Ed, I found the HSM issue and was able to determine that the gears link the 2 spindle housings so that they rotate equally when the cutter "opening" is adjusted. 
I see now the cutters are freewheeling, I initially thought the gears might "time" the cutters to keep the crosshatch consistent.
I see now the cutters are freewheeling, I initially thought the gears might "time" the cutters to keep the crosshatch consistent.
Busy Bee 12-36 lathe, Busy Bee Mill drill, Busy Bee 4x6 bandsaw, Homemade 9x17 bandsaw, Ad infinitum.