Turning a taper, which is the prefered method?

[HRgx]

If I wanted to taper a shaft that is approximately 26" or so long. I'm thinking gun barrel blank here. Would it be best to use my steady rest and move it the the desired offset. Or, would it be best to use my taper attachment which guides my cross slide as required?

 

[kd4gij]

Taper Attachment hands down.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

i haven't ever had a working machine with a taper attachment, as a result i never really tried to turn tapers.
the idea of making an concentric and accurate taper, i thought was beyond my ability.

i was wrong!
i had to go by tailstock offset to reproduce an MT2 taper for a tailstock centerdrill holder, and it worked beautifully!

it would be nice to know different methods to do the same thing

good luck and please post the results, i'm very interested in any outcome

 

[Tozguy]

I have two barrels that need to be tapered and this is my approach.
I don't have a taper attachment. Practice on a barrel stub has been promising.

 

[kvt]

I know on a mini lathe I have seen an offset able center for the tailstock. That way you could offset it the amount needed. Then turn between centers.

 

[Wreck™Wreck]

i haven't ever had a working machine with a taper attachment, as a result i never really tried to turn tapers.
the idea of making an concentric and accurate taper, i thought was beyond my ability.

i was wrong!
i had to go by tailstock offset to reproduce an MT2 taper for a tailstock centerdrill holder, and it worked beautifully!

it would be nice to know different methods to do the same thing

good luck and please post the results, i'm very interested in any outcome

On a good day you will turn a taper without effort, the more important question is how do I not turn a taper.

 

[Ray C]

The proper methods of turning a taper that long would be (in order of precedence):

1) Use a machine designed and dedicated for such a purpose.
2) Spin between centers with a tailstock offset (you'll need a cathead to support along the way).
3) Use a lathe with a taper attachment (most of them are limited to short travels of about 10-14 inches).
4) Inch along using the compound (buy 2-3 barrel blanks and maybe 1 will survive but still look ugly).

Regards

Ray C.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

On a good day you will turn a taper without effort, the more important question is how do I not turn a taper.

good point!!!

 

[Robert LaLonde]

I picked up an offsettable tailstock center. Made my own lathe dog.

 

[petertha]

I have two barrels that need to be tapered and this is my approach.

I don't have taper attachment & I keep returning to this setup as what I should try. What prevents the boring head from rotating or is there just not enough twist force acting on the center? Does your MT arbor have a tang to engage the tailstock or is it tang-less?