Thanks for the replies.

The taper is narrower at the tail stock and increases as you get nearer the chuck

I initially used a piece of 1/2" aluminium bar 4" long secured in the chuck I centred the cutter then faced the work piece no dimple so I then used the top slide to make a 1" long straight cut. I did this in small passes then removed the piece and miked it there was a definite taper.

I tried again with a piece of 5/8" bar stock 4" long secured I the chuck faced it then started to turn the bar stock I ended up with a taper a smaller diameter at the tail stock and larger at the chuck its not a huge amount but as I bought the lathe to make small machine parts that have to be a exact measurement if I can not sort this then the lathe is no use to me.

I have had it a month the speed control knob proved to be useless after two days I replaced it with one from a needle valve we use at work.

Adjusting the cross slide is a pain to morrow I am going to modify it so it is more user friendly.

None of the verniers on any of the adjusting wheely things are accurate.

Up to now I am not very happy with this lathe. I have lots of projects I want to get under way but there is no way I would tackle any of them with this lathe.