I have the z-axis upgrade. I have come to like it quite a bit; however, if you have the ability, you'd be better off following Tim's advice and constructing your own. You'll want either a stop that doesn't tend to torque the z-axis or you'll want a dual-slide that can't be torqued off-axis by the stop. I think you may also want a choice about whether it acts like a plunge router or a screw-down router. (The very precise control available for the screw down is pretty nice but I do miss being able to plunge.)
The Legacy z-axis (I have one of the early models) takes some time to work out the idiosyncrasies. In my opinion, the "tinker toy" building approach is not sufficiently strong. It takes a big router and if you're spinning a big bit, then there are some pretty strong forces in play. I already mentioned the stop. I also think the screw drive mechanism is subject to some play. Here are some of the advantages: the digital readout is awesome; the increased plunge depth dramatically improves the mill's usefulness; and the visibility is really helpful. These are things you'd want to preserve in your own z-axis. Grant -----Original Message----- From: legacy-ornamental-mills@googlegroups.com [mailto:legacy-ornamental-mills@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Krause Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 7:30 AM To: legacy-ornamental-mills@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: z axix upgrade for 1800 The z-axis is a pretty stable unit. You gain enough travel in the z-axis that you never have to raise the bed for short bits. You also gain visibility and easy access to the bits for changes. You loose the ability to make fast plunge cuts since the router is now controlled by the z-axis screw. I think people learning which way to turn the screw but it's confusing in the beginning. Another thing is you have to buy a different style of router if you find a used Legacy z-axis. You can build one, the mechanical side is not that complicated. You can start from scratch and use some industrial components. If you want to use Legacy's components that might be a little more difficult. I'm hearing rumors that the aluminum rail is on backorder or not available for sale at the moment. Give them a call and see if you can buy 4 top hat bearings and 48" of rail. Then all you need is some components laser cut, formed and machined. From my point of view, that's the easy part. Here's Legacy's old page detailing the Z-axis. http://web.archive.org/web/20061026074809/http://legacywoodworking.com/produ cts.cfm?product=60 -Tim ----- Original Message ----- From: "cpeel" <pee...@comcast.net> To: "Legacy Ornamental Mills" <legacy-ornamental-mills@googlegroups.com> Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 6:42 AM Subject: z axix upgrade for 1800 > Can anyone give me or direct me to some information on a z axis > upgrade. Will it give you more plunge depth, do you loose any > stability, and since Legacy does not produce it can I build one. I > saw one for sale in New Hampshire on a 1800 but I do not want to sink > more money into another machine until I can better operate the one I > have. Also who in the group is close to Mississippi, I would love to > spend a little time with someone who has more experience with the > Legacy if they can stand a truck load of questions. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Legacy Ornamental Mills" group. > To post to this group, send email to legacy-ornamental-mills@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to legacy-ornamental-mills+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/legacy-ornamental-mills?hl=en. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Legacy Ornamental Mills" group. To post to this group, send email to legacy-ornamental-mills@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to legacy-ornamental-mills+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/legacy-ornamental-mills?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Legacy Ornamental Mills" group. To post to this group, send email to legacy-ornamental-mills@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to legacy-ornamental-mills+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/legacy-ornamental-mills?hl=en.
