The third method is by the swing or height of centres and by the greatest length of work that can be held between the lathe centres, which is equal to the length of the bed less the lengths of the head and tailstock together.
"Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II"
Joshua Rose
If there is space between the tool point and the turned end of the bar, the tailstock requires setting over towards the back of the lathe, while if the tool takes a cut the tailstock requires to be set over towards the operator.
"Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II"
Joshua Rose
A groove is cut as at E and D, these diameters corresponding to the required taper; a holder A is then put in the tool point, and to this holder is pivoted the gauge B. The tailstock is set over until the point of B will just touch the bottom of the groove at each end of the work.
"Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II"
Joshua Rose