Taper question ( lathe stuff.. could be LSR )

["Keith Turk" <kturk@ala.net>]

So Dahlgren sent me this little lathe down here... and I'm trying to sort out
how I'd make a taper on a 1" piece of bar stock that is supposed to end up
looking like a shifter handle...  picture a 1/2" taper over 8"...

I can do the math and hog it out X over X inches... but am I missing something
here that would allow me to do a taper in an easier manner?

Just a question with no merit.... but inquiring minds want to know...

Keith