Sprocket and Chain Mechanism For a Kettle Drum

I am sure it is possible to do since there are models on the market ; IE:langpercussion.com and pctimpani.com I just need to get the correct parts!!!

I'm sure it will. I was just mentioning to you the possible problems you might encounter. I know the adjustments on a timpani work differently. I just see the tensioning on the chain to be critical so that all screws are turned evenly to keep the chain from skipping on the teeth.

Again Good Luck! I'd like to see your final work when accomplished.

I've seen good versions of this using pushbike rear sprokets and chain. (Co-ordinating multiple adjustments using a common chan and multiple sprokets.) The chain is very easy for the layman to join, the sprokets are mass produced and readily available with the necessary hole in the centre and probably strong enough to take the load.

The sprokets can be obtained in various finishes including som etrendy anodised colours.

Good luck.

Thanks for your in sight . Do you have any specific suppliers/shops etc that could get me the sprockets that I could tighten to a 1cm/.75 inch tuning rods, and the correct type of chain that could go around the kettle and meet each sprocket? Thanks Jefpren

Thanks for your advice. For a $6,000 kettledrum I think I would like to go with a stainless steel or chrome steel sprocket with a nice solid chain like the comercially available ones. Your ideas about keeping the chain tight and the tork down are very interesting to me, I just don't know enough about where to buy the items, since suppliers deal with big companies. And the drum companies do not sell parts.

Any ideas about suppliers who could give good advice and sales on roller sprockets of about 3 inches and quality adjustable size chain,would certainly help!

You don't say where you are but someone like HPC can supply the parts although you will get a better deal at a local engineering supplier. Perhaps this site will help to identify what you need.

Try WWW.grainger.com and www.mscdirect.com. Both of these sites have the sprockets and chains you desire. Because you are using 10 sprockets on a circle, you will have a small contact area per sprocket. You might have to use two stacked chain sets, and then only hit every other tuning rod with each chain. If you are really creative, you could get a small motor with a speed reducer to do the tuning. Just remember to put a limit switch on it to prevent over tightening. Send pictures. Good luck.