Ancient Tufnol winches

I love this material.
Tufnol is a man-made material invented in 20-ties in England. There was a period in boatbuilding when most blocks, winches and such were made using Tufnol. Peak of popularity was around 50’ and 60’ - when my boat was built.
After all these years I still use original genua blocks and mast winch made of Tufnol. It shows no signs of age apart from surface patina. Most other parts of running rigging were replaced by previous owners with steel and plastic parts. I’ve replaced all of that already with newly made Tufnol fittings. There are only two ugly (and worn-out) aluminium winches on Meritaten that I wanted to move closer to helmsman’s position (as they were originally) and possibly replace with Wilmex bronze snubbing winches.

And then, as a Blocket addict, I stumbled upon the add about two Tufnol winches at the price of almost nothing. Quick search on the Internet revealed not much - just that these things are old and not used any longer but if used - they serve well.

Quick telephone conversation and few days later I arrived at the small boat landing on lake Mälaren. Lady in small alu motorboat casted away from her home island and after a while we met at the bridge. She handled me winches - perfectly operational and complete with massive handles. I just opened my eyes wide when I saw the winches - they appeared as small on photographs but in reality they are big and heavy beasts! Adequate size for Meritaten, to replace old alu winches!

Two rings of bronze and Tufnol all around. Bottom-action winch was always my favourite - handle does not stay in the way for ropes and can sit in a winch all the time. To keep it from loosing there is a hole for tiding a safety line.

Back in the workshop I examined closer the handles as they appeared too heavy to be made of steel. Indeed - they are from copper alloy, probably brass, with ebonite spheres as handles. Chrome finish is worn and tired so I will remove it to expose brass for weathering and to get brown patina.

Even though winches operate smoothly I disassembled them to check internal gearing and how these things were built. Single screw holds the assembly together.

Gears, locks and springs are in perfect condition. Lubrication was adequate so no need to re-do it at this point. I got to know also that Tufnol soaked with oil can expand and seize moving parts, if the design is invalid. No such danger on these winches - all moving parts exposed to grease are made of bronze.

Since these are simple-speed, non-complicated winches it was easy to convert one of them to counter-clockwise operation. This way I have now port and starboard winches, each turning the proper way for easier rope work.

They will need to wait a bit before I get into cockpit renovation but the plan is to do it this winter. I plan to add Tufnol cam-cleats to each winch so that sheets holding will be accomplished directly on the winch. Something similar to Wilmex solution.