Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Cydrome Leader" wrote in message
...

What about for cutting the parts?

I use a sherline, so the compound slide cuts from the "back" of the
lathe
with upside down toolbits. I've just been touching the end of the
work
with the cutter tip and then doing the math and making the cuts. I
touch
off on the end of the work piece as if I prick it and mess up the
surface,
it doesn't matter as that side gets cut off anyways. I can't think
if any
tricks to make this easier, but I'm all ears if there are tips for
this.

Your question is unclear. Are you asking how to cut-off to a specific
length?

I normally measure from the cutoff blade to the end of the work with a
ruler, which is good to about 0.01". For closer accuracy the end rod
on a 4" dial caliper serves well.

I mean to cut a chamfer, where the size matters, say for a 45 degree
compression fitting.

I had to make a few of these, and in theory the distance from the OD or
the end of the rod to where the cut starts is the same for 45 degrees.

The parts I made will work fine, but I noticed there's not a really good
way to measure them just to be sure. There's nothing for calipers to catch
on so it's an issue of make the cuts and just hope it's right.