Help!!! (updated frequently)

mr. Blonde · Posted: Jun 21, 2008 1:00 am Post subject: Help!!! (updated frequently)

I know this question has probably been asked like 50 times but I really need some input from anyone who has gone through this dilemma

..............Im a college student on a tight budget..........I do have enough money to buy a new winch from any company but I have a lot of expenses for the school year........especially since I dropped $1100 last year on underage related "confrontations"............and I need to have at least $900 per semester to cover my remaining college fees...........with my current job I can make maybe another grand or more before I go back to school............I really like the idea of designing and building my own winch but I've been reviewing the forums on how to build one from winchskating.com and the plans for the Tahitian Omen winch..........to tell you the truth I have absolutely no knowledge on how to set up the gears, engine, etc........I have all the necessary tools and fabrication equipment at work..........but I still need to know what would be my best choice???

PLEASE HELP!!!

Montgomery · Backside 180 Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 976 City: Rogers

Build ! ! ! ! ! Wink

I'm almost done with mine so far my winch and I have developed a love hate relationship. I love the fact that I'm soooooo close to having a complete winch but Hate all the BS that comes with building one. It has been a lot of fun though

Soulprogression · Posted: Jun 21, 2008 10:09 am Post subject:

it's a lot more work than you think, definitely worth it but you're gonna be running into tons of problems, make sure if you build yourself you don't try and rush the project, I've said this before to others, take the time to try and think ahead for problems that are going to run you down with each step, research everything, because when you move too quickly and make one mistake it's just gonna cause issues down the line.

That being said I recommend doing it yourself because it's a great feeling building something from scratch and then using it to pull yourself, much more so than just throwing down the bills for a new one that will work right all the time, not to mention if you take the time to search down the cheapest alternative for each part you can build a quality machine for much less than anyone is selling one for.

sandiego4real · Backside 180 Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 518

Building one is great and yea you will run into problems but you will eventualy get it all dialed in.
My winch had at least 3 bad test runs ware something broke, but now it runs like a champ!
So I think you should build your own cause its a better feeling when someone ask you what that is an you say you built that winch.

mergeleft3 · Backside 180 Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Posts: 673 City: Orlando

It is a love hate relationship like Montgomery, said. I am building mine right now and it is alot of work but worth it. I have tested it out twice now and I have still not got it dialed in. Also take your time. I did not at first and it has cost me alot more money than I had plan to spend.

Montgomery · Backside 180 Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 976 City: Rogers

Love It ! Hate It ! Enjoy It ! Wink

mr. Blonde · Posted: Jun 24, 2008 8:50 pm Post subject:

thanks everyone............I've pretty much narrowed down all my options and hopefully I'll be able to start ordering the engine, rope and TAV within the week..........I need to find some metal to make my frame first though.........and get my paycheck.............but be sure to expect multiple questions in the future

..........are there any particular components that may give me some problems that I should watch out for?

LFArmada · Backside 180 Joined: 05 May 2008 Posts: 631 City: tucson

The spool is a mountain that I havn't been able to climb yet.

Make a solid spool. And try not to skimp on the details.

mr. Blonde · Posted: Jun 25, 2008 2:05 pm Post subject:

ok so I went through all the aluminum we have at work today............we got everything!!!........metal, tools, parts, welder, etc.............so can I use 1x1 aluminum tubing?..........I've seen a lot of plans where people use 1x2 tubes

...........also

how good is that 7/64 rope from Seattle Marine?

hus #1 · Ollie Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 71 City: UK

i used 1" square ally tubing and its strong as a lion and soo light

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=13157&l=26e13&id=609120679

DirtyCracker · Guest

hus #1, that thing is legit fo real looks so clean

bmr712 · Posted: Jun 25, 2008 7:32 pm Post subject:

is it cheaper to build a frame or get one of the released frames for $200

*Nate · Backside 180 Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 1230 City: Nokomis

bmr712, Depends, since my dads a vet he said one of his clients could make a frame for me for a 6pack.

mr. Blonde · Posted: Jun 25, 2008 7:47 pm Post subject:

bmr712, I looked into that option too..........but they also want another $117 for shipping on their ebay site

bmr712 · Posted: Jun 25, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject:

mr. Blonde, im in tallahasse so it's local for me

Kay-Kay · Posted: Jun 25, 2008 8:38 pm Post subject:

bmr712, building your own frame would definitely be cheaper, but if you don't have access to a welder the released frame will save you some trouble.

Guy · Backside 180 Joined: 14 Jul 2006 Posts: 842 City: Orillia

bmr712,

shouldn't be over $100 if you weld it your self. thats 1x1

Montgomery · Backside 180 Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 976 City: Rogers

It cost me $70 in materials for my frame and my buddy welded it for me

LFArmada · Backside 180 Joined: 05 May 2008 Posts: 631 City: tucson

The rope from seattle marine is the shizzle. Strong as hell and cheep. A 600 ft spool shouldnt be more than $100 with shipping!!!!!!!!

Calskater23 · Backside 180 Joined: 26 Jun 2007 Posts: 1795 City: FRESNO

Do you have a link, because i couldn't find it.