[TheForge] machining degree wedges

[Ralph Sproul]

        On most of the die keys the taper of the key is 1,  1 1/2, or 2
degrees.  I was trying to figure out what the actual measure per inch is and
consulted a chart in the trigonometry book.  It looks like charts show a
proportionate ratio between parts of a triangle.......so is it the Sine or
the Tangent you are concerned with when setting up a wedge, ram, and
dovetail taper??
        I noticed the numbers are insugnificant(as far as a difference) in
the 1 & 2 degree chart, but which one is it when you get to larger angles?
Just wondering if anyone has any machinery layout experience in this.
        So is the bottom line  - a 1 degree angle should be .017 per inch,
and a 2 degree angle should be .035 per inch?..........is that what those
charts are saying?


Ralph