Compound rest degree

[Mini Cooper S]

I always keep mine at 90 degrees. That makes it very convenient to dial accurate cuts such as steps or pockets in my work. About the only time that I move it is for cutting tapers and threading, for threading I was taught by an old German lathe hand to set the compound at 29 and a half degrees.
Richard

 

[Pevehouse]

I modified my lathe cross slide by adding premachined steel tee slots bolted on from the underside. Then I made a new topslide of my own design that can be moved anywhere and set at any angle on the cross slide. It is locked solidly in position by the lever on the side of the topslide. So setting it to an angle or location is simple and quick.
Alan
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Nice, very clever design