Setting tailstock option

[Tom O]

I was watching Mr Crispin and took a screenshot of this idea of using a boring head for setting the offset.

 

[PeterT]

Yes I have seen that done too & even have an MT3x1.5? arbor to marry my BH to tailstock socket. I have yet to try it but its on my list.
Some precautions:
- the BH is set ideally level but more importantly remains in same position during turning
- the BH does not rotate on its arbor adapter
- the MT shank doesn't rotate within TS socket
- lock the BH gib once set so its kind to the BH displacement under side cutting force

One thing that doesn't get a lot of mention is that when you drill a 60-deg center in stock & then position it offset in TS on a 60-deg point, it can become a problem at increasing taper angles. Its best to use a parabolic center drill so the dead center cone is tangent on the surface.

 

[trials20]

Any offset tapers I have done always used a bell or radius center drill for between centers.

 

[PeterT]

yup, that's the one I called 'parabolic' but I guess it has a few names

 

[jcdammeyer]

Any offset tapers I have done always used a bell or radius center drill for between centers.

Never seen one of those before but it makes sense. Of course with a South Bend taper attachment on the big lathe and my ELS on the Gingery it's not needed. But nice to know that sort of things exists.

 

[PeterT]

I have few regrets in my life, but not getting a taper attachment when I had the opportunity to include it ranks up there. I'll solve it eventually.

 

[jcdammeyer]

Hard to believe this was more than 15 years ago. Done with one of the original prototypes.