PVC Winch

Pookie94 · Criminal Joined: 30 Jul 2010 Posts: 65 City: Maumee

So im thinking of building a winch and my first idea was a lawn mower but making one out of PVC would be better. Has anyone done this? Does anyone know if it is strong enough and if it will work? Ive drawn some designs but im no artist.

thanks

GnarShredd · Posted: Feb 22, 2011 7:24 am Post subject:

No way, even if it doesn't break (which it will, especially with that design), PVC will flex WAY too much. At the BARE minimum, solid panels of wood might work (I think the NEW brand winch was built out of wood and held-up ok, I included a picture so you can get an idea of it).

What's keeping you from using steel or aluminum? A good frame is worth-while, You don't want your winch to fall apart and hurt someone, not to mention possibly damage the motor, spool, chain, or any of the other pieces that could be expensive and time-consuming to replace.

Wakeskaters are on a tight budget more often than not and if there was a way to build something cheaper than a metal frame, (with the exception of NEW) I'm sure someone would have done it by now.

supermanotorious · Soul Rider Joined: 10 May 2010 Posts: 345 City: Phoenix

Gnar is right, PVC would bend and someone could get really hurt, wood will probably work as it has great tensile strength

Pookie94 · Criminal Joined: 30 Jul 2010 Posts: 65 City: Maumee

I dont have the proper tools to weld and a steel or aluminum frame would cost way to much for me.... ill stick to the wood design. Would 3/4in plywood be good?

GnarShredd · Posted: Feb 22, 2011 11:55 am Post subject:

Pookie94, You could probably get away with that, just make sure it's braced well on the inside, painted, and sealed well so it doesn't fall apart on you. You might even want to throw some fiberglass over it if you want it to last a really long time.