Making a Morse Taper Reamer

by Phil Colson
Woodturner

I had a friend call the other day to complain that his Morse Taper on his drive center wouldn't seat properly in the quill. I've had the same problem. Many times "CRUD" can and will find its way in the quill not allowing complete contact for the Morse taper to seat properly. Simple solution – clean the quill, but how?

Make a Morse Taper Reamer.

Put 220 grit sandpaper on the reamer and rotate the reamer (do not turn the lathe on) in the quill. Use a little mineral spirits or alcohol to clean the residue left by the cleaning. I don't know where to buy a quill Morse Taper Reamer, so you make it yourself. Take your drive center as a model for the correct taper and turn the taper with a handle. Cut a slot in the taper for the sandpaper to slide in and wrap. It's the best "ANTI-CRUD" tool I know.

It works for me.

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Phil can be reached directly via email at woodturnerphil@gmail.com.


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