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v0.31.12 · v0.28.181.40d · v0.23.130.23a This article is about the current version of DF. More Info

Vertical axle

b-M-v
○ X
Construction
Materials	Jobs
1 Log	Mechanics
Power
Uses 1 power per tile.

Horizontal axle

b-M-h
═ X
Construction
Materials	Jobs
1 Log per 3 tiles	Mechanics
Power
Uses 1 power per tile.

Axles are used to transmit power from a windmill or water wheel to a pump or millstone. There are two types: vertical axles move power between z-levels, while horizontal axles move it around within a given level. Axles consume 1 unit of power per tile.

For a basic overview of how the different machine parts work and work together, see machine component.

[edit] Construction

Axles are constructed via the machine components screen: b-M-h for horizontal, b-M-v for vertical. Changing direction requires a gear assembly at the corner between two perpendicular axles.

Horizontal axles require wood to construct, one log for 1-3 tiles length, two for 4-6, or three for 7-10. Vertical axles, however, require one log for every z-level.

Floor tiles will obstruct the transference of power over z-levels, so channels need to be dug through every floor through which a vertical axle passes.

Axles do not block unit movement and can be crossed by dwarves without being spooled around them.

Buildings
Workshops • Furnaces
Rooms	Barracks • Bedroom • Dining room • Dormitory Jail • Meeting hall • Hospital • Office • Sculpture garden • Tomb • Zoo
Furniture	Animal trap • Anvil • Armor stand • Bed • Bin • Bucket • Cabinet • Cage • Coffin • Container • Restraint • Seat • Statue • Table • Weapon rack
Access	Door • Floodgate • Bars • Grate • Floor hatch • Bridge • Road • Window
Constructions	Fortification • Floor • Stairs • Ramp • Wall
Machine & Trap parts	Axle • Gear assembly • Millstone • Screw pump • Water wheel • Windmill • Lever Pressure plate • Trap • Support
Other Buildings	Archery target • Kennel • Shop • Siege engine • Trade depot • Wagon • Well
Related Articles	Design strategies • Bedroom design • Cave-in • Computing • Furniture Industry