[36] From “Machine Tools,” by William Sellers and Co.
Countershafts are separate sections of shafting (usually a short section) employed to increase or diminish belt speed, to alter the direction of belt motion, to carry a loose as well as a fast pulley (so that by moving the belt on to the loose pulley it may cease to communicate motion to the machine driven), and for all these purposes combined.
Fig. 2594.
Fig. 2595.
An excellent form of countershaft hanger is shown in [Fig. 2594], the guide for the slide being adjustable along the arm, and fixed in its adjusted position by means of the set-screws. The bearing is self-adjusting horizontally for alignment. The countershaft is shown in [Fig. 2595], a b being the bearings, c the cone pulley, d the fast and e the loose pulley, which is placed next to the bearing, so that it may be oiled without having to reach past the belt and fast pulley. By reducing the journal for the loose pulley no collar is needed, the shaft shoulder and the face of the bearing serving instead.