You can actually drill right up to the chuck so long as you peck drill and clear the swarf everytime. Also when you get to the end of the travel on the compound, set your depth, on the cross slide, wind the compound all the way back, move the carriage to the end of your cut, note the cross slide depth and continue cutting your taper.
Hi Lee, I've made a few cannons over the years, yours is good for a 1st attempt, not a criticism but we can make any size /type of cannon but one thing you definitely can not do & that is drill a fuse hole!! makes it illegal, a good friend of mine owns a foundry & they've cast plenty of cannons but they never ever drill for the fuse hole, [unless your in America, lucky devils can & they make some fantastic guns.
Wow I did not know that! Oh well too late ;) I was happy with the final result for a first attempt. Was only ever meant to be an ornament. And is still proudly on display in my house.
Hi Lee, a spot of solder might be required mate!! I fancy making one that just fires starting pistol blanks with a spring loaded firing pin from the back just for the sound [all good fun]. @@leeceeworkshop
