05-09-2016, 12:20 PM
My understanding is that there are 2 benefits: first, you can do longer tapers than the setting the compound slide; second, it utilizes the power feed rather than cranking the handles.
One *could* turn tapers between centers by setting the tail stock off-center, as well, and this could also utilize the power feed.
However, that requires re-centering the tail stock (much like tramming the head on a mill, a minor PITA.) The best way I've found is to put a Blake CoAx indicator in the chuck (or collet would be better), and sweep the tailstock live center.
One *could* turn tapers between centers by setting the tail stock off-center, as well, and this could also utilize the power feed.
However, that requires re-centering the tail stock (much like tramming the head on a mill, a minor PITA.) The best way I've found is to put a Blake CoAx indicator in the chuck (or collet would be better), and sweep the tailstock live center.