Axle

From DwarfFortressWiki

Axles are used to transmit power from a windmill or water wheel to a pump or mill. There are two types: vertical axles move power between z-levels; while horizontal axles move it around within a given level and can be resized using u, m, j and k. Axles consume 1 unit of power per tile. They can be resized to a maximum of 10 tiles long.

[edit] Construction

Horizontal axles can be constructed from the Machine Components ( b M ) screen with the h key.

• Changing direction requires a joint in the axle, which must employ a gear assembly.
• Axles also consume power to the tune of 1 point per tile, which encourages building your power sources close to the things they power.

Axles require wood to construct. The number needed is determined by the materials formula, which states that if x is the number of materials needed and y is the number of squares in the axle/bridge/etc, x=(y+1)/4, rounded up.

[edit] How to transfer power between Z-levels

After you have a gear assembly or windmill in place on Z=0, you need to switch to Z-1 and build a channel directly underneath. Then, build a vertical axle over the channel on Z-1. Then, you will receive power on Z-2. Rinse and repeat.

If using waterwheels on Z=0, make sure that underneath the gearbox on Z=0 is a channel. Then, on Z-1, directly below the gearbox, place either a channel and a hanging vertical axle (an axle with a channel under it, attached only to the above gearbox) if you want to use power on level Z-2, or just place a gearbox directly underneath the Z=0 gearbox with a channel between them, and you can use power on Z-1.