What kinds of machines do you have for this job?
How many do you need to make; in other words, how much is it worth to
build some tooling/fixtures?

What I'm toying with is the idea of a custom travel rest with a good
heavy sleeve bearing for the 1/4 stock, sturdy tool on the compound.
Some method* to produce the taper from small end to large end as the
slide moves toward the head end. Take the full cut in one go, like in a
box turning cutter.

* methods could range from CNC to judicious handwheel turning based on a
table of dial marks vs slide travel. An actual taper attachment for the
cross slide would make this a piece of cake, even avoid eating it all in
one whack.

Sounds like fun to someone who doesn't have to do it!
--
Fred R
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