Leo  wrote:

> There are a few ways to fit the taper to the socket.  One way I would like
> to mention is to hold the chisel in your hand, and with the wood spinning in
> the lathe, press it gently onto the taper, until you see smoke.  Then take a
> light cut to remove the blackened wood, and press it on for another try.  In
> a few cycles, you can produce an excellent fit.

I'M not much of a turner, but do you mean that the handle is only fastened
to the lather at one end and the other end is hanging out in the open??

Ed Minch