Our team is looking into getting the thrifty elevator, and we were wondering if the Elevator #25H Chain Drive Kit is required or if using the dynema alone is acceptable? If so are there any examples of anyone doing this?
Depends on whether you’re planning on doing a 1 or 2 stage elevator, but regardless you need the chain drive. The chain is for powering the lift for the 1st stage(so this + the bearing blocks and motors are all you need for a 1 stage elevator). For 2+ stages with cascade elevators a common way is to use dyneema or some kind of cable to lift the subsequent stages. However the dyneema alone cannot lift a stage unless you plan on doing something custom.
Anyway if you plan on using the TTB elevator and you’re relatively new to elevators, I’d just go with buying the 1 or 2 stage kit that will give you everything you need(other than tubes): Thrifty Elevator Stage Kit