Continuous rod-making machines

A rotary ledger for a continuous rod-making machine includes gears (50,54) having interengaging teeth which are subjected to a pressure applied by resilient means to reduce or eliminate backlash. The pressure is applied as a predetermined torque applied through coaxial gear portions (50A, 50B, 54A, 54B) which are effectively urged to rotate in opposite direction swhile remaining engaged with a common further gear (46). A rotary torque limiting device (74) is connected to one end of a flat torsion spring (68) the other end of which is connected to one of the coaxial gear portions (50A) for applying the torque. An oil flow arrangement (124-132) is provided for ensuring adequate lubrication of at least one bearing (120) for a shaft (42) extending through the ledger housing (38) while preventing escape of oil with possible consequent contamination of the rod. The arrangement includes an oil supply path passing through the bearing in a direction from the interior of the housing, an oil receiving chamber within the housing, and a collector tube which collects oil by action of centrifical force as the housing rotates and returns it to the interior of the housing.