Taper Turning
Creating conical surfaces
Process Steps
1. Taper Calculation
Calculate taper angle, length, and determine best method (compound, attachment, or offset).
2. Setup Selection
Set up chosen method: compound angle, taper attachment, or tailstock offset.
3. Initial Cutting
Take light cuts to establish taper, checking angle frequently.
4. Progress Checking
Measure taper using appropriate gauges or measurements at multiple points.
5. Final Sizing
Make finishing cuts to achieve required taper dimensions and surface finish.
Material-Specific Guidelines
Mild Steel
- • Good surface finish achievable with proper setup
- • Consistent feed rate important for taper accuracy
- • Standard cutting fluids work well
Recommended Speeds: 80-90 SFPM for HSS tools, 250-350 SFPM for carbide
Tooling Notes: Standard turning tools work well, use sharp tools for finish cuts
Tool Steel
- • Harder materials require slower speeds
- • Multiple passes essential
- • Heavy-duty cutting fluid recommended
Recommended Speeds: 40-50 SFPM for HSS tools, 150-200 SFPM for carbide
Tooling Notes: Carbide preferred, rigid tool holding essential
Brass/Bronze
- • Excellent for precision tapers
- • Higher speeds possible
- • Minimal cutting fluid needed
Recommended Speeds: 100-150 SFPM for HSS tools, 300-400 SFPM for carbide
Tooling Notes: Sharp tools with zero or negative rake work best
Quality Control Specifications
Taper Angle
Method: Sine bar and gauge blocks
Tolerance: ±0.001" per inch typical
Frequency: First piece and periodic
Surface Finish
Method: Visual and profilometer
Tolerance: 32-63 microinch typical
Frequency: Every taper
Taper Straightness
Method: Precision straight edge and feeler gauges
Tolerance: 0.001" per 6" typical
Frequency: Sample basis
Size at Critical Points
Method: Micrometers at specified locations
Tolerance: ±0.001" typical
Frequency: Every piece
Operation Difficulty
Advanced
Safety Guidelines
- • Calculate and verify taper angles before starting
- • Ensure proper workpiece support when using offset methods
- • Check taper attachment settings are locked
- • Use appropriate speeds for the taper angle
- • Verify tailstock alignment after returning to straight turning
Required Tooling
Taper Attachment
Mechanical guide for cutting precise tapers over long lengths
Compound Rest
For short tapers and precise angle settings
Sine Bar
For accurate measurement of taper angles
Taper Gauges
For checking standard tapers like Morse or MT tapers
Troubleshooting Guide
Incorrect Taper Angle
Verify compound rest angle, check taper attachment settings, confirm measurements
Poor Surface Finish
Adjust speed for varying diameter, maintain consistent feed, check tool geometry
Uneven Taper
Check gibs adjustment, verify ways alignment, ensure proper lubrication
Chatter on Taper
Use tailstock support when possible, reduce tool overhang, adjust speeds
Diameter Steps
Ensure smooth compound movement, check for backlash, maintain steady feed
Pro Tips & Tricks
Compound Rest Method
For short tapers, set compound rest to half the included angle. Take light cuts to maintain accuracy.
Best for: Short, precise tapers and morse tapers
Tailstock Offset
Calculate offset = (D-d)×12/L where D-d is taper and L is length. Double-check calculations.
Best for: Long tapers without taper attachment
Taper Attachment Use
Zero taper attachment carefully, lock all gibs, and maintain consistent feed rate.
Best for: Production runs and long tapers
Measurement Setup
Use precision roller method for checking large tapers. Calculate over-pins dimensions.
Best for: All precision taper work