Thread: Surface Grinder Capstan Wire Rope

My Kent KGS200 uses wire rope wrapped twice around a grooved capstan to connect the travel handle on the saddle to the table for travel.
For a small SG meant for tool room use it works great, so a good fit for hobby use.

The travel is free and smooth today, but yesterday was a drama because the rope was slipping on the capstan.
Much cursing as tried to re-adjust the coils on the capstan and get the tension up so that it cannot do that again.
Very difficult working between the table and saddle - just as well I have small hands !

But, the rope is showing end-of-life.
What do others use for wire rope in this situation ?
Suggestions on a supplier in (western) Sydney.
Suggestions on getting the new rope wrapped around the capstan without removing the table.

John

For wire rope, in my case, our local bearing and bolt shop carries a range.

Boating shops/chandlers usually have a range of stainless wire rope from about about 1mm diam.
What might be a good alternative is one of the synthetic ropes like Dyneema/Spectra. The type with a tight braided cover over the central core rather than the open fully braided style.
They are very hardwearing and don't suffer from bending fatigue around tight radii like wire does (so don't end up with nasty broken strands like wire). Typically plenty of rope choice at a chandlers.
I haven't used the synthetics in a really oily environment, but the couple of leftover lengths from my sailing days that are now used for securing things on the back of the ute. They don't seem to have been affected by general grease/grime from 10+ years of use.

Steve

What is the wire rope diameter?

Pete,
The rope is 3.34 mm diameter stranded 7 x ( 20 x 0.25 ).
The 20 could be out either way by one, difficult little buggers to hold.
The comparative lack of corrosion makes me think there is some sort of protective coating, but cannot convince myself either way.

My plan is to acquire a length ( 3 m should be heaps ) and sort out how to install, to be kept as a spare.

My rope does not have any broken strands over the working length, the problem is crushing by the clamps at the ends is promoting breakages.
My thread was meant to flush out whether other members have experimented with alternative materials with demonstrated success.
As this rope could very well be original from 1984, a simple identical replacement would work admirably.

John

7 x 19 x 3.2mm ss wire. Should be available at any ship chandlers. 7 x 19 is the most flexible one for going over sheaves.

Alan.

For example ... https://www.whitworths.com.au/wire-3-32-7-x-19-s-s
Cheers,
Bill

Agreed, any reasonably close SS designed for running should be fine. No need to overthink it