ATM tapering tubing

[Donald Clement <clement@inetworld.net>]

A truss tube tapered on both ends seems to be the ideal truss element. I
have been thinking of methods of tapering straight aluminum tubing. One
approach would be to turn a tapered insert. Chuck the tube with insert
in a lathe and use a process like metal spinning to form the tube end to
the shape of the insert. Another approach would be to use a tool like a
hand knurler with the knurls replaced with smooth wheels to form the
tube to the tapered shape. The insert could be threaded axially to act
as an attachment point. 

Don Clement
San Diego/Running Springs