by John Meacham
A previous email tip (MW, December 08) about centering a round piece under the mill is similar to how I set my lathe tool at center height. I put a steel rule (use an old rule!) between the cutter and the work and if the rule is vertical the cutter is on the center.
The same trick can be used when you have turned a taper by setting the tailstock over (I have an Atlas where the tail stock can be moved horizontally to set up a taper between centers). To bring the centers back in alignment, pinch that same steel rule between a headstock center and tailstock center and when the rule is square to the bed the centers are aligned close enough for most jobs.
Thanks John! Your subscription has been extended by an issue!
