lathes.co.uk home page   Machine Tool Archive     Machine Tools For Sale & Wanted
E-MAIL   Tony@lathes.co.uk

Pool 4-inch "Special" Lathe Countershaft
Photographs of a particularly fine and original Pools Special 2 of 5
Page 2   Page 3  Page 4  Page 5
Bed & Headstock   Tailstock    Apron & Compound Slide   Pools Miller   Pool 3-inch Special
Pools Home Page    Buying a Pools, 1939    Advertising Leaflet Cover    Major Lathe

By 1939 Pool were offering a heavily-built,  4-speed countershaft unit (obviously inspired by the American Atlas lathe) that could be bolted to the maker's stand or onto an ordinary bench. The bearings were supported in exactly the same (ingenious) Atlas way between adjustable studs and even the large drive pulley exhibited the same "wavy-spoke" appearance as the American machine.
Although a very convenient fitting, and far superior to wall and ceiling mounted countershafts, the design fell short in certain areas: the motor was bolted directly to the rear of the upright, instead of a hinged plate (which meant that to adjust the primary belt tension the motor had to me slid up and down its generously-long mounting slots) and whilst the belt-tensioning lever on early versions was a lovely, heavy casting ( later slimmed down to incorporate a short bar) there was no screw adjustment incorporated in its "cam action" - a design failing that meant a limited range over which to tension the belt which consequently had to be exactly the right length.
Despite these drawbacks all the pulley were, to the advantage of a considerable "flywheel" effect (and a reliable, long life) made from cast iron.
Additional countershaft pictures can be found HERE
   

Atlas-inspired heavily-built,  4-speed countershaft unit that could be bolted either to the maker's stand or onto an ordinary bench

As was common on many small lathes of the era, no changewheel, backgear or belt guards were fitted  - although most American-manufactured  small lathes had had them for some time.

The belt-tensioning lever on early versions was a lovely, heavy casting ( later slimmed down to incorporate a short bar) but there was no screw adjustment incorporated in its "cam action" which meant a limited range over which to tension the belt - which consequently had to be exactly the right length.

The expensive all V-belt drive countershaft of the later models was bolted to the back of the optional cast-iron chip tray. Additional countershaft pictures can be found HERE.

Home       Machine Tool Archive       Lathes for Sale
E-MAIL   Tony@lathes.co.uk

Pools
Photographs of a particularly fine and original Pools Special
Countershaft
Countershaft   Tailstock   Apron & Compound Slide   Pools Miller   Pool 3-inch Special
Pools Home Page    Buying a Pools, 1939    Advertising Leaflet Cover    Major Lathe