Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
Bettesworth Construction
furniture construction

How to Cut Long, Beveled Tapers With a Shop-Made Jig

A shop-made jig guides two bevel cuts for long tapered furniture parts. Learn how to size and set it up, then test-fit and adjust before cutting your project blanks.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 2 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To cut a long furniture part that tapers in width and has beveled edges, use a project-sized jig to guide the blank through two separate cuts. Mark the workpiece shape on a test blank, secure it against stops and hold-downs, cut one bevel, then turn the blank end for end and reset the stops for the other. Test-fit four parts before cutting the project pieces.

Size the jig for your parts

WOOD Magazine’s method uses a flat sheet-stock base, such as MDF, sized 8 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the blanks. For its example Limbert-style table panels measuring 13 by 28 inches, the magazine specifies a 15-by-36-inch base. Treat those as example dimensions: size the jig to your own parts.

From scrap about 1/16 inch thinner than the workpieces, cut four 2-by-5-inch hold-downs and end stopblocks. Make a long stopblock 1 1/2 by 24 inches for the example; for another project, make it 4 inches shorter than the edge being tapered and beveled. The thinner scrap lets the hold-downs and stops secure the blank without standing higher than the workpiece.

Mark the shape on test blanks

Prepare four project blanks and four MDF test blanks, each 1/4 inch wider than the intended finished width. On the outside face of one test blank, mark the centered narrow-end and wide-end widths. Use a combination square or sliding bevel to transfer the 45-degree bevel lines at the ends. The test blanks let you check the fit and tune the jig before cutting the final pieces.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Rockler Taper Jig & Straight Line Wood Cutting for Table Saw, 36" Miter Bar
  • Rockler’s Taper & Straight Line Jig: The taper drill jig allows you to make tapered cuts quickly, easily, and accurately at your table saw. With the miter bar removed, this wood working jig also doubles as a stable, straight-line ripping jig.
  • Easy To Fit: This straight-line hole jig fits snug in any standard 3/8" x 3/4" miter slot and features a large, ergonomic handle for smooth push-action performance throughout the cut. The guidance booklet in our jig table saw is available so you can make it your very own.
  • Multipurpose Drill Jig For Angled Holes: With a simple indexed angle setting system, heavy-duty hold-down clamps, and a smooth sliding design, the table saw jig makes tapered cuts fast, easy, and more precise. Our jig tools are perfect for chair legs, table legs, and more.
  • Easy To Setup: In tapering mode, these woodworking tools and accessories are intended for use in the miter slot to the right of the blade. On many saws, your initial cut will remove a narrow piece of the tablesaw jig’s base to create zero-clearance support
  • Where To Work? These wood working tools works with table saws on which the left edge of the right miter slot is 3-3/4” to 4-3/8” from the blade or 5” to 5-5/8” from the blade.

Set up the base and first cut

  1. Bevel one long edge of the base. Cut it to 45 degrees.
  2. Position the test blank. Center it along the base and align its marked bevel lines with the beveled edge.
  3. Mark the stop locations. Mark where the stopblock edges meet the test blank before fastening anything.
  4. Install the stops and hold-downs. Attach the long stopblock against the blank, then add the end stops and hold-downs.
  5. Make the first bevel. Run the jig against the table-saw rip fence and cut the first bevel on each test blank.

Reset for the second bevel

Remove the three stops, turn the blank end for end, and align its bevel marks with the beveled edge of the jig base again. Reattach the long stopblock against the beveled edge. Put the end stops in their new positions, keeping the same stopblock edges against the test blank as before. Then rip the second bevel.

Check the fit and adjust before cutting project parts

Tape the four completed test parts together and inspect the miter gaps at the corners. In WOOD Magazine’s Limbert-style table example, a 45-degree setup leaves a tiny gap at the inside corner that can be filled with glue while keeping the outside corners tight.

Rank #2
Sale
POWERTEC 71395 Taper/Straight Line Jig for Table Saws with 3/4” Wide by 3/8” Deep Miter Slot
  • ASSEMBLY CONTAINS: 36” Miter Bar, Base, Adjustable Fence, Push Knob, Hold Down Clamps, Tape Measure, Abrasive Grip Strips, T-Bolts, Hardware Screws, Washers and Mini Screw Driver
  • FUNCTIONS: Primarily serves as a taper cutting jig for table saw – Secondarily operates as a stable straight line ripping jig – Your creativity is the limit
  • PREMIUM BUILD: This woodworking taper jig is manufactured with high quality components; The base measures 32” x 7-7/8” ½” with MDF construction and melamine coating on both sides; Features a safe and easy-to-use design, indexing marks for easy angle setting, ergonomic anti-slip push knob, adjustable fence and hold down clamps to prevent shifting stock, abrasive grip strips to help stabilize your workpiece and detailed instructions for all skill levels
  • VERSATILE: Perfect for cutting tapered compound angles, straight line table saw ripping, making handmade furniture, and a wide range of applications such as making chair legs, building tables, custom built shelves or base cabinets and more. PLEASE NOTE: It fits tight and securely in any standard 3/8" x 3/4" miter slot.
  • PLEASE NOTE: The taper jig is designed to fit full-sized table saws with miter slots measuring ¾” x 3/8” and an inside edge of the right miter slot between 3-3/4” to 4-3/8”, 5” to 5-5/8”, or 6-1/4” to 6-7/8” from the blade. It is compatible with the DWE7491RS but may not fit some job site or bench top saws. Please check your saw's specifications before ordering.

If the inside-corner gap is greater than 1/16 inch, the magazine’s adjustment is to decrease the blade tilt by half a degree, tape a 1/8-inch-thick spacer to the long stop, recut the beveled edge of the jig base, and make new test cuts. Repeat the test-and-adjust cycle until the outside corners have no gaps. Once the fit is satisfactory, repeat the jig setup with the project parts.

The dimensions and adjustment figures here are instructions and examples from WOOD Magazine’s October 3, 2016 article, not independent measurements or a guarantee that every project will fit identically.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Sale
GOINGMAKE Thin Rip Jig Table Saw Jig Guide for Making Repetitive Narrow Thin Strip Cuts Woodworking Tools Fast Thin Ripping Guide for Table Saw Band Saw Router Table Fits for 3/8" x 3/4" T Slot
  • 【EASY TO USE】GOINGMAKE thin rip jig is easy to use. Just slide the guide into T-track miter slot of your table saw and lock it in front of the saw blade. Fits for 3/8" x 3/4" T slot and U shape slot and 1/4" x 3/8" T slot. The thin rip jig can extend to 8 inch from the center of miter slot to blade. Thin rip table saw accessories makes thin strips cut consistent and easily.
  • 【SAFE AND FAST】GOINGMAKE table saw jig thin ripping guide provides safe and fast thin strips cutting. The one way roller bearing ensures the workpiece moves forwards and does not kickback, making safe and fast repetitive narrow strip cutting with ease. You can keep the same thickness thin strips cutting consistent with this table saw thin rip jig.
  • 【PRECISE THIN RIPPING】GOINGMAKE table saw thin rip jig guide is precise and adjustale. Including mm and inch laser engraving scales. The zero clearance design is easy for set the right distance. Repeat with each strip the same size as the first for precison cutting. Set up the scale to the saw is easy. First take the bearing close to the saw blade and adjust the scale indicator to the nearest mark, then set the dimension of your strips.
  • 【HIGH QUALITY】GOINGMAKE thin rip guide is made of high quality metal for durable, long lasting use. You can cut the thin strips as thin as 1/32" accurately. GOINGMAKE thin rip jig table saw jig guide is a must have table saw accessories for cutting repeat thin strips.
  • 【WIDE APPLICATION】GOINGMAKE thin ripping guide is compatible with standard band saw, table saw and router table. Extended range of GOINGMAKE table saw guide is from 2-5/8 inch to 8 inch. GOINGMAKE thin rip table saw jig is easy to setup and use. GOINGMAKE thin rip gauge is a must have table saw accessories for safer and accurate cutting thin strips.
Rank #4
SpeTool Aluminum Juice Groove Router Jig, Adjustable Router Jigs and Templates for Cutting Board with Metric/Imperial Scales, Variable Planning Jig for Woodworking Up to 25.8” x 25.8”,
  • PROFESSIONAL ROUTER JIG. The router jigs and templates is specially designed to simplify the entire routing process. It allows you to complete precision machining of square and rectangular juice grooves according to your needs. Simply make all your ideas come true
  • ADJUSTMENT WITHOUT EFFORT. The router jigs for woodworking can be easily adjusted by loosening and tightening the top screws. And the maximum work area is up to 25.8” x 25.8” to suit different woodworking projects such as square & rectangular mortise recesses, slots, and face panel molds
  • BUILT-IN METRIC&INPERIAL SCALE. Each juice groove router jig has built-in dual metric and imperial scales to help you make the precise cut every time. With the T-shaped metal block design, the router jigs and guides allow you to start cutting quickly and easily without the need for multiple calibrations
  • HIGH PRECISION CUTTING. Constructed from thick, high-strength aluminum, the adjustable router jig easily achieves a cross-cut accuracy of 0.003”. In addition, the included anti-slip shoe contains prevents tilting when walking wires. This greatly reduces material waste and gives you more energy for your idea
  • QUICK SETUP&DETACHABLE DESIGN. Simply connect the rails and then tighten the screws to complete the installation of the router planning jig. Even better, the variable router jig can be easily disassembled when you're done working so that you can store it in a small space. No more piles of dusty, disposable one-off frame jigs
Rank #3
MICROJIG GRR-RIPPER Microdial Tapering Jig for Table and Band Saws, Taper Parts for Woodworking, TJ-5000, Yellow
  • PRECISION TAPER CUTS MADE EASY: The MICROJIG GRR-RIPPER TJ5000 tapering jig is designed for use with table saws, router tables, and band saws; It delivers angle accuracy within 1/8 of a degree, making it an essential woodworking tool
  • VERSATILE ANGLE ADJUSTMENTS: Achieve perfect set up every time with the color coded MICRODIAL scales; 122 built-in presets create the perfect angle every time from 0-10 degrees of angle or by Rise over Run for tapered table legs
  • SAFE AND CONTROLLED OPERATION: Pair with one or two MICROJIG GRR-RIPPER 3D Pushblocks (available separately) for safety and stability, ensuring the Microdial Tapering Jig integrates with your table saw parts setup
  • CONSISTENT REPEAT CUTS: Two independent MemoryLocks allow quick angle switching, ideal for creating 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-sided tapered legs with confidence; Add more detail and create custom profiles on the router table
  • MADE IN THE USA: This Microdial Tapering Jig is built for crafting tapered legs for Federal, Mission, Midcentury Modern and contemporary furniture legs; It includes an instructional DVD and manual to guide you through set up and use

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Site Office

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.