is the friction of the rope on the drum?

 

[e9999]

It is rather unusual to think about capstans instead of regular winches. Is that a special application you're thinking about?

 

[alfio]

Do I understand this correctly that without an external brake setup, the only brake while under load is the friction of the rope on the drum?

Right. I haven't used one yet but that's what I've seen in videos and read elsewhere. Relax tension on the rope and the winch will stop pulling.

A.

 

[alfio]

It is rather unusual to think about capstans instead of regular winches. Is that a special application you're thinking about?

I agree it's not the norm but there's a lot of advantages capstans have over regular winches. I saw a few videos and got going with the idea. Regular winches can be pretty limiting, capstans can go a long way as long as you have the right rope.

A,

 

[Sonofaskipper]

We use them all the time on tug boats, they’re dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

 

[Mark W]

I agree it's not the norm but there's a lot of advantages capstans have over regular winches. I saw a few videos and got going with the idea. Regular winches can be pretty limiting, capstans can go a long way as long as you have the right rope.

A,

A capstan is a different animal than the winches used on vehicles for recovery purposes. Yep Capstans have some advantages for some uses. They have some disadvantages for some uses. If you take a look at how many are used in the world of recreationa 4x4 vehicles for the needs in the world of recreational 4x4 vehicles... that might be a clue as to how the advantages and disadvantages stack up.

What exactly do you have in mind for your use of the setup you are considering?


Every capstan I have ever personally been close to had a "tapered" drum. But I know that they do not all have that.

Mark...

 

[cruiserpilot]

A capstan winch also works generally on the principle for marine purposes that the rope is only
wound around the drum for 3-4 windings, and as you wind rope on, it is released or pulled
off the other end.
Usually they are high torque and as said above are dangerous to use.
I think I’ve seen an old style PTO capstan winch on a truck once but there is a reason
they went away. Count your fingers

 

[cruiserpilot]

Capstan Winch Your Source for Willys Jeep Capstan Winch Parts!

Reproduction & NOS Parts for the Capstan Winch

www.capstanwinch.com

I know I've seen one on a Land Cruiser but talking pre-70's truck. Expedition Portal is where I got this link.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Mechanical Capstan Winches | Landrover Winches

www.lr-winches.com