If you are a DIY enthusiast or a person working in construction, then a table saw is definitely one of the tools that you use almost on a daily basis. Basically, proper tools are vital for those people who want to achieve the best results at what they do. When it comes to woodwork, you will want a tool that not only does the work quickly but also efficiently while maintaining quality. Look at it this way, your craftsmanship is a reflection of how skilled you are and you will definitely want people to appreciate what you do. Thus you need to know the table saw taper guide properly.
In this case, people who constantly work with wood will pick the perfect table saw as a necessary tool. Table saws come in a variety of sizes and are used by the woodworkers to accurately cut into wood. For instance, it helps you cut down boards, straighten out crooked boards and make crown molding. Just like any other tools, table saws come in different types and you have to carry out your homework on the one most suitable for your kind of work.
What Are Table Saws Used For?
After you have purchase a table saw, you would definitely want to make the most out of it. Make sure you have determined the cutting aids that can be used with the machine. Here are the few uses of table saw;
Straight Cuts:
The most basic function of the table saw is ripping boards and making crosscuts. A rip involves making a long cut with the grain of a chosen piece of wood. On the other hand, a crosscut is simply cutting across the grain. They are mainly used when a person wants to trim wood into a particular size.
Angle Cuts
With a table saw, you are able to adjust the angle by which you are cutting. For instance, you can adjust the angle of the blade to 45 degrees and rip on a 2 by 2. You can also make a mitered cut but you will have to get an aid for this. These are mainly a box or a sled. Some people prefer to make their own aids by building a rig or purchase one at the nearest store.
Joints:
When it comes to joints, you will need some aids to get the job done perfectly. Table saws are usually the best tools for making joints because they make precise cuts. Joints are helpful whenever you want two pieces of boards at an angle.
What Are The Different Table Saw Taper Guide?
The Table Saw Taper Jig Plan
Tapering occurs successfully and safely with the use of the right jig. Mainly, woodworkers prefer tapers because they are good at reducing the proportions of table legs to end up with a more slender, intricate look. For this reason, a jig is quite vital for making modified and delicate rip cuts safely. Normally, people will buy a tapering jig at a nearby store. However, you will find that the store-bought tapering jigs limit the control you have over the workpiece during the ripping process. This may result in poor cutting.
This leaves you with the other option of creating an alternative. All you need are scrap-bin leftovers and some toggle clamps. The clamps will be used for securing the work-pieces as you cut. The best part of making your own jig is that you can tailor it to perform tapering the way you want it to. Follow these steps;
- Create a suitable base for your jig using plywood or any other sheets material. Rip the base to a width of about 6 inches and a length of 6 to 8 inches. It should be longer than the leg you intend to taper.
- Identify where the blade is going to enter and leave the piece of wood. In this case, you will have to draw your taper cut on the workpiece and ensure to extend the line through the adjacent face as well as the end of the leg. Afterwards, clamp the leg onto the jig base and the work bench so that the taper line is aligned with the edge of the base.
- Cut a straight piece of crap that will act as support behind the leg. Ensure the support is exactly the same length as the leg and set it against the leg. Fasten into position on the base using wood screws.
- Get a stock block and attach it on the jig that is positioned against the end of the leg. Secure it with some screws.
- Use the scrap to make two mounting blocks that are of similar thickness as that of the leg. Fasten them behind the support and closer to the ends of the leg. The next step is to screw the toggle clamps onto the mounting blocks. Adjust the clamps so that they are firmly pressed onto the leg. Your jig is now complete and ready for use.
- You can prepare it for cutting by setting it on the saw and raising the blade until the teeth has reached about quarter inches above the upper part of the leg. Afterwards, hold it against the rip fence and adjust the rip fence to the appropriate position. Next is to lock the fence and ensure the jig is not on the blade by pulling it backwards.
- Start the saw and carefully feed the jig along the fence so as to rip the taper. The hands should be behind the jig support at all times.
- An easy method to cut tapered or angled parts on a table saw.
- This is one of the easiest methods to cut any desired angle in a piece of wood. It’s easy, safe and a versatile method. One thing you will have to keep in mind is that this method is not really suitable for cutting many identical parts. This is because it’s not repeatable. Here are the steps to follow;
- Use a pencil to lay out the tapered cut on the workpiece. It should be on a straight edge. Ensure you have included the kerf. This means that you will have to draw a single line that will represent the two sides the blade will cut into.
- Get a plywood or a wide board that you will use to cover the discard and act as a guide board. It should also be long so that it can reach both ends of the blank. Align it with the already drawn kerf line and secure it onto the discard with a few screws.
- The next step is to set the fence. Flip the boards over in an end-to-end manner. The guide board is what sets the table saw fence in position.
- At this point, you are ready to start cutting. Remove the guide board and start the saw. You can now cut the intended part.
How To Cut Tapered Legs On The Table Saw
The table saw is the most common tool used for cutting tapers. It’s actually the fastest method. There are different ways to go about it. For instance, you can decide to make a jig of your own or purchase a hinged universal jig that can cut a variety of tapers.
The first thing to do is create a jig using a straight and flat piece of plywood that is simply a few inches longer than the leg stock you will be using.
- Ensure you have cut it in such a way that the sides are parallel to each other and the ends are squared.
- Afterwards, screw a back stop onto one end that will work to catch the wider part of the taper. There is also a front stop towards the opposite end of the jig which will capture the leg and cant it from the plywood at the right angle for the taper.
- You will have to adjust the angle of the tapering jig so as it matches with the desired angle of the taper. Position the saws fence in a way that the blade will meet with the tapered leg at the point you will make the cut.
- The next section is to prepare for the cut. Measure it from the inside edge of the jig to the wider part of the taper. This is the measurement that you will use to determine the distance between the blade and fence.
- Switch on the saw. The tapering jig and board you intend to cut will be pushed forward while the jig is kept firm against the inside edge of the fence. This goes on until you have completed the tapering.
- In case a second taper is needed, you will have to rotate the leg blank at 90 degrees in the same jig. After rotating it in this manner, a different face of the leg will appear that is still untapered. It will rest on the table saw and you can continue with the second cut.
Final Verdict:
These are the most common and simple methods of performing tapering. Tapering is a task that can be easy as long as you know what you are doing. I hope this guide will be of great help to you.