> > I believe he was using Archimedes screws (ie like the square- > > cut drive screws on a lathe bed) > > Ah, that would be Acme threads (cue the Roadrunner! :-) Yes, it would "The Acme thread form uses a 29 degree pitch with flat apex and valley. The Acme screw thread is stronger than V-profile 60 degree threads. Wear can be compensated for with a "split nut". Typically found where large loads or accuracy is required as in vises or the lead screw of a lathe" It was described to me once as an Archimedes screw, and that's what I assumed it was called, but an Archimedes screw is more like an auger (eg post-hole borer) I'm sure I've seen big lead screws with zero pitch, ie take a rod and spiral square bar around it. One project many years ago might have needed a platform height adjustment and I enquired about such a screw. It've had to be machined specially and horrifically expensive, in that order (PS, sorry, it was Gerhard doing the lab, M. Adam Davis is Pimp My Crib) -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist