Tapering jig for window trim?

[Matt H]

Hello fellow sawdust makers,

I just removed my window trim to spray foam around the frame and am replacing the trim with something nicer than what the builder installed. However, one of the pieces next to a wall must be cut from 2 inches at the top to 1.5 inches. Does any one own a tapering jig? doesnt seem to be any out there that have a good review. And no I dont want to make one and go to the hardware store to buy a bag of wingnuts and sliders and a sheet of plywood.

[Jay Boutwell]

If you just have a single piece or two to do you can use a piece of straight cut 3/4" plywood of similiar material that is longer that the window trim piece. Something like about 6 inches wide and about a foot longer that the window trim. Set the table saw fence to the width of the 3/4" material being certain that the saw blade will track with the edge. You can even set the fence and take a very small rip off the 3/4" material and do not move the fence. This will insure that the blade is tracking properly with the 3/4" material. Draw out the taper onto the window trim.
Aline the taper with the edge of the 3/4" material and using small finish nails attach the trim to the board so that it is firmly attached. (you don't have the drive the nails in very far just enough to insure that the trim will not move during the cut). Run your trim through and you will have your taper and don't have to mess with building a tapering jig.

In your case it would be best to attach the 2" width at the top of the 3/4" material and the narrow piece at the bottom so that it is the last to be cut. I've done this many times and it is easy to do. Just watch your fingers and keep the 3/4" tight to the fence.

[John Schaben]

I would recommend Jay's suggestion in any case. You didn't say how long the trim pieces were but IMHO, most commercial taper jigs are worthless, nay dangerous, for anything longer than about 2 feet.