Thread: Taper turning with the top slide

I came across a description on setting the top slide for taper turning and so far it is the easiest method I have come across..

You need a dial indicator with magnetic base and an accurate method to measure the movement of the saddle along the bed...I use the DRO..

It works like this.. You work out the taper you need in mm/m or inches/ft or whatever measurement you want to work with...

You then put the magnetic base on the bed and put the dial indicator against the top slide... Now you put the top slide to the approximate angle you require.. You zero the dial indicator and move the saddle along the bed a certain distance, taking note of the amount the dial indicator moves.. From this you can work out the taper the top slide is set at and move it accordingly.. It is a lot easier to do then explain... Here are some pics..

That's a beaut RC, should stop the taper from forever walking towards the headstock..

That way is a good idea if you have DRO .
This is my solution if you don't have a DRO. http://www.woodworkforums.com/f189/m...r-gauge-80354/