To Taper a Barrel

[ormachine]

Is there an easy way to full length taper a barrel on a manual lathe ?
The barrel in question is 30 HB.
The lathe I have is a Jet 13 X 36, 1985 vintage.

Thanks, Ron

[Bob Ford]

A lathe bit sharpened as per Sherline. http://www.sherline.com/grinding.htm They cut well on sherline lathes. Use light cuts. Otherwise a belt grinder and a spindle to hold the barrel.

Bob

[JCHannum]

As Bob says, use a sharp cutter and light cuts. I use the tailstock offset to get the taper and turn between centers. Chatter can be a problem, but if it is not too bad, the barrel can be cleaned up with a lathe file.

Does the Jet have 36" between centers?

[ormachine]

JC , yes I have 36 between center

Ron

[JCHannum]

Ron; then turning between centers should not pose a problem. I usually turn a plug with bore diameter on one end and a flange on the other for the centers to run in so the bore is not damaged.