a few light taps of the hammer set it firmly in place, so that you
know that there is no danger of its working loose. The taper will then
project about three-quarters of an inch from the face of the chuck. By
means of a sharp graver, make the face of the taper smooth and straight,
and cut off the taper end. Now mark a point on the taper about one-fourth
of an inch from the end, and proceed to turn down the diameter from this
point to the end, leaving that portion of the taper about two-thirds of
its original diameter, and finish with a nice square shoulder. Now with
a long-pointed sharp graver proceed to cut a nice V-shaped center with an
angle of about 60 deg.. When you have proceeded thus far you will find that
you have an implement resembling that shown in Fig. 22.

[Illustration: _Fig. 22._]

Care must be taken that the center is quite true, and that no projection
is left like that illustrated in Fig. 21, no matter how minute it may be.
Now examine the center by the aid of a strong glass, and after you are
satisfied with its appearance proceed to test it. Take a large sized pin
with a good point, and placing the point in the center, maintain it in
position by pressing upon the head, and while revolving the lathe slowly
proceed to examine by means of your glass. If the center is a good one
there will be no perceptible vibration of the pin.

Now procure a piece of small brass tubing with an internal diameter a
little less than that of the turned down portion of your taper. If the
brass tubing cannot be procured readily, you can substitute a piece of
brass wire a little larger than the taper, and by means of a drill a
little smaller in diameter than the turned down portion you can readily
make a small tube about one-half inch long. Now by means of a broach
proceed to open the tube to a point one-quarter inch from one end, and
carefully fit it on the turned down portion of your taper. After fitting
tightly to the shoulder of the taper, proceed to turn out the other end
until it will take in the hub of your staff easily and leave a little
room to spare. Now turn your tube down in length until a little of the
hub is exposed either way you put the staff in. Turn the outside of the
tube smooth and to correspond with the outline of the taper, so you will
have a nice looking job when completed. Just below where the hub will
come drill a small hole in the tube and remove all burr, both inside and
out, that may have been made