Making heavy duty chain - GIF

**Jon** · Sep 28, 2018, 01:59 PM

Making heavy duty chain.

Previously:

Chain making GIFs

**Toolmaker51** · Sep 29, 2018, 07:33 PM

Most forming is lubricated; unless welding is to occur. Interferes with paint, some plating too, but chain seems really tough to clean.

**Jon** · Sep 30, 2018, 06:33 PM

Here's an example of chain welding:

**Toolmaker51** · Sep 30, 2018, 06:40 PM

Reminds me, on look out soon for a spotwelder up to 10 gauge. Frank S figures ~100amps. This has to be 1/2" chain minimum. That'd kill my electricity budget!

**PJs** · Oct 4, 2018, 10:53 AM

I can't quite figure out the use of that forward arm...seems it's only to align the link vertically for the welding clamps??

**Frank S** · Oct 4, 2018, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by PJs

I can't quite figure out the use of that forward arm...seems it's only to align the link vertically for the welding clamps??

PJs there are 2 arms one in front and one in back yes for true centering each alternative link must be rotated opposite of the previous. Other wise the chain would become a twisted ball of a mess for both the welded and yet to be welded links the rapid moving arm to the left shears off the excess due to the forced induction welding.
TM 51 that machine is probably uses as much electricity in one day as I use all summer

**Toolmaker51** · Oct 7, 2018, 08:43 PM

PJs, and other interested parties;
Twisted chain...

Here's one making a lighter weight chain than the sample video. Good, but brief, views of pay-out reel and straightening rolls too.

And these are just hardware, don't venture into jewelry chain. Endless!

**Jon** · Oct 15, 2018, 08:04 PM

I like those tongs.

**wizard69** · Oct 17, 2018, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by Jon

Here's an example of chain

The thing about chain welding, in this manner, is why doesn’t the whole link heat up? Having a bit of electronics back ground and a bit of welding experience you would think that the power would take the low resistance path.

This also has me wondering how really large chain is done. Could you imagine the power required to weld chain for a super tankers chain.

**suther51** · Oct 17, 2018, 08:03 AM

I have given some thought to the issue of chain welding. I have concluded that it is a matter of least resistance, or in this case shorter distance. Less steel between the "electrodes" or clamps. Surely some current travels the long way but most must take the short path. Seems that this means that there must be extra capacity of current to get a good weld. Just my own musings.
Eric