Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A taper is a gradual change in a board’s width along its length. To cut one on a table saw, secure the workpiece at the required angle in a taper jig, then guide the jig and stock through the blade. The jig—not a freehand turn of the board—sets the cut. A shop-built adjustable jig, a commercial adjustable jig, or a bandsaw can suit different jobs.
Choose an approach for the work
Consider the size and shape of the stock, how many matching pieces you need, and whether the jig can support and hold the workpiece securely. A taper jig is commonly used for furniture parts such as legs. The table saw is a documented option, and a bandsaw is another; available sources do not establish that one method is universally more accurate or safer.
- For a shop-built jig: use an adjustable fence and hold-downs suited to your stock, and allow time to build and set the jig.
- For a commercial jig: an adjustable model may provide a miter-slot guide, fence, clamps, handle, and end support. Rockler describes these features for its Taper/Straight Line Jig, but that is a product description, not independent performance testing. Rockler’s guide
- For a bandsaw: Woodsmith documents it as an alternative when building a table-saw jig may take time; its article does not establish comparative accuracy or suitability for every workpiece. Woodsmith’s bandsaw taper article
Set up a table-saw taper jig
A taper jig holds the blank at an angle while guiding it through the saw. For a shop-built version, Canadian Woodworking describes a base with an adjustable fence, an end stop, and hold-down clamps. Its project uses a 1/2-inch Baltic birch plywood base and a fence made by gluing two plywood layers together; those are design choices for that jig, not standard dimensions for every build. See the complete project instructions.
- Mark the taper. Lay out the intended cut on the workpiece so you can set the fence and check how the stock will sit on the jig.
- Set and lock the fence. Adjust the jig to the required angle and secure the setting before loading the blank.
- Position and secure the stock. Use the end stop and hold-downs as provided by the jig. Check that the stock is supported and cannot shift during the pass.
- Check the setup against the saw. With the saw off, verify that the jig and workpiece clear the blade and that the jig can travel through the cut without obstruction. Consult the saw manual and the jig instructions for the specific setup.
- Guide the jig through the cut. Keep control of the jig as a unit, following the tool and jig makers’ instructions. Do not attempt to steer an unsecured workpiece by hand.
Cutting a second taper on the leg
For a leg tapered on two faces, Canadian Woodworking describes saving the off-cut from the first cut. For the second cut, the article uses a hardboard spacer approximately 80% of the size of the tapered area, placed between the leg and the saved off-cut. This is a specific method from that project, not a universal spacer dimension; consult the full instructions and confirm that the second setup supports and secures your particular part before cutting.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Safety and jig design
Clamps, stock support, and a handle can help keep the workpiece and jig controlled. Fine Woodworking’s Joe Vollas describes adding a thin shelf, hold-down clamp, and handle to a shop-built jig so the stock is held and the jig can be pushed as a unit. That is an example of jig design, not a safety certification or a substitute for the saw manufacturer’s instructions. Fine Woodworking’s jig example.
Woodworking Network’s 2010 discussion calls the table saw a common tool for taper cuts and notes concerns with some older jig approaches; it does not provide a controlled comparison of methods. Read the article. A jig feature alone does not guarantee safe operation: choose a setup that fits the stock and follow the operating instructions for the saw and jig.
Rank #2
- 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.
More shop-built designs
Woodsmith also publishes an easy-to-build table-saw taper jig. Compare its design with the Canadian Woodworking project and adapt construction details to the workpiece and saw rather than treating any one jig’s dimensions as a general standard.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- MODERN TWIST ON A CLASSIC TOOL - Woodpeckers Precision Taper Jig offers modern materials, repeatable angles, clamping, and extendable support for perfect cuts up to 48".
- PRECISON ANGLE SETTING - Easily set angles with interlocking teeth for precise, repeatable quarter-degree increments from 0° to 7°, or half-degree from 0° to 15°.
- SAFE & EFFICIENT - Designed for safety and efficiency, this jig has an MDF sled to prevent tear-out and quick-release clamps for secure, easy workpiece handling.
- BUILT TO LAST - The Precision Taper Jig's durable design and build make it a reliable tool you'll be proud to use, built to last for generations.
- AMERICAN MADE QUALITY - Like all Woodpeckers products, the Precision Taper Jig is precisely machined and carefully inspected in our Strongsville, Ohio factory.
Rank #3
- Dual-Scale Taper Setup: Outfeed and Infeed scales with Imperial, Metric, and Angle Indexing Dots help simplify taper angle setup. Recessed channels help keep the scales securely in place and reduce the risk of lifting or shifting during use
- Adjustable Stop Block for Width Control： The included stop block can be mounted on the fence face or side track; once the taper angle is set, position the stop block against the workpiece to help maintain cutting width and improve repeatability for multiple matching parts
- Secure Stock Holding with Clamps and Grip Strips: 3 adjustable hold-down clamps work with included #100 abrasive grip strips to help hold stock firmly in place and reduce workpiece movement during cutting
- Birch Plywood Base and Aluminum Fence: Built with a 5/8" birch plywood base and rigid aluminum extrusion fence to help reduce flexing, support the workpiece, and maintain stability for taper cuts and straight line ripping
- Adjustable Miter Bar Helps Reduce Side-to-Side Play: The anodized aluminum miter bar includes adjustable expansion washers for a closer fit in standard 3/4" x 3/8" miter slots, helping the jig track more smoothly with less unwanted movement
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.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
