A simple solution to lock the carrier tray on the Legacy Ornamental Mill model 900
by Tim Krause
Legacy uses two split shaft collars located on the lead screws to lock the carrier tray in place to make a cut. The shaft collars are mounted on the x-axis screw and capture the split nut which prevents the carrier tray from moving left to right. To lock the tray, you use an allen wrench to loosen the screw on each shaft collar and slide the collars to the desired position and tighten the screws. I found this to be time consuming. I also did not like the collars rotating with the x-axis screw and rubbing against the split nut during turning operations when the carrier is locked in place.
Over the years there have been many ideas used to make this a tool less process to increase the speed and convenience of locking the X-axis. One such solution is two stop blocks mounted on the top of the bed rails to capture the carrier tray. This was an improvement to the problem. The idea uses thumb screws or different style of hand knobs and Legacy's small mounting hardware or bolts ground to size. This locking style still requires moving two components to lock the carrier tray in place.
My solution to the problem increases efficiency by using only one hand knob to lock the carrier tray in place. The lock is conveniently located to the left rear side of the machine.
The lock is accomplished by creating a new style of locking plate that rides in upper groove of the rear upper bed rail . A bracket is mounted to the carrier tray using an existing hole. The bracket is formed with tabs that seat into the rail to prevent the bracket from twisting. A Delrin washer is captured between the bracket and the top portion of the rail. A hand knob holds the components together. The components can bee seen below.
When the knob is tightened, the locking plate pinches the rail and the bracket together locking the carrier tray in place. With the hand knob loose, the assembly slides freely.
With this new style of locking system, I'm able to keep my left hand on the x-axis locking hand knob and use my right hand to move the carrier tray left or right and lock it in place. This is very fast and efficient compared to the stock method. This new addition saves quite a bit of time by eliminating the need to hunt for the allen wrench and rotating the x-axis screw just to gain access to the small screws on the shaft collars.
I made some extra prototypes of the components. Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing the TK X-Axis Locking kit. My standard warranty applies, the components are provided as is with no possibility of return or refunds. This kit is designed for the Model 900 but may fit on other models. It simply has not been verified yet.
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 5-18-10 All right reserved.