How To Cut A Taper With A Table Saw: Jigs vs. Angle Methods

Can you cut a taper with a table saw? Yes, you can cut tapers with a table saw. There are two main methods: using a table saw taper jig or adjusting the saw blade for angled cuts table saw. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on the accuracy needed, the number of tapers you need to cut, and your comfort level with each technique. This article provides an in-depth look at both, helping you choose the right approach for making tapered legs and other projects.

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Deciding Between Jigs and Angles: Which Taper Cutting Technique is Best?

Both jigs and angled blade methods achieve the same goal: creating a taper. The key differences lie in setup, repeatability, and safety.

• Taper Jigs: These specialized tools hold the workpiece at an angle relative to the blade. They excel at producing consistent tapers, especially when you need multiple identical pieces. They generally offer a safer way to cutting angles on wood because the workpiece is securely supported.
• Angled Blade Method: This involves tilting the table saw blade to the desired angle. It’s quick for one-off tapers, but repeatability suffers without careful setup. This method requires a high degree of caution due to the increased risk of kickback.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

Feature	Taper Jig Method	Angled Blade Method
Accuracy	High, especially with a well-made jig	Can be accurate, but requires careful setup
Repeatability	Excellent, ideal for multiple identical tapers	Difficult to repeat consistently without effort
Safety	Generally safer, workpiece is well-supported	Higher risk of kickback, requires extra caution
Setup Time	Longer initial setup (building or adjusting jig)	Faster initial setup (tilting the blade)
Best For	Multiple identical tapers, safer operation	Single, quick tapers where precision isn’t critical

The Taper Jig Approach: Precision and Repeatability

A table saw jig for tapers is a dedicated tool designed to hold your workpiece at the precise angle needed to create a taper. There are many designs available, from simple shop-made versions to sophisticated commercial models.

Types of Taper Jigs

• Fixed Angle Jigs: These jigs are set to a specific taper angle. They’re simple to build but limited to that angle.

  • Pros: Easy to construct.
  • Cons: Only useful for one specific angle.

  • Adjustable Taper Jigs: These allow you to adjust the angle, making them more versatile. The adjustment mechanism can vary from simple pivot points with locking knobs to more elaborate systems with scales for precise angle setting.

  • Pros: Versatile, adjustable to different taper angles.

  • Cons: More complex to build or more expensive to buy.

Essential Features of a Good Taper Jig

• Solid Construction: The jig should be made from sturdy material like plywood or hardwood to prevent flexing during the cut.
• Secure Clamping: The jig needs a reliable clamping system to hold the workpiece firmly. This can include toggle clamps, hold-down clamps, or even just a simple screw and knob system.
• Smooth Sliding: The jig must slide smoothly along the table saw fence. This is typically achieved by using a runner that fits snugly in the miter slot.
• Accurate Angle Adjustment: If using an adjustable jig, the angle adjustment mechanism should be precise and easy to use. Look for jigs with clear scales or markings.

How to Build a Taper Jig (Simple Adjustable Design)

Here’s a simplified guide on how to build a taper jig. This design uses a pivot point and a locking knob for angle adjustment.

Materials:

• 3/4″ plywood
• Miter slot runner (available at woodworking stores)
• Hinges
• Knob and bolt for locking
• Toggle clamp (optional, for extra secure workpiece holding)

Instructions:

1. Base: Cut a piece of plywood to serve as the base of the jig. The size will depend on the length of the tapers you need to cut, but a good starting point is 24″ long and 8″ wide. Attach the miter slot runner to the bottom of the base, ensuring it slides smoothly in your table saw’s miter slot.
2. Moving Fence: Cut another piece of plywood slightly smaller than the base (e.g., 24″ long and 6″ wide). This will be the moving fence that holds the workpiece.
3. Hinge Attachment: Attach the moving fence to the base using hinges at one end. This creates the pivot point for angle adjustment.
4. Angle Adjustment: Drill a hole through both the base and the moving fence, a few inches from the hinged end. Use a bolt and knob to create a locking mechanism. Tightening the knob will secure the moving fence at the desired angle.
5. Clamping: Add a toggle clamp to the moving fence to hold the workpiece securely.
6. Testing: Before cutting any valuable wood, test the jig with scrap pieces to ensure it’s working correctly.

Table: Material List and Dimensions

Component	Material	Dimension (Example)	Notes
Base	3/4″ Plywood	24″ x 8″	Size depends on the desired taper length
Moving Fence	3/4″ Plywood	24″ x 6″	Slightly smaller than the base
Miter Runner	Wood/Plastic	Matches Miter Slot	Must fit snugly into the table saw miter slot
Hinges	Metal	2-3″	Choose hinges that allow smooth movement
Locking Knob	Metal/Plastic	N/A	With bolt and washer; for angle adjustment
Toggle Clamp	Metal	N/A	Optional, but highly recommended for secure workpiece clamping

Using a Taper Jig: Step-by-Step

1. Set the Angle: Adjust the jig to the desired table saw taper jig angle. You can use a protractor or angle gauge for accuracy.
2. Secure the Workpiece: Place the workpiece against the moving fence and secure it with the clamp. Ensure the workpiece is flush with the jig’s edge.
3. Position the Jig: Place the jig in the miter slot and slide it forward until the blade is aligned with the desired starting point of the taper.
4. Make the Cut: Turn on the table saw and slowly push the jig through the blade, keeping the jig firmly against the fence.
5. Repeat: For multiple tapers, repeat steps 2-4.

Angled Blade Method: Quick and Dirty, But Risky

The angled blade method involves tilting the angled cuts table saw blade to the desired angle. This is a simpler setup than using a jig, but it comes with inherent risks and limitations.

Setting the Blade Angle

1. Determine the Angle: Calculate the angle needed for the desired taper.
2. Tilt the Blade: Use the table saw’s blade tilt mechanism to adjust the blade to the calculated angle.
3. Verify the Angle: Use a protractor or angle gauge to verify the accuracy of the blade angle.
4. Lock the Blade: Securely lock the blade at the desired angle.

Safety Precautions

• Featherboards: Use featherboards to keep the workpiece pressed firmly against the fence. This helps prevent kickback.
• Push Sticks: Always use push sticks to keep your hands away from the blade.
• Slow Feed Rate: Feed the workpiece slowly and steadily through the blade.
• Sharp Blade: Ensure your blade is sharp to minimize the risk of kickback.
• Stance: Maintain a balanced stance and avoid reaching over the blade.
• Check Fence Alignment: Verify your fence is aligned parallel to the miter slot before tilting the blade. Angling the blade can exaggerate any misalignment.
• Consider a Riving Knife: Make sure your table saw’s riving knife is properly installed and adjusted.

Cutting Tapers with an Angled Blade: Step-by-Step

1. Set the Blade Angle: Adjust the blade to the desired angle.
2. Position the Workpiece: Place the workpiece against the fence, ensuring it’s properly supported.
3. Use Featherboards and Push Sticks: Secure the workpiece with featherboards and use push sticks to guide it through the blade.
4. Make the Cut: Turn on the table saw and slowly push the workpiece through the blade.
5. Repeat: For multiple tapers, repeat steps 2-4.

Challenges of the Angled Blade Method

• Kickback Risk: The angled blade increases the risk of kickback, which can be dangerous.
• Accuracy: Achieving precise tapers can be difficult due to the difficulty of accurately setting and maintaining the blade angle.
• Repeatability: Repeating the same taper on multiple pieces can be challenging without careful setup and measurement.
• Fence Clearance: Tilting the blade can reduce the clearance between the blade and the fence, especially at steeper angles.

Factors Affecting Accurate Taper Cuts

Several factors can affect the accuracy of your taper cuts, regardless of the method you use.

• Blade Sharpness: A dull blade can cause the wood to wander, resulting in inaccurate cuts. Use a sharp, high-quality blade.
• Fence Alignment: Ensure your table saw fence is properly aligned with the blade. Misalignment can cause the workpiece to bind and kick back.
• Workpiece Support: Provide adequate support for the workpiece, especially when cutting long tapers. Use extension tables or outfeed supports.
• Feed Rate: Feed the workpiece at a consistent rate. Too fast, and the cut can be rough; too slow, and the wood can burn.
• Wood Properties: The type of wood you’re using can also affect the accuracy of the cut. Hardwoods are generally easier to cut accurately than softwoods. Grain direction can also influence the cut.

Troubleshooting Common Taper Cutting Problems

• Inconsistent Tapers:

  • Cause: Jig not properly adjusted, workpiece not securely clamped, blade angle shifting.
  • Solution: Double-check jig settings, ensure workpiece is clamped tightly, and verify blade angle before each cut.

  • Rough Cuts:

  • Cause: Dull blade, feed rate too fast.

  • Solution: Use a sharp blade and reduce feed rate.

  • Kickback:

  • Cause: Workpiece binding, blade pinching, improper technique.

  • Solution: Use featherboards, push sticks, and ensure the workpiece is properly supported. Double-check fence alignment and blade sharpness.

  • Burning:

  • Cause: Feed rate too slow, dull blade.

  • Solution: Increase feed rate slightly and ensure the blade is sharp.

  • Taper Angle is Off:

  • Cause: Incorrect jig setting, misread angle measurement.

  • Solution: Re-measure angle carefully. Recalibrate table saw angle cutting guide and jig. Use a digital angle finder for precise measurements.

Optimizing for Different Project Types: Making Tapered Legs and Beyond

While making tapered legs is a common application, tapers find use in many other woodworking projects.

• Tapered Legs: For furniture legs, jigs provide repeatable accuracy, especially when making a set of four identical legs. For slight tapers on longer legs, the angled blade method might suffice with careful setup. An angled leg jig can be very useful here.
• Tapered Boxes: Creating tapered sides for boxes often benefits from the angled blade method, especially if the taper is simple and consistent across all sides.
• Architectural Trim: Intricate tapers in trim work are often better handled with jigs, especially if the trim needs to match existing designs.
• Boatbuilding: Complex tapers in boat hulls require precision and often benefit from custom-built jigs.

Advanced Taper Cutting Techniques

• Using a Digital Angle Finder: A digital angle finder can help you accurately set the angle on your taper jig or table saw blade.
• Creating Compound Tapers: Compound tapers involve tapering on two axes simultaneously. This requires more complex jigs or a combination of techniques.
• CNC-Assisted Tapering: For very precise or complex tapers, consider using a CNC router.
• Segmented Tapers: Creating tapers by joining multiple pieces of wood cut at slightly different angles.

Fathoming the Financial Aspect: Costs Involved

The cost of cutting tapers depends on whether you’re building a jig, buying one, or solely using the angled blade method.

• Building a Jig: Material costs are typically low, ranging from $20-$50 depending on the complexity and materials used. Time investment is the biggest factor.
• Buying a Jig: Commercial taper jigs range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on features and quality.
• Angled Blade Method: This has minimal upfront cost, assuming you already own a table saw. However, the risk of mistakes and material waste is higher, potentially increasing overall project cost.

Table: Estimated Costs

Method	Cost (Materials)	Cost (Labor/Time)	Total Cost (Estimate)
Build Simple Jig	$20 – $50	2-4 hours	$20 – $50 + Time
Purchase Taper Jig	$50 – $500+	Minimal	$50 – $500+
Angled Blade	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the safest way to cut a taper on a table saw? The safest way is to use a well-designed and properly adjusted taper jig, along with featherboards and push sticks.
• Can I cut a taper without a jig? Yes, you can use the angled blade method, but exercise extreme caution.
• Who makes the best taper jig? This depends on your budget and needs. Rockler, Incra, and Woodpeckers are popular brands, but shop-made jigs can be just as effective.
• How do I calculate the correct angle for a taper? The angle depends on the desired taper per unit length. Use trigonometry (tangent function) or online calculators to determine the angle.
• What blade should I use for cutting tapers? Use a sharp, high-quality blade designed for ripping or general-purpose cutting. A blade with a high tooth count will produce a smoother cut.
• How accurate are table saw tapers? With a good jig and careful setup, you can achieve very accurate tapers (within 1/64″ or better). The angled blade method is typically less accurate.
• What is the best way to clamp my workpiece to the taper jig? Toggle clamps and hold-down clamps are excellent options. You can also use a screw and knob system.

By carefully considering the pros and cons of each method and following the safety precautions outlined in this guide, you can confidently and accurately cut tapers on your table saw.