Weld teeth to a transmission chain?

[Satamax]

Hi everybody. 

I have some nice 12B3 or 16B3 chain and sprockets. That i would like to use to make a double chain log turner. 

Do you think i can weld teeth to that chain? 

Thanks a lot. 

Max. 

[JoshNZ]

I've seen it done, don't know how it would compromise the chain, i suspect there would be some distortion of the rollers which would cause it to fail earlier, but you're not loading it up hugely.

Id go as fast/hot as possible. Stick to the middle of the links. They're probably spot welded in factories when they're adding flights to chains.

[Gere Flewelling]

If I were to try welding teeth onto a hardened (or likely hardened) chain link, I would keep the teeth as narrow as possible to keep away from the chain link bushings.  I would use a small wire feed welder with either inner shield wire or mig type.  I would only weld on the top and bottom edge of the link and not on the sides of the link.  I would have a pan of water ready to immerse the welded link into to cool down ASAP.  I would then either immerse the link in some penetrating fluid to displace the water.  I prefer the inner shield wire as the welding tip is much smaller and easier to see around.  Also the weld will be smaller with less build up.  I think most chain links are not really designed to be welded on, but possibly one can make them work.  I am not a scientific or formally trained welder, but I have been learning the hard way all my life and have had some success.  Good Luck with your project.  GF

[Ventryjr]

The chain log turner on my mill appears to be homemade (came w/ mill).  And looks like #80 (?) roller chain with 5/8 wide slices of angle iron welded onto the links. I  haven't measured the exact size of the angle pieces or chain.  Just off my head.  It's like 2x3x1/2" angle iron slivers with the 3" side laying onto other links for support while the "tooth" is biting into a log and turning.

[jpassardi]

I wouldn't get too concerned about distortion. Not like it needs to rotate with great precision or 1000's of continuous cycles.
I'd take a piece give a try and see if it rotates after.

[Satamax]

Thanks a lot guys! 

I only have stick. But i've run a fair bit of thick welds in my life!  ;D

[Ventryjr]

Thanks a lot guys!

I only have stick. But i've run a fair bit of thick welds in my life!  ;D

I went to school for welding and there's. I thing you can't do with a stick welder.  Get some 3/32" 6011 and that should do the trick.  

[ladylake]

  

 My mill came with a no 60 chain  which wasn't  strong enough.  I bought 10' of 60h chain and welded on some u shaped pieces of metal every 5th link to the top of the links which stands up real good.  Steve

[Satamax]

Thanks a lot guys!

I only have stick. But i've run a fair bit of thick welds in my life!  ;D

I went to school for welding and there's. I thing you can't do with a stick welder.  Get some 3/32" 6011 and that should do the trick.  

Thanks a lot Ventryjr. For that, i'd use 312-16, 312-17 (if i could find some) or selectarc 29/9.  Dissimilar metal rods. And far softer than 6011 I don't know if we even can find something similar to 6011 in France. I have some 7016 that i love. But too big.   I was checking the Safer G48N which is ubiquitous over here is a E 6013.  

[Satamax]

 

My mill came with a no 60 chain  which wasn't  strong enough.  I bought 10' of 60h chain and welded on some u shaped pieces of metal every 5th link to the top of the links which stands up real good.  Steve

Purfect! Thanks! 

[longtime lurker]

 

 

 

Weld mounts to the chain links and the cleats can then get bolted on... it's a lot stronger than just a stitch on the outsides of a raised lug that way.

[Satamax]

That's big! 

[ladylake]

 

 

Weld mounts to the chain links and the cleats can then get bolted on... it's a lot stronger than just a stitch on the outsides of a raised lug that way.

My mill came with links kinda like that, bent over fast.  A u shaped piece of metal welded to both sides of the link holds up way better and is a lot faster.   in actual use.  Steve

[Vautour]

 

 No problems on mine yet,.. #80 chain

[ladylake]

 Thats exactly what mine looks like, stands up a lot of abuse.  Steve

[Satamax]

Hey guys, here's what I have chain ans sprocket wise. I was thinking to cut the second one, to make the two I need.  



 

[ladylake]

  I think a single No 80 chain would stand up and work better.  Steve

[moodnacreek]

2.609 pitch sprockets [or 1 sprocket and an idler] with steel '78 0r 188 chain is what is really needed. The chain can be found with the teeth already on or because this heavy chain is soft steel you can weld on it with confidence. I know this sounds ex.pensive but you need so little for a log turner.

[Satamax]

Thanks a lot Moodnacreek. 


I can get some of this stuff locally 

https://www.tridistribution.fr/chaines-et-courroies/25778-20406-chaine-avec-equerres-des-deux-cotes.html#/73-o_d-25/4014-p-50/10238-e-18/12576-w-115/12577-o_d-57/12578-c-255

I'll check for the 78 and 188

[Ventryjr]

Keep us updated on the build Satamax!  Take pics!  

[Satamax]

Keep us updated on the build Satamax!  Take pics!  

Ouch! 
You know, on another forum, my handle, title or whatever you call it, is procrastinator in chief! :D