Full Version: Morse Tapers -- newbie question
What are the differences between #1 Morse Tapers and #2 Morse Tapers? It seems from some of the research I've been doing that some lathes will only take one or the other, but not both. Is one preferable to the other for pen making?
A morse taper is the classification of the degree of angle on the tailstock.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_taper#Morse
It makes no difference on the performance of the lathe.
All it means is that if your tailstock is a #2 Morse taper, then you need to buy tailtock tools that are also Morse taper #2.
However, there are adapters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_taper#Morse
It makes no difference on the performance of the lathe.
All it means is that if your tailstock is a #2 Morse taper, then you need to buy tailtock tools that are also Morse taper #2.
However, there are adapters.
EDIT - really, it was answered above.
For some reason, pen mandrel prices vary by the size of the morse taper. The #2 morse taper mandrel was less expensive than the #1 at Woodcraft, even though the #2 is larger, and would take more metal.
- George
For some reason, pen mandrel prices vary by the size of the morse taper. The #2 morse taper mandrel was less expensive than the #1 at Woodcraft, even though the #2 is larger, and would take more metal.
- George
The morse taper #2 is most common so that makes it cheaper because more are sold. 
Morse tapers are used on tailstocks, some headstocks, and many mills and drills as well. The specific size of the taper depends on the size of machine. Very small lathes can use MT0 tailstock tapers. My small Atlas 618 has an MT1 tailstock and MT2 headstock. Bigger machines, bigger tapers.
You can also get adapters to do things like put an MT2 arbor into an MT3 tailstock, etc.
You can also get adapters to do things like put an MT2 arbor into an MT3 tailstock, etc.
QUOTE(Bruno @ Jun 15 2008, 05:09 PM) [snapback]641053[/snapback]
Morse tapers are used on tailstocks, some headstocks, and many mills and drills as well. The specific size of the taper depends on the size of machine. Very small lathes can use MT0 tailstock tapers. My small Atlas 618 has an MT1 tailstock and MT2 headstock. Bigger machines, bigger tapers.
You can also get adapters to do things like put an MT2 arbor into an MT3 tailstock, etc.
You can also get adapters to do things like put an MT2 arbor into an MT3 tailstock, etc.
All very interesting! I guess it's something I have to take note of, but not really worry about so much -- just make sure I'm using consistent materials and tools.
As a general principle:
Bigger Taper = Stiffer (better) = Stronger (better) = Heavier (difficult to handle) = More expensive (worse).
For small lathes MT2 is the cheapest common one, with MT3 being a bit more expensive. MT1 equipment is generally less common, and so tends to be more expensive than MT3.
My lathe has an MT4 headstock & MT3 tailstock. It's useful for metalworking, while most woodworking lathes with their lighter loads can get away with MT2 equipment all round.
If you're only making pens - even metal ones - MT2 should be adequate as the loads will be fairly low and close to the lathe axis.
Where I work they have an MT7 taper on the radial drill - and the Morse Taper twist drills used in it really need a crane to take them to the machine. Not what you want at home!
Regards
Richard.
Bigger Taper = Stiffer (better) = Stronger (better) = Heavier (difficult to handle) = More expensive (worse).
For small lathes MT2 is the cheapest common one, with MT3 being a bit more expensive. MT1 equipment is generally less common, and so tends to be more expensive than MT3.
My lathe has an MT4 headstock & MT3 tailstock. It's useful for metalworking, while most woodworking lathes with their lighter loads can get away with MT2 equipment all round.
If you're only making pens - even metal ones - MT2 should be adequate as the loads will be fairly low and close to the lathe axis.
Where I work they have an MT7 taper on the radial drill - and the Morse Taper twist drills used in it really need a crane to take them to the machine. Not what you want at home!
Regards
Richard.
QUOTE(richardandtracy @ Jun 16 2008, 05:48 AM) [snapback]641679[/snapback]
Where I work they have an MT7 taper on the radial drill - and the Morse Taper twist drills used in it really need a crane to take them to the machine. Not what you want at home!
Regards
Richard.
Regards
Richard.
Yes, yes I do. And the crane. too.
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