[Netjams]

After a closer inspection of what you posted I see your just concerened if it will work running it by hand. A picture would be worth a thousand words.

[Appalachiatools]

The weight is supported by the four acme screws by the eight brass nuts (four on top, and four on the bottom). The screws are turned by mitered gears, 2 each on 1" s.s. rods. The two rods are connected by a chain drive with one rod connected also by chain drive to a 1/2 hp 1800 rpm DC motor with a very large gear ratio (not sure of the ratio). Should have plenty of torque. This is a machine I am looking to purchase that is incomplete. I'm not sure if I would complete it as was intended. I'm not too concerned of the weight on the acme rods, but am concerned of the timing between four rods. It would seem to me that any play at all would cause binding. This may be unwaurranted. I've attached the best pictures I have to show this. It has a separate DC motor for the guide adjustment. I would want to computerize the Z and X axis if I do make this purchase which I am leaning to. Too much of the really good figured stuff always gets set to the side. I want my share! So it would be a CNC saw mill.
Thanks for the reply. I was really hoping for a lot of input on this before making the purchase.
--Rick

[Appalachiatools]

I'll pick this machine up in a few weeks and will be posting more pictures. It's got a really good engine, new clutch set up (really smooth) and the saw itself is built like a tank. completely rebuilt '46 Dodge powerwagon hubs turning 26" Cook band wheels. Cook blade guide system, sweet blade tracking set up...Nice! Might have to make some design changes to the Z but I really liked what this fellow did. Beautiful work, just not complete. Still would like more input on the original question of the four acme rods??? Can't wait to get it to the shop, build the X carriage, log dogs, loader, add the motors, drives, hydraulics, etc...etc...
Should have an easy 30 grand plus band mill for 5 + or -...usually +++ ...More to come! Gunna be a sweet project!

--Rick

[Treischl]

Without a lot of waffling around, I think it will work. I have seen chain drives that have a LOT more slop in them used to do the same sort of thing. When those four screws turn, it is going to go up and down.

[samco]