How To Cut Tapers On Table Saw: A Beginner’s Guide

Can I cut tapers on a table saw? Yes, you can! Cutting tapers on a table saw is a valuable woodworking skill. It allows you to create angled legs for furniture, decorative pieces, and various other projects. This guide will show you safe and accurate methods for creating tapers using your table saw.

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Tapering with a Table Saw: The Basics

A taper is an even change in width along the length of a piece of wood. Angled table legs are a classic example. While you could freehand angled cuts on a table saw, safety and accuracy demand a better method. This is where a table saw tapering jig comes in handy. It lets you hold the workpiece at the desired angle while guiding it safely past the blade.

Why Use a Table Saw for Tapers?

• Efficiency: A table saw is faster than using hand tools for repeated, consistent tapers.
• Accuracy: With the right setup, you can achieve precise cutting angles with table saw.
• Repeatability: Once your jig is set, you can make many identical tapers.

Essential Tools and Safety Gear

Before you start, make sure you have these items:

• Table Saw: A well-maintained table saw is crucial.
• Table Saw Tapering Jig: You can buy one or build your own (more on that later).
• Push Stick/Block: Always use these to keep your hands away from the blade.
• Measuring Tools: A ruler, measuring tape, and protractor (or angle finder) are essential.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Hearing Protection: Table saws are loud; protect your ears.
• Dust Mask: Sawdust can be harmful; wear a mask to protect your lungs.
• Clamps: For securing workpieces.

Safety First

• Read your table saw manual: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never reach over the blade: Always use push sticks and blocks.
• Keep your work area clean: Remove clutter to prevent accidents.
• Double-check all settings: Before turning on the saw, confirm your jig and blade are secure.
• Don’t force the wood: Let the blade do the work.

Methods for Cutting Tapers

Here are two main methods: Using an adjustable table saw tapering jig or building your own taper sled construction.

Method 1: Using an Adjustable Tapering Jig

These jigs have an adjustable fence that allows you to set the desired angle.

Steps for Using an Adjustable Jig

1. Determine the Taper Angle: Decide how much you want to taper the wood.

   • For example, if you want to taper a leg from 2 inches to 1 inch over a length of 24 inches, the difference is 1 inch.

2. Calculate the Angle (Optional): While many jigs have angle markings, you can calculate the angle if needed. You’ll use trigonometry:

   • Angle = arctan(taper amount / length)
   • In our example: arctan(1/24) ≈ 2.39 degrees

3. Set the Angle on the Jig: Loosen the jig’s adjustment knobs and set the fence to the desired angle. Use a protractor or angle finder for accuracy.

4. Secure the Wood: Place the wood on the jig, aligning it with the fence. Make sure it’s firmly against the fence and secure it with clamps if necessary.

5. Adjust the Fence: Position the fence so that the blade will cut off the desired amount of wood.

6. Make the Cut: Turn on the saw and slowly push the jig (and the wood) through the blade. Use a push stick to keep your hands away from the blade as you complete the cut.

7. Repeat for Other Sides: If you need to taper all four sides, rotate the wood 90 degrees and repeat steps 4-6. Be precise to ensure the tapers are consistent.

Method 2: Building a DIY Tapering Jig

Building your own jig is a great way to save money and customize it to your specific needs. Here are some DIY tapering jig plans:

Materials Needed

• Plywood (3/4 inch is ideal)
• Wood Screws
• T-Track (optional, for adjustability)
• Knobs or Bolts (for securing adjustments)
• Measuring Tape
• Saw
• Drill

Basic Tapering Jig Design

This design uses a base with an adjustable fence.

1. Cut the Base: Cut a piece of plywood for the base. It should be long enough to support your longest workpiece and wide enough to provide stability. A common size is 12 inches wide by 36 inches long.

2. Attach a Runner: Attach a runner to the bottom of the base that fits snugly in your table saw’s miter slot. This runner guides the jig along the table saw. Use wood screws and glue to secure it. Make sure the runner is perfectly straight and parallel to the edge of the base.

3. Build the Adjustable Fence: Cut a piece of plywood for the fence. This should be slightly shorter than the base. Attach it to the base with hinges on one end. This allows the fence to pivot and create the taper angle.

4. Add an Adjustment Mechanism: This is how you’ll set and lock the angle of the fence. A simple method is to use a T-track and a knob/bolt. Install a T-track on the base, parallel to the fence. Drill a hole through the fence and use a knob/bolt to tighten the fence against the T-track at the desired angle.

Advanced Tapering Jig Features

• Scale: Add a ruler or scale to the base to easily set the angle.
• Hold-Down Clamps: Integrate clamps to securely hold the workpiece.
• Replaceable Wear Strip: Add a strip of wood along the edge that contacts the table saw to prevent wear and tear on the jig itself.

Using Your DIY Jig

1. Set the Angle: Loosen the knob/bolt and pivot the fence to the desired angle. Use a protractor or angle finder for accuracy. Tighten the knob/bolt to secure the fence.

2. Secure the Wood: Place the wood on the jig, aligning it with the fence. Make sure it’s firmly against the fence and secure it with clamps.

3. Make the Cut: Turn on the saw and slowly push the jig (and the wood) through the blade. Use a push stick to keep your hands away from the blade as you complete the cut.

4. Repeat for Other Sides: If you need to taper all four sides, rotate the wood 90 degrees and repeat steps 2-3. Be precise to ensure the tapers are consistent.

Tapering Techniques Wood: Beyond the Basics

• Cutting Multiple Pieces: When making multiple tapered legs, cut them all at once. This ensures they are identical. Use clamps to hold the pieces together securely.
• Shimming: For slight tapers, shimming the wood on one end of the jig can be easier than adjusting the fence angle. Place a thin shim (like a piece of cardboard or veneer) under one end of the wood to create a very small angle.
• Double Tapers: For tapers that angle inward from both ends, you’ll need to make a cut, flip the wood end-for-end, and make another cut.
• Tapering Thin Pieces: When tapering thin pieces, use extra caution and ensure the wood is fully supported by the jig. You might need to use additional clamps or a sacrificial piece of wood to prevent the thin piece from flexing or breaking.

Achieving Precision Tapering Table Saw Results

• Sharp Blade: Use a sharp blade for clean cuts. A dull blade can cause the wood to splinter or burn.
• Slow and Steady: Don’t rush the cut. Feed the wood slowly and steadily through the blade.
• Test Cuts: Before cutting your final piece, make a test cut on a scrap piece of wood to verify your angle and setup.
• Consistent Pressure: Apply consistent pressure to the jig as you push it through the blade. This helps prevent the wood from shifting and ensures a smooth, even taper.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Uneven Tapers: This is usually caused by inconsistent pressure or an inaccurate jig setup. Double-check your jig angle and make sure you’re applying even pressure as you push the jig through the blade.
• Wood Splintering: This can be caused by a dull blade or feeding the wood too quickly. Use a sharp blade and feed the wood slowly and steadily.
• Jig Slipping: Make sure your jig runner fits snugly in the miter slot. If it’s too loose, it can cause the jig to slip and result in an inaccurate cut. You can shim the runner with tape to create a tighter fit.

Advanced Table Saw Techniques for Tapers

Once you’re comfortable with the basic methods, you can explore more advanced safe table saw taper methods:

• Using a Digital Angle Finder: For extremely precise angles, use a digital angle finder to set the fence on your jig.
• Creating Complex Tapers: By combining different taper angles and lengths, you can create complex tapers for unique designs. This requires careful planning and precise jig setup.
• Integrating Tapers into Joinery: You can incorporate tapers into joinery, such as dovetails or mortise and tenon joints, for added visual interest. This requires advanced woodworking skills and precise layout.

Table: Comparing Tapering Methods

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Adjustable Tapering Jig	Easy to use, quick adjustments, accurate	Can be expensive	Repeated tapers, precise angles
DIY Tapering Jig	Customizable, cost-effective, good for specific project requirements	Requires building time, may not be as accurate as a purchased jig	One-off projects, custom angles, budget-conscious woodworkers

Grasping Angled Cuts on Table Saw

The key to safe and effective angled cuts on a table saw, specifically tapers, lies in control. A tapering jig, whether purchased or homemade, provides that control. Always prioritize safety by using push sticks, wearing safety gear, and double-checking your setup. With practice, you’ll master the art of creating beautiful and precise tapers. A comprehensive woodworking taper guide will always emphasize these principles.

FAQ: Cutting Tapers on a Table Saw

• What is the best angle for tapered table legs?

  • The best angle depends on the desired look and the height of the table. A common angle is between 2 and 5 degrees.

  • How do I prevent tear-out when cutting tapers?

  • Use a sharp blade, feed the wood slowly, and consider using a zero-clearance insert on your table saw.

  • Can I use a miter saw to cut tapers?

  • While possible for very short tapers, a table saw with a tapering jig offers better control and accuracy for longer tapers.

  • Who is this technique best suited for?
  • This is best suited for beginner to intermediate woodworkers looking to create tapers safely and accurately. It’s an invaluable skill for anyone interested in furniture making or decorative woodworking projects.
  • What if my cut isn’t straight?
  • Check that the blade is properly aligned and sharp. Also, verify that the fence or jig is straight and securely fastened. Wobbling or loose setups can lead to uneven cuts.