How
 

do guys get that nice rounded front of a plug on your lathe? any special tricks?

practice....think round...mine used to look like intercontinental ballistic missiles.. real pointy yuk

I use a 1 inch skew to round the front of my plugs. If the front of the plug is to my right, and the tail to the left, I'll stick the skew in at a steep angle. Once it has gone in a ways, I taper it back to the left. Sort of roll the end of the skew across the taper. Takes a little practice, but you will get it.

Jigman