Masthead Sheaves--re-cut old aluminum or buy new delrin?

[Jack]

If it is only the smaller groove you are trying to eliminate. Why not fill the smaller groove with a thickened epoxy. If you have experience with epoxy, I would think a pretty thick batch of epoxy, and a Popsicles stick (or similar) the same radius as the bigger groove to clean it out. I have seen epoxy used in worse conditions that I picture a sheave being in. Just a thought, but I would sure try it before spending big bucks on a new sheave.....:-)

[JohnV]

That occured to me. I'd think that the epoxy might fracture or break out eventually due to uneven expansion or or something.

[Jack]

Originally Posted by JohnV

That occured to me. I'd think that the epoxy might fracture or break out eventually due to uneven expansion or or something.

Get or make some fiberglass rope. It would not take much. Making rope is easy and cheap. I would make it narrow enough and long enough to make a number of full turns inside the groove. Pre soak the rope in epoxy, put a coat of epoxy iside the groove, lay the rope in there.... around and around till you get the build up you need......sand it down when you are done....It's not like these things are high speed or anything. Would probably be stronger than the original.

Just a thought anyhow.

[JohnV]

An interesting idea. Begs the question of why there aren't fiberglass-reinforced epoxy sheaves. Though I guess this would basically be an aluminum sheave with an epoxy-lined groove.
JV