Tailstock turning attachment

[johnnielsen]

I would use a big boring head in the tailstock and a reverse taper live centre with a decent sized ball bearing super glued in it and mount the shaft to be turned between centres. Use a ball nose mill of a diameter corresponding to the ball bearing to create a seat for the ball bearing. That way you can turn steeper tapers.

 

[Tom Kitta]

I would use a big boring head in the tailstock and a reverse taper live centre with a decent sized ball bearing super glued in it and mount the shaft to be turned between centres. Use a ball nose mill of a diameter corresponding to the ball bearing to create a seat for the ball bearing. That way you can turn steeper tapers.

Essentially just build a straight shaft live center that fits your big boring head. You need two or three bearings - one is thrust bearing, one or two are ball or better bearings. I guess you could go for roller bearing that can take both type of loads as well.