[Shop-talk] Identifying taper and threading attachments on a

[arvidj at visi.com (Arvid Jedlicka)]

And just thought of one more thing. For threading the lead screw needs to be 
reversible -- apron moves towards the chuck rather than away from the 
chuck -- if you want to cut "normal" right hand threads. Many smaller 
lathes -- 9 and 10 inch swings and smaller -- need to have a "reverse 
tumbler" installed to cut the threads. There are many links available on the 
web to suggest how to create this device. I think most bigger lathes -- 12 
inch and greater swing -- come with selectable lead screw direction built 
in.

Certainly no expert in the lathe world but stuff I've picked up while trying 
to buy one,
Arvid