Capstan

[rpeebles]

What is this POS made of? Appears to be some kind of "metal" on the outside, but inside appears "rotten."

Once I bust it off, can I find a replacement? Or make one of stout oak?

Thanks in advance! Roger

[minaret]

Looks like it might be a combination of a severe casting flaw and the worst electrolysis I've ever seen in a bronze windlass. Ugly. Either that or it's a cheap knock-off made out of pot metal in some sweat shop. Get rid of it and look for stray current just in case.

[rpeebles]

Originally Posted by minaret

Looks like it might be a combination of a severe casting flaw and the worst electrolysis I've ever seen in a bronze windlass. Ugly. Either that or it's a cheap knock-off made out of pot metal in some sweat shop. Get rid of it and look for stray current just in case.

Not bronze, maybe pot metal. Any ideas for a replacement?

Motor driving capstan is 12 v United Technologies Electro Systems MO 551069A vintage 1988...possibly a windshield wiper motor?

Thanks!

[Astrid]

Almost looks like it was made of tombac--an alloy of copper, high percentage of zinc and a small percentage of lead.

[tager]

Phenolic resin would probably work okay and be relatively cheap.

[minaret]

Tager, check your profile comments if you get a chance. Astrid, you sure do know your metals. Welder? Foundry? Something else?

[rpeebles]

Originally Posted by minaret

Tager, check your profile comments if you get a chance. Astrid, you sure do know your metals. Welder? Foundry? Something else?

The pic is deceptive. Damn iPhone! There is no "green" there.
Only a faint bluish tinge in the "powder" that is being chipped out.

What if I fill with epoxy, shape it, layer with strips of fiberglass mat,
and go from there?

[David M]

Not to get too fussy here but a capstan has a vertical warping head.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capstan_(nautical)

[rpeebles]

Originally Posted by David M

Not to get too fussy here but a capstan has a vertical warping head.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capstan_(nautical)

Capstan Winches

[David M]

Then what is the true definition?

[minaret]

I believe a capstan is the side of the windlass used for rope, vertical or horizontal.

[rpeebles]

Originally Posted by minaret

I believe a capstan is the side of the windlass used for rope, vertical or horizontal.

Don't seem to be making much progress here on my original questions...

[Blue Stocking]

Post #2 gave you the answer.

[rpeebles]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Post #2 gave you the answer.

Except for "can I find a replacement?" Any constructive ideas?

[Astrid]

I believe a capstan is the side of the windlass used for rope, vertical or horizontal.

A capstan is always vertical and a windless horizontal. The part used for line is called a warping head, while that for chain is called a gypsy or wildcat. In the case of the OPs damaged example, the part is called warping drum.

To the OP, I would certainly look around for a new windless. If the warping drum was that bad off, what is the rest of windless like on the inside?