How To Cut A Taper With A Table Saw: Jigs & Safety Tips

Can I cut a taper with a table saw? Yes, you can cut a taper with a table saw by using a specialized jig. This jig holds the wood at the desired angle, allowing you to safely and accurately create tapers for furniture legs, decorative trim, and more. This guide will show you how.

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The Art of the Taper: A Woodworking Essential

Cutting tapers opens a whole world of design possibilities. A slightly tapered leg can add elegance to a table, while a dramatic taper can create a striking architectural detail. Mastering this technique is a vital skill for any woodworker.

Why Use a Table Saw for Tapers?

While other tools can cut tapers, the table saw offers precision and efficiency, especially when dealing with multiple, identical tapers. When coupled with the right jig, it provides a controlled and repeatable method for achieving accurate results.

Taper Jigs: Your Key to Accurate Cuts

A table saw taper jig is a device that holds your workpiece at an angle while you guide it along the table saw fence. It ensures that the cut you make is consistently tapered. There are many types available, from simple DIY versions to more elaborate adjustable models.

Types of Taper Jigs

• Simple Fixed Angle Jig: This is often a shop-made jig, set to a specific angle cutting jig. It’s ideal for repetitive cuts where the same taper is needed on multiple pieces.

• Adjustable Taper Jig: This jig allows you to change the angle of the taper. This lets you make different accurate taper cuts without needing multiple jigs. They commonly feature a pivoting arm and a scale to set the desired angle. These are often called an adjustable taper jig.

• Commercial Taper Jigs: Available from woodworking suppliers, these jigs often include features like clamping mechanisms, non-slip surfaces, and precise angle adjustments.

Building Your Own DIY Taper Jig

A DIY taper jig is a great option if you want a custom solution or want to save money. Here are basic steps for making a simple, adjustable jig:

1. Materials: You will need a piece of plywood or MDF for the base, a strip of wood for the fence runner, a pivoting arm, a hinge, and some clamps.

2. Base Construction: Cut the plywood or MDF to a size that will comfortably accommodate your longest workpiece. Attach the fence runner to the bottom of the base, ensuring it fits snugly in your table saw’s miter slot.

3. Pivoting Arm: Attach the pivoting arm to the base using a hinge. This arm will hold the workpiece and determine the taper angle.

4. Angle Adjustment: Create a system for adjusting the angle of the pivoting arm. This could involve a series of pre-set holes, a sliding T-track with a locking knob, or a simple protractor and clamp.

5. Clamping: Add clamps to secure the workpiece to the pivoting arm. This prevents movement during the cut.

   Table: DIY Taper Jig Material List

   Item	Description	Quantity
   Plywood/MDF	Base of the jig	1
   Wood Strip	Fence runner to fit the miter slot	1
   Wood for Arm	Pivoting arm	1
   Hinge	Connects arm to base	1
   Clamps	Secures workpiece	2
   Hardware	Screws, bolts, knobs as needed	Varies
   Measuring Tool	Ruler, protractor	1

Safety First: Protecting Yourself While Tapering

Tapering wood on a table saw can be safe if you take precautions. Here are crucial safety tips:

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or a face shield to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Hearing Protection: Table saws are loud. Wear earplugs or earmuffs to prevent hearing damage.
• Push Sticks/Pads: Never put your hands close to the blade. Use push sticks or pads to guide the workpiece.
• Featherboards: Use featherboards to keep the workpiece pressed against the fence and table, reducing the risk of kickback.
• Blade Height: Set the blade height so it only slightly exceeds the thickness of the workpiece.
• Clear the Area: Keep your work area free of clutter.
• Inspect Your Jig: Before each use, check your jig for damage or loose parts.
• Plan Your Cut: Think through each step of the cut before you start the saw.
• Avoid distractions Focus on the task at hand.
• Never Force the Cut: If the wood is binding, stop, and check your setup. Forcing the cut can lead to kickback.

Preventing Kickback

Kickback is a dangerous situation where the workpiece is thrown back towards the operator. To prevent kickback when cutting angles on table saw, follow these guidelines:

• Use a splitter or riving knife: These devices prevent the wood from pinching the blade after the cut.
• Ensure the fence is parallel to the blade: A misaligned fence can cause the wood to bind.
• Use featherboards: Featherboards apply pressure to the workpiece, keeping it against the fence and table.
• Maintain a firm grip on the workpiece and jig: This helps to control the cut and prevent the wood from lifting or twisting.
• Feed the workpiece at a consistent rate: Avoid stopping or hesitating mid-cut.
• Never stand directly behind the blade: Position yourself to the side of the blade to avoid being in the path of a potential kickback.

The Tapering Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s a comprehensive wood tapering guide for using a table saw taper jig:

1. Preparation:
   • Choose your wood carefully. The type of wood will impact the final product.
   • Ensure the wood is properly dried.
   • Prepare the workpiece by planing it flat and square.
2. Set Up the Jig:
   • Place the jig on the table saw.
   • Adjust the jig to the desired taper angle. Use a protractor or angle gauge for accuracy.
   • Tighten all locking mechanisms on the jig.
3. Position the Workpiece:
   • Place the workpiece on the jig.
   • Align the workpiece with the blade.
   • Secure the workpiece to the jig with clamps. Make sure the clamps don’t interfere with the cut.
4. Make the Cut:
   • Turn on the table saw.
   • Carefully feed the jig and workpiece through the blade. Use push sticks or pads to maintain control.
   • Maintain a steady feed rate throughout the cut.
5. Repeat as Needed:
   • For multiple tapers, repeat steps 3 and 4.
   • Ensure the jig and workpiece remain securely in place.

6. Finishing:

   • After cutting, inspect the taper.
   • Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper or a hand plane.

   Table: Taper Cutting Checklist

   Step	Action	Notes
   1. Preparation	Select and prepare wood	Ensure wood is dry and properly planed.
   2. Jig Setup	Place and adjust taper jig	Set the desired angle accurately and tighten all locking mechanisms.
   3. Workpiece	Position and secure workpiece	Align with blade and use clamps, ensuring they don’t interfere with the cut.
   4. Cutting	Feed jig and workpiece through the blade	Use push sticks/pads, maintain a steady feed rate.
   5. Repetition	Repeat for multiple tapers	Ensure jig and workpiece are secure for each cut.
   6. Finishing	Inspect and smooth edges	Sandpaper or hand plane can be used to remove rough edges.

Advanced Tapering Techniques

Once you’re comfortable with basic tapering, you can explore more advanced table saw tapering techniques:

• Double Tapers: Cutting tapers on two sides of a workpiece. This is common for tapered legs table saw.
• Curved Tapers: Using a jig with a curved guide to create a non-linear taper.
• Compound Tapers: Combining tapers with other angles to create complex shapes.

Double Tapers: A Touch of Elegance

Double tapers add a sophisticated look to furniture legs. The process involves cutting a taper on one face, then rotating the piece and cutting a similar taper on an adjacent face. Accurate measurement and careful setup are essential for achieving symmetrical results.

Achieving Consistent Tapers

Consistency is key when creating multiple tapers. Here are some tips:

• Use a stop block: A stop block attached to the jig will ensure that each cut starts at the same point.
• Mark reference lines: Clearly mark the desired taper lines on your workpiece.
• Double-check your jig settings: Before each cut, verify that the jig is set to the correct angle.
• Practice on scrap wood: Before cutting your final pieces, make a few test cuts on scrap wood to fine-tune your setup.

Examples of Tapered Projects

The possibilities with tapers are endless. Here are a few project ideas:

• Tapered Leg Table: A classic woodworking project that showcases the beauty of tapered legs.
• Tapered Cutting Board: Adds a unique touch to a kitchen essential.
• Tapered Candle Holders: Simple and elegant decorative items.
• Tapered Boxes: A more complex project that requires precise tapering skills.

Troubleshooting Tapering Issues

Even with careful preparation, you may encounter problems. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Inconsistent Tapers: Check your jig settings, workpiece clamping, and feed rate.
• Rough Cuts: Use a sharp blade and ensure the workpiece is properly supported.
• Blade Binding: Verify the fence is parallel to the blade and use a splitter or riving knife.
• Kickback: Review the safety guidelines and ensure all safety devices are in place.

Fathoming Taper Angles

Calculating the correct taper angle can seem daunting, but it’s manageable with simple math.

Calculating Degrees

This is an easy way to calculate the angle.

1. First find the difference in width required for the taper. Subtract your top measurement from your bottom measurement.
2. Then you’ll need to know how long the taper is.
3. Now divide the length of the taper by half the required difference in width.
4. Use the inverse tangent function on your calculator to find the angle. Most calculators will have a button that looks like “atan” or “tan-1”.

The formula looks like this: arctan(taper length / (difference in width / 2))

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best angle for tapered legs? The best angle depends on the design of the table. A common range is between 3 and 7 degrees.

• Can I cut a taper without a jig? While possible, it is not recommended. Using a jig provides greater accuracy and safety.

• How do I choose the right taper jig? Consider the types of tapers you will be making, the size of your workpieces, and your budget.

• What type of blade should I use for tapering? A sharp, general-purpose blade with a high tooth count is suitable for most tapering tasks.

• How do I prevent tear-out when tapering? Use a sharp blade, feed the workpiece slowly, and use a backing board to support the wood fibers.