A
line shaft is a power driven rotating shaft for
power transmission that was used extensively from the
Industrial Revolution until the early 20th century. Prior to the widespread use of
electric motors small enough to be connected directly to each piece of machinery, line shafting was used to distribute
power from a large central power source to machinery throughout a workshop or an industrial complex. The central power source could be a
water wheel, turbine, windmill, animal power or a
steam engine. Power was distributed from the shaft to the machinery by a system of
belts,
pulleys and gears known as
millwork.