Ok, I I'm pretty sure I follow but what about small offcuts that are longer than being flush Bruce. That's where the ball bearing race shines (for me at least).
I try really hard to use up all my brass and ali offcuts.
I try really hard to use up all the little bits myself 😉 often I will chuck up the little off-cuts in the tail stock chuck, ease it into the head stock chuck & align the protrusion that way.
Hmm....clever for sure! Will try that Bruce.