[Oxford]

You can turn the compound slide to the desired taper you want to cut and then crank that dial for your feed. It works best if the length of taper you are cutting is less than the travel of your compound but you can cut longer ones by cutting what you can with the travel you have then moving the carriage down and starting over.

You can also offset your tailstock(if it is adjustable on that lathe) the desired amount and turn your piece between centers. Using a bell end center drill for the centers is best.

 

[Oxford]

. also i dont think that my tailstock is offsetable

If is the exact same as the one in the picture you can offset it.

 

[Oxford]

He could also be using to fast of feed. Really need to see pictures.

As far as offsetting the tailstock, I have also heard of people using a boring head in the tailstock. It would make for easier adjustments on the taper.