Another Newb Question- Best cutting tool for tapers?

Having just started out, I'm somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of cutting tools out there for for various cutting projects.

I was hoping that someone could advise me what the best type of tool is for turning tapers?

I'm using an Emco Unimat 5 and am unsure if I have a suitable tool amongst the small selection I received with the machine after the auction.

Thanks in advance,

Simon

Should have mentioned I'm looking at the offsetting the topslide method.

Hi Simon,

you don't say what kind of tools you have for your Emco - HSS or carbide?

If you are using HSS tools I would start with a roughing tool and and use a finishing tool for the last cuts.

At the Sherline site there is an article about grinding your own HSS tools that you may find helpful. This site explains the lathe, tools and its use.

Thor

Your right hand turning tool that you use for reducing the diameter of parallel parts will do fine for your taper, it does not need to be any different from a standard turning tool.

J

You may also read in some books that the height of the tool has to be exactly on the center height or the taper will turn out barrel shaped,

This is a bit of a red herring as Geo.H Thomas worked out that as long as you are around 20 thou or so of the center heigth the amount of barrel shapping is so small you not be able to measure it.

Mike

I would use a HSS tool specially if the taper is long, and between centres, by doing this the pressure of the tool against the work can be lower than if you use Carbide tools, this helps eliminate flexing of the work. HSS allows you to take very fine cuts as you finish the work. Ian S C