How to make a sprocket stronger, side loading wise

[davedj1]

I am contemplating building another 3pt logging winch.
One of the issues with the last one was that when I pushed the clutch into the sprocket there was flex and thus didn't have the best grab I could have, the drum also had flex.
The sprocket will be a #50 roller chain 60 tooth, it's about 3/8" thick, what I did on that one was added a short piece (about 1/2") of 2" DOM .250 wall tubing to receive a bearing.
Anyway on to the issue, how is the best way to reinforce the back side of the sprocket to prevent flex? I can add a longer piece of the DOM and make some long ish gussets and weld them on, if I go that route how do I keep the sprocket from warping?
Thanks for any help
This is the build log of my previous one

DIY logging winch build

So after many calculations and discussions about parts I have a plan. If you are interested I have the build thread here :http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/log-skidding-winch-diy.313665/ Thank you for the input and hopefully I can get this done in the near future as I'm hoping to...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[CADplans]

The best (and it is low cost) is to simply add a disk to the side of the sprocket.

Thickness is the best way to avoid sprocket flex,,
If the force is tremendous, you may need 1/2" thick disk added.??
Or,, MORE?? I have no idea what force you are dealing with.

 

[Mendonsy]

Possibly a shaft collar would work if you can find one that is the right size for your application.

 

[ericm979]

Double or triple up the sprockets using slightly smaller sprockets so the teeth don't interfere with the chain on the drive sprocket. Or (more work) grind the teeth off of sprockets the same size.

 

[etpm]

Affixing a disc to the side of the sprocket that is just small enough to to clear the chain is probably your best bet. A disc that is the same thickness as your sprocket will make the pair 8 times stiffer. Not twice. 8 times. The sprocket with disc will have 1/8 of the sideways deflection. But only if they act as one piece of metal. You could drill several holes in the disc and weld through them to the sprocket. That would tend to keep warpage to a minimum. Clamp the disc tightly to the sprocket before you weld. As long as the teeth won't be seeing more load it should work fine. You still need to make sure that the load the disc is experiencing is being transferred to something else that can take the load.
Good Luck,
Eric

 

[davedj1]

Affixing a disc to the side of the sprocket that is just small enough to to clear the chain is probably your best bet. A disc that is the same thickness as your sprocket will make the pair 8 times stiffer. Not twice. 8 times. The sprocket with disc will have 1/8 of the sideways deflection. But only if they act as one piece of metal. You could drill several holes in the disc and weld through them to the sprocket. That would tend to keep warpage to a minimum. Clamp the disc tightly to the sprocket before you weld. As long as the teeth won't be seeing more load it should work fine. You still need to make sure that the load the disc is experiencing is being transferred to something else that can take the load.
Good Luck,
Eric

I believe this is the route I will take. I'll drill some holes and plug weld it to the sprocket.
Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[mwb]

You could also buy a double row sprocket. Might need to remove one row of teeth but this might allow your clutch face to be a larger diameter too.

 

[davedj1]

I should delete this thread as I have decided not to build another clutch driven winch, I will be doing a hydraulic one next