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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A simple shop-built tapering jig can help you cut matching tapers on furniture-leg stock with a table saw. WOOD Magazine’s design uses 3/4-inch MDF or plywood, a few pieces of scrap, and a guide assembly positioned for the taper you need. Follow the source drawing for dimensions; the published article does not specify them in its text.
What this tapering jig does
The jig carries a leg past the table-saw blade while holding the stock against a guide. An end cleat registers the leg, and a screw-mounted hold-down helps keep it in place. WOOD Magazine describes this design as simpler, but less versatile, than its adjustable jig; the guide assembly can be repositioned to accommodate different taper lengths.
This approach is intended for a straight taper that can be laid out on the leg and registered against the jig edge. If you are choosing a method, consider whether you have a table saw, the taper length and shape, how many matching legs you need, and how much setup you want to do. Fine Woodworking describes other approaches, including table-saw jigs and a planer carriage, but does not provide comparative performance results in the cited article.
Materials and drawing
- 3/4-inch MDF or plywood for the base, guide, end cleat, and spacer.
- Scrap for the hold-down.
- Wood screws and a rubber bumper for the hold-down.
- A zero-clearance insert and suitable outfeed support for the table saw.
Use the dimensions in WOOD Magazine’s Super-simple Tapering Jig drawing. WOOD Store also lists a downloadable plan for this jig; check the current plan listing for its availability, format, and price.
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#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.
Build the base and guide
- Cut the base, guide, end cleat, and spacer from 3/4-inch MDF or plywood to the dimensions shown in the drawing. Make the hold-down from scrap.
- Glue and screw the end cleat to the base.
- Glue the spacer to the guide. Keep this guide-and-spacer assembly separate from the base until you set the jig for a particular taper; its position determines the setup.
Set the jig for the leg
- Install a zero-clearance insert in the table saw before completing the setup.
- Place the base edge against the blade, then move the rip fence against the opposite edge of the base.
- Place the leg with its top against the end cleat and align its taper marks along the jig edge.
- Set the guide-and-spacer assembly against the leg. Drill mounting holes, then screw the assembly to the base. Do not glue it to the base: keeping it removable lets you reposition it for a different taper length.
- Screw the hold-down to the spacer, with its rubber bumper pressing against the leg.
Make the cut with support and the guard in place
With the leg secured, turn on the table saw and push the jig and workpiece past the blade. Arrange outfeed support so the jig and leg remain supported as they leave the blade rather than dropping at the end of the cut. WOOD Magazine notes that its demonstration omits the blade guard for visibility and instructs readers to use the guard. Do not treat the demonstration’s guard-free image as operating guidance.
Repeat the setup for matching legs
For a set of legs with the same taper, mark each workpiece consistently and register it against the same cleat and jig edge. Keep the guide position fixed for that taper length while cutting the set. The source describes how the fixture is adjusted, but does not report measured accuracy or comparative test results, so inspect the layout and setup rather than assuming a particular tolerance.
Rank #2
- INCLUDES: (1) Table Saw Taper Cutting Jig with 24” rails with work stops, ergonomic handle, lock knob and laser etched scale
- FUNCTION: Used as a taper cutting guide for table saws, this easy-to-use carpentry tool helps you make long cut cuts at angles from 1” per foot (4.8 degrees) or up to 3” per foot (15 degrees)
- VERSATILE: Perfect for making angled cuts, projects that require a little taper or other woodworking projects such as building kitchen table legs, chairs, wood shelves, wedges and more.
- PREMIUM: Made with an extremely durable, yet lightweight extruded aluminum construction that offers anti-corrosive properties and a high strength-to-weight ratio for heavy-duty applications
- FEATURES: Sturdy construction and design with extruded legs with anodized finish, tapered handle with rounded head and textured finish,adjustable 0–15° Taper Range with Laser-Engraved Scale
For a different taper length, loosen and reposition the guide-and-spacer assembly, then secure it again for the new setup. The design’s simplicity comes with a trade-off: it is less versatile than an adjustable jig, so a change in taper requires a fresh positioning setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When another method may fit better
A table-saw jig is a reasonable option when the leg can be safely supported and guided through a straight cut on your saw. Consider another technique if the taper shape does not suit that guided cut, if you do not have the required machine, or if a different fixture better fits your workflow. Fine Woodworking’s overview, 6 Techniques for Cutting Tapered Legs, discusses table-saw jigs and a planer carriage among the alternatives.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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 #3
- 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.
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