As a remodeling contractor, I have to deal with a world that is seldom plumb, level, or square, which means that occasionally I have to make tapered cuts. I used to dread them, but I came up with a simple jig that makes it easy to cut tapered pieces on a tablesaw.
The jig is simply a strip of 3/4-in. plywood that’s a little wider and longer than the piece to be tapered. I like plywood because it has a straight edge. You can use 1x or 2x stock for the jig, though; just make sure it’s straight. The first step is to set the blade on the tablesaw so that it extends 1?8 in. above the table. Set the fence to cut a kerf in the jig about 1 in. from the outside edge. If your jig is 6 in. wide, set the fence 5 in. from the blade. Next, run the jig through the saw. From this point on, the most critical thing is not to move the fence.
Now turn the jig upside-down. The kerf is the line of the cut. You simply place the piece you want to taper on the jig and line up the cutline with the kerf. Secure the piece to the jig with a couple of drywall screws. Next, raise the blade on the tablesaw a tad higher than the thickness of the board you’re cutting, turn the jig right-side up (plywood on top), and make your cut.
Chris Green, New Milford, CT
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