Tapering Jig?

[Rita B.]

I am hoping to build a entry type table and would like the legs to be tapered to match a dining table I have.   I have looked at the various tapering jigs that are available for purchase but I am not sure if I would use it enough to make the investment.   Is there a simple way I could build a fixed jig type deal that would allow me to make the simple four legs that I am hoping for?  For those of you who might remember, I am new to table saw use but nearly have completed a couple of cabinets that I have built for use in my garage/shop.  Not ready to hold the title of cabinet maker yet but they are functional.   Will post a pic once I have them installed.

[Ken Darga]

Rita,

Here's a couple for your perusal---

these are shop made jigs, to be used on a table saw,

to make tapered legs.

http://www.finewoodworking.com/workshop/video/a-simple-tapering-jig...

http://www.woodsmithshop.com/download/210/perfecttapers.pdf

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi Rita:  There are many ways to make a taper jig but the most simple method  that requires very little amount of materials,  It is a simple piece of 3/4 inch thick x 30 inch long  plywood or mdf that has a straight side to run along the table saw fence.  It should be about 12 inches wide.  You need a piece of 3/4 in x about 2 inches wide strip of wood for an arm  Attach the 30" x 2" piece to the large piece you will be using as a sled using a 1 1/4 inch screw at the top a couple inches from the corner and about an inch or so from the top. the  (Jig screws work best)   Near the  bottom of this, what we will call the adjustable arm, attach a small tab of wood at the very end.  This is to keep the leg stock from moving back when you cut.

Using the combination of moving the saw fence towards the blade and moving the arm, determine the leg taper you wish.  You can do this by laying the leg stock on the sled against the arm and using your eye and the help of a straight edge, and pulling the sled backward behind the blade,  you can see the path of the saw blade.  Once the angle is determined anchor the arm with a screw near the bottom.  Lay the leg stock on the sled and using a clamp secure it to the arm above where the taper will begin.  Make sure it in out the path of the saw blade!!!!!!! If possible use multiple clamps and this will be determined by the length of the taper.

Turn on the saw and gently push through the saw blade keeping your fingers out of the path of the saw blade.

The blade will cut off the excess sled material as well as cutting the table of the leg.  To use it as a repeat just unclamp and rotate to the next side that you want to taper.  They are usually tapered on only two sides.  For the next and remaining legs repeat the process.

Refer to the drawing:     BECAREFUL WITH THAT SAW BLADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Have a great July 4th.  Need more help please contact me.

[Rita B.]

Thanks guys!   I hope to have the table painted a black distressed finish with the top being made of Oak and stained.  When choosing the wood for the legs, what type of wood should be used?   I am assuming I need stength in the legs but since it will be painted, hate to see a nice grain being covered with paint.

[Jay Boutwell]

Rita, you are most welcome.  I would use something like a nice popular, birch, or alder.  These woods work well and are a good paint grade material.  I know exactly what you mean about using  expensive wood like the oaks and other expensive wood and then cover it with paint.  Have a great July 4th holiday.
 
Rita Baske said:

Thanks guys!   I hope to have the table painted a black distressed finish with the top being made of Oak and stained.  When choosing the wood for the legs, what type of wood should be used?   I am assuming I need stength in the legs but since it will be painted, hate to see a nice grain being covered with paint.

[Leslee]

Rita,

 There is a site called "about.com" It has a simple tapering jig that is inexpensive and could be made out of scrap wood and some things bought from the hardware store. When you go to about.com look in their directory that is in alphabetical order. Look under "W" for woodworking and you will find an inexpensive tapering jig to make. Have a safe 4th of July holiday.

[Rita B.]

WooHooo!  Just completed my first set of 4 tapered legs.   Not sure why but trying that was so intimidating for me.  I used a jig combo of what Jay had posted and the link from woodsmith shop.  For now it is a fixed jig for this project but can easily be converted to adjust angles.   I tried making one from the about.com site but was not happy with the way mine was turning out and had safety concerns.   Thanks guys for all your help.  So excited to move on but the heat is driving me inside for a bit.  Approaching 100 in the garage and only going to get worse as the day progresses.

[Ken Darga]

Rita,

Use fans, to create air movement.

Fans in themselves do not heat or cool a room/area, but the fan rotation allows improved air circulation, which can greatly improve the comfort of your space.

Air movement helps produce a comfortable breeze or 'windchill' that cools the skin.

I use 20" floor fan in the garage shop, outside on the drive, patio or deck.

In some instances, I use 2 fans, so as to move more air.

When necessary and outdoors, I use a canopy tent, to provide the shade comfort.

A fan raised to a height, at the upper body level, is better than placing it on the floor.

A fan can be fastened to the side of a 6ft step ladder, if one doesn't have a fan that can be adjusted vertically.

Place the fans, drawing air from a the shaded area---

blowing it out into the sunny area.

[Ken Darga]

Rita, 

Make some practice legs from 2x2 stock.

(A pointed end can be added, and use them as marker stakes. 

For longer ones, you can use them as tomato plant stakes).

It takes practice making tapered legs.

Once you've made a couple sets, it'll be easier from there.

Eons ago, I learned to make taper legs, using a hand saw, then a circular hand saw.

Mark the lines, clamp the leg securely, and cut it off.

Then finished smooth with a hand plane.

I learned to use hand tools before using power tools---that was the ''law".

[Rita B.]

Ken,  I have a fan circulating air.  It does help....when I remember to turn it away from me when creating sawdust :)  I have both overhead doors open but the place only has one window.  When the garage was built, my ex wanted more windows but I talked him out of it sighting safety concerns and cost.  Now I wish for more windows for improved ventilation as well as light.    I have everything cut for the sides of my table and places mark for where I will need pocket holes.   Need to cool off a bit.  Perhaps call it a day or wait until later this evening.  I am only a couple of miles from Lake Michigan.  Where is that lake breeze when I need it!

[Ken Darga]

Rita,

Can you place a fan on the inside area over the window?

I did that in my previous shop---2 windows---helped a great deal.

Gable fans are very effective.

Can't you install one in your garage wall?

[Rita B.]

I might be able to pick up a smaller fan that I could fit the window to exhaust hot air out.  Not sure how much movement it would create but it might be worth a try.   Fortunately,  this kind of heat wave is not the norm here in Michigan and it is expecting to improve Saturday.   I am off work this week and next so that is why I am trying to sweat my way through it.   I am sure a gable fan would help a lot but would rather invest in a heating unit so I do not have to close shop during the long winter days.  On my wish list but not sure if it will be doable.

[Ken Darga]

Rita,

For small windows, such as the basement style windows,

I've used 10" box fans---they helped.

2 such fans can be placed, side-by-side.

OR

a twin fan, such as

 

providing adequate space is available.

Alternate: 

Garage door fan:

In my pold garage door, I installed a fan.

Cut out a panel section---

made a box---

Inserted a plexiglas paneled window.

When I needed to exhaust fumes, or the like,

I removed the window, and inserted the fan.

Used this only to exhaust fumes from the shop, when the door was closed.