Where a machine is situated close to one of the columns or timber uprights of the building it is very customary to carry the belt shifter device upon the column, as in Fig. 11. The sudden stoppage of a machine seldom does any damage, whereas an unexpected starting may cause irreparable damage and often even endanger the limb and life of the machine operative.
To avoid the possibility of some passing person brushing up against the shifting lever and thus starting the machine, the tight and loose pulleys of the countershaft should be so placed that when _A_ is exposed--that is, away from the column--its accidental shifting shall stop the machine. Fig 12 makes this point clear.
This arrangement is often used to save a collar (at _A_). The oil runs out between the loose pulley and the bearing, especially if the latter be a split bearing; the loose pulley, instead of being totally free when the belt is on the tight pulley, acts more or less, in proportion to the end play of the shaft, as a buffer between the tight pulley and the bearing; finally, the tight pulley is deprived of the support (which, when under load, it can use to good advantage) a nearer proximity to the hanger would give it.
The shafts of light-working counters should not be needlessly marred with spotting or flats for collar set-screws, nor should cup or pointed set-screws (which mar a shaft) be used. If the collar be sharply tapped with a hammer, diametrically opposite the set-screw, while it is being tightened up, all slack is taken out of the collar; and the hold is such that, without resource to the same expedient when loosening the collar, a screwdriver will scarcely avail against a slotted set-screw.
When required to sink the head of a bolt into a timber to admit of the timbers lying snug in or against some spot, if allowable, the bolt's future turning can be guarded against by cutting the hole square to fit the bolt head. But where a washer must be used, the only positive and practical way to prevent the bolt from turning is to drive a nail (as shown) into _A_ (Fig. 13) far enough for the nail head to flush _B_; now bend the head down behind the bolt toward _c_. It is evident that if the bolt tries to turn in the direction of 3 the nail end (wood held) will prevent it; if toward 4, the nail head will be forced against the wood and catch hold of the bolt head.