If you dont know how to use a taper attachment properly, this is an excellent E Book
https://archive.org/details/textbookofadvanc00smituoft , lots of illustrations. There are 2
types of taper turning attachment, the simple and telescoping, with the simple, the cross
slide is disconnected from the cross slide screw so it can freely move in and out, in the
telescoping, there is no cross slide disconnection.
Il gives you an example of how to set up a taper attachment for a 3/4 taper per foot NPT.
Roughly set up the taper attachment to the angle, then set up 2 dial indicators, one on the
cross slide, another on the lathe bed. On a 3/4 inch taper per foot, your cross slide dial will
move 0.03125 for every inch of travel along the lathe bed. Keep moving the carriage back
and forth, altering the taper attachment angle with the fine adjustment screw, until you get
a cross slide travel of 0.03125. 1 inch of travel horizontally on the dial on the lathe bed,
should result in 0.03125 travel on the dial on your cross slide.
There is ALWAYS backlash in a taper attachment, and you should be wary to take up your
backlash before you start a cut, or else your lathe will cut your shanks straight for an increment,
and then it will begin to taper.
A good idea would be to seek out a mentor if you dont know how to use a metal lathe safely,
many vocational schools offer night courses, and perhaps some crusty old codger in retirement
would show you how to set up a taper attachment, eather one of these would be VERY
beneficial towards your turning experience, not to mention the safety of yourself and your
machine. Asking how to set up a machine on the web is not very helpful, especially to beginners.
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