There are a lot of pitches that can be achieved using stock Legacy gearing components. There came a time where I need a different range that could not be provided by Legay, so I started to make my own.
I've also explored quick change gear boxes, and different ways to increase and reduce the gear train ratios.
I've made gears that range from 10 teeth to 135 teeth for my Legacy. They are all designed in CAD first and then cut out on a CNC Laser. I can custom make any gear, but I will not make stock Legacy gears unless they are no longer made available at some time in the future.
I offer an Extended Pitch Set that includes a 20, 32, 48,72,80 and 96 tooth gears. This gives you 9, 5.625, 3.75, 2.5, 2.25, and 1.875 pitch. Using Legacy's reducer or multiplier gears you can add more to your range.
Using Legacy's stock gears and a few home spun parts I was able to add a multiplier to my Legacy. I didn't test it for very long, but it did work. I spent less than an hour putting it together. I've considered making a real version some day, but I don't need long pitches that often.
I will add a picture later of the prototype.
Using Legacy's stock gears I thought I could reverse the process and make a reducer. Bad idea, thinks wear poppping, and very hard to turn. I see why Legacy gears the reducer the way they do. After expirementing I realize there is more than one way to get a reduction, but I have not completed my prototype yet.
More later as details develop.
I've developed a quick change gear Box, but it is rather complicated to turn into reality. It's not very economically feasible, but it would be a cool feature to be able to change your pitch on the fly. I also came up with an electronic leadscrew that would allow you to change the drive using elctric motors and a custom PIC chip. Also a bit complicated. With CNC becoming the latest trend, I doubt I will persue this idea further.
An Extended Pitch Set and custom gears are available from me. Please feel free to contact me. I will not duplicate Legacy's stock gears. There is a fee for design if I do not currently have the gear designed and manufactured at least once.
Disclaimer: I am not associated with Legacy Woodworking or Phantom Engineering.
If you have any question or comments, please feel free to email me. Tim
Web Page created 10-29-09 All right reserved.