Conical taper to pro-taper

[fish2]

Got a cheap shaft 13mm that has a conical taper, i want to sand it down to have a pro-taper for the first 10 inches, what grades of sandpaper do I use? I do have a small lathe

 

[xX-Wizard-Xx]

Use 8000 grit sand paper and pray for patience

 

[JacobyToby]

Use 8000 grit sand paper and pray for patience

OUCH!

 

[JoeyInCali]

6" sheets of 220 and up

 

[boogieman]

Ideally you can go through the grits, start a bit coarse, then go up to finer getting rid of the grooves from the previous step. If you do this be sure to have good ventilation. Preferably a dust extractor. If you don't have that do it outside or in a garage with a mask. Trust me, the fine dust gets everywhere, especially when turning and you get to the finer grits.

It's a real PITA, even with a lathe but it can be done. But you really don't want to be breathing the dust in. If you don't have a dust extractor be prepared for itchy eyes from the fine dust, maybe some swim goggles and a mask at minimum.

 

[Sheldon]

Save yourself the trouble and send it to someone that can turn it down with a cutter?

 

[Busbee Cue]

CNC is your friend for these type of jobs.

 

[Kim Bye]

Got a cheap shaft 13mm that has a conical taper, i want to sand it down to have a pro-taper for the first 10 inches, what grades of sandpaper do I use? I do have a small lathe

It's relatively easy to sand an existing taper down, But to sand a new taper is much more difficult. The chances you'll end up with highs and lows and possibly end up with a toothpick in the process is definitely there..
If the shaft is nice and true, it's much better to have it retapered properly.

 

[riedmich]

I would recommend not to do this by yourself as you are not experienced with this stuff, better you let this being done by an experienced profession.