Countershaft
A short shafting mounted on two uprights, used extensively by American watch-makers. It is indispensable in using milling tools, wheel cutters, and pivot polishers. Fig. 99 illustrates one of several patterns of countershafts used by watchmakers. In some of the patterns the uprights extend through the top of the bench and are held firmly in place by means of nuts or thumb screws. The pattern shown in the illustration is mounted on a solid metal base which can be fastened to the bench by means of screws. The advantages of using a countershaft are three fold; first, you are able to regulate your speed perfectly; second, your belt is carried to the back of the bench, where it is out of the way, instead of coming down in front of the head; third, you obviate the necessity of having holes in your bench on each side of the lathe, that small articles may drop through.