The critical setting for the pre-load on the front bearing was listed by the makers as being "sealed" (presumably against casual interference); however, the arrangement was designed so that a toothed ring could be moved slightly to alter the setting of the seal housing, but without disturbing the seal itself.

Supported at three points the 39 mm-diameter bore, 5 Morse taper spindle ran at the front in a pair of precision-grade, back-to-back pre-loaded taper roller bearings; in the middle by a single roller bearing and at the rear in a ball race. As a further aid to smooth running, the main spindle gears were of helical form - the extra end thrust generated by this type confirming the need for a particularly well-supported spindle nose.

Although the makers claimed great rigidity for the headstock it was formed as an open-topped rectangular box sealed by a hinged lid - a design fault then common even amongst lathes advertised as intended for "toolroom work".

From the input pulley the drive passed through an easily adjusted, oil-immersed multi-plate clutch with alternate hardened steel and phosphor bronze discs. Connected to the clutch was a powerful brake, also oil immersed and claimed to be maintenance free for its service life.