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In this tutorial we are going to learn how to use a taper jig on a table saw, how to cut a taper on a table saw, and how to make a taper jig for a table saw.
The taper is the cut that is made on the end of a longboard to make it narrower. You may have seen these joints in furniture or paneling that fit together edge-to-edge.
How to Use a Taper Jig on a Table Saw
The most important step of using a taper jig on a table saw is understanding the correct side of your blade to use. After you have mastered which side of the blade corresponds with the type of cut you want, position your wood vertically against the fence and slide it against the outside edge of your teeth. If necessary, adjust the angle to keep it in contact with all of your teeth.
When using a taper jig on a table saw you also need to be sure that there is enough clearance for making clean cuts without risking damage to other parts or an injury. A few good features about this particular type tool are how easy they are to make and how affordable they can be made out since these tools can be made by hand fairly easily. The jig can also be used with a variety of materials including hardwood, plywood, and even plastics.
It is generally very easy to make a taper jig for your table saw. You need a material such as plywood or light wood that you can glue together. You will also need some small clamps to hold the two boards together while the glue sets. The most common use for this tool is when cutting tapers for chair spindles, however this tool can also be used for other types of work such as when shaping athletic equipment or fletching arrows and darts.
How to Use a Taper Jig on a Table Saw Video
Now that you know how to use a tapering jig on a table saw, we can now proceed with cutting a taper on a table saw.
How to Cut a Taper on a Table Saw
This type of cut is one of the best types, in our opinion. It is rewarding to see your work come together and be able to use it in furniture or other projects, both functional and decorative.
Equipment Needed:
- Best Table Saw for the Money
- Wood Clamps
- Taper Jig
Materials Needed:
- Plywood, MDF, or Particle Board
Duration: 15-30Minutes
Budget: $20-$30 (USD)
Steps:
- Begin by lifting your blade up as you are turning on the saw. You can use a ten degree angle for this type of cut, but if you are not sure how long it should be then you may need to do some calculations beforehand so that everything comes out just perfect.
- Place your material on the table with the long side facing towards you vertically against the fence (if applicable).
- Now adjust the length according to what angle will produce a taper that will fit with what you need for your project and slide it against one side of the blade. If necessary, adjust the angle to keep it in contact with all of your teeth and start making your cut.
Things To Consider When Cutting Your Taper:
You will need to be very careful when doing a taper on a table saw, as it is very easy for situations to go wrong and damage to other parts or an injury are not uncommon. There are also a few things you should consider when cutting your taper if you would like everything to come out perfect.
When cutting your taper, make sure that there is enough clearance for making clean cuts without risking damage to other parts or an injury. Keep in mind that this is how you will do the majority of cuts, so having the right blade on your saw is essential. With this type of cut, it is important to know the best side of your blade to use.
If you are not sure which side that might be, then just take a look at your blade and enlarge the teeth and notice that some are flat and some are curved. The curved teeth can be used for rip-cutting while the flat teeth will allow for crosscuts or miter cuts.
Take some time to practice cutting tapers on a few scraps and see what kind of results you get before moving onto actual projects. You will be amazed at how easy they can be cut.
With that, you now know how to Cut Tapered Parts with a Table Saw.
How to Use a Taper Jig on a Table Saw Video
How to Make a Taper Jig for a Table Saw
Equipment Needed:
- Drill
- Table Saw
- Work Bench
- Wood Clamp
- Stick Measure
Materials Needed:
- Plywood, MDF, or Particle Board
Duration: 15-30Minutes
Budget: $30-$50 (USD)
Steps:
- Create a small jig with two identical slots that are 2 inches apart.
- Cut the slot in the fence to accommodate your desired width of taper.
- Saw out some plywood to make a base for the jig, large enough so you can clamp it to your workbench. Cut off one end of the base so it won’t interfere with clamping. Drill holes through both pieces of wood and insert bolts long enough to hold them together, but not so long they go all the way through.
- Drill an additional hole near one edge on both pieces and then thread some heavy duty wire through them and then put that around each bolt on one side making sure not to cross it over itself like tying a knot.
- Place the jig on the work bench with a straight edge across the middle and mark where you want the thickness of your taper to be. Clamp it securely and cut out your taper with a circular saw. There will be some excess on one side, but clamping again will help guide it down.
- Measure from that cut end to make sure you have enough left over to get your joint started off. If not, do another cut, but only to within 1/2 inch of the last, and then clamp both pieces together again. Cut off more material till it fits. The extra you’ll end up with should be just enough for your joint to fit tight without slipping when you put glue on it.
- To finish the joint, drill a hole on each side of the taper with a countersink bit or drill through both pieces of wood. Secure it with thin brad nails in between both pieces of wood.
- Once the joint is dry and ready to put glue on, make sure you put it at the end intended for you to slide the sliding block up because if your joint is wider than your jig, it will work loose over time and come off. When applied properly, this method will provide a much nicer taper than using only your table saw fence.
How to Make a Taper Jig for a Table Saw Video
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a miter gauge when doing a taper cut?
Yes. a miter gauge will help when doing a taper cut.
Can I use an angle cutting jig when doing a taper cut?
Yes. An angle cutting jig will help when doing a taper cut.
Do I need a bevel cut to cut taper?
No, you do not need a bevel cut to cut taper.
Can I make a taper jig with a circular saw?
Yes, you can make a taper jig with a circular saw but you can’t use it with one. If you want to use a taper jig, you should know how to make a circular saw into a table saw. You can do this in DIY.
how to make a taper jig for a table saw
Final Thoughts
This ends our How To Guide of How to Make a Taper Jig for a Table Saw
We hope the knowledge you gained here will help you in the future with your DIY or Professional Woodworking projects. We want you to be sure of that what you get from us are 100% facts, so please don’t hesitate to ask for advice or to advise us in return with accurate facts.
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Henry is a long time Trade Instructor at Dunwoody College of Technology. Henry has been teaching the trade of carpentry for over 15 years and is excited to share his knowledge with the next generation of builders. With his posts you will explore some general terms, tools, and techniques that are helpful for the beginning DIY Enthusiast!. He’ll also provide a list of all the best tips needed to start your building journey right away!
