Tapered legs are used by woodworkers to build tables, chairs and various other projects. Cutting tapers on legs is a simple procedure that includes using a table saw and a plywood jig. Once you have the jig, it can be used again and again to produce matching tapers on as many legs as needed. When you make different sizes for different legs, you can hang the jigs on the wall and then they will be available for future projects. Things you will need: Wood glue, 2 pieces hardwood, 1 1/4-by-2 1/2-by-36 inches, Clamps, Glue scraper, Belt sander, 100-grit sanding belt, Miter saw, Hardwood plywood, 3/4-inch-thick, Pencil, Tape measure, Band saw, and a Table saw
In order to build a jig to cut a 1-inch taper that works on typical 2 1/2-inch square legs …show more content…
First, using a table saw, cut a piece of 3/4-inch-thick plywood 4 inches wider and 2 inches longer than the leg. After that, place the leg on the plywood flush with the top, 1 inch from the right side, with the grain of the plywood parallel with the leg. Slide the bottom of the leg 1-inch to the left so that the leg is angled from top to bottom. Trace around the left side and bottom of the leg with a pencil. Next, cut the tracing out using a bandsaw to form a tilted, backward L shape facing to the left. Then, place the plywood on the table saw. Place the leg in the plywood jig. The bottom of the leg rests on the bottom of the L shape. Tap the fence on the table saw to the left or right, moving the plywood jig and leg with it, until the left, top corner of the leg aligns with the blade on the saw. Afterwards, raise the blade on the table saw 1/2-inch higher than the thickness of the leg. For the next step, turn on the saw. Push the jig and leg forward together slowly, holding the leg and jig together, tight against the fence with both hands The blade will cut into the outside, left corner of the leg at the top. Continue pushing forward slowly, using the jig to push on. The saw will continue to cut a taper on the leg as you push forward. Cut all the way through the bottom of the leg and the outside edge of the backward L shape. Lastly, push the jig and leg past the blade. When the leg and jig are at least 6 inches past the blade, stop pushing. Turn off the saw. Repeat the procedure for any remaining