In article , David Billington
says...

I have been asked if I can make some items that use a steel rod tapering
from 1/4" down to 3/32" over about 7". All I can think of at the moment
is to try and turn it but using a special tailstock centre to allow it
to be placed in tension and offset the tailstock to set the taper as
normal. The taper doesn't have to be accurate, it could be slightly
barreled, but does need to be smooth. Any body have any better ideas.

I think this would typically be done using a taper attachment.

If you don't have a taper attachment, turn it between centers
and set over the tailstock.

Jim


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