How to Machine a Taper

Cutting something at an angle is known as cutting a taper. To cut an accurate taper, use a taper jig. A taper jig is a guide that keeps a machine blade aligned at the proper angle. Taper jigs are adjustable and can be set to any angle. When cutting a taper on a table saw or other cutting machine, wear eye goggles for protection and keep your hands away from the blade.

Pencil
Meter stick
Adjustable or socket wrench
Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a cut line on the material you are going to cut with a pencil. The cut line is the guide you will use when you cut. Extend the cut line down the sides of the material.
- 2
  Push the taper jig against the fence. Position the cutting material against the taper jig.
- 3
  Loosen the nut on the fence with an adjustable or socket wrench.
- 4
  Move the fence so the cut line on the cutting material aligns with the saw blade. Fine tune the angle of the fence and taper jig are parallel to the miter slot. Measure the distance between both ends of the cutting material and the miter slot. The measurements should be the same.
- 5
  Tighten the nut on the fence.
- 6
  Turn on the machine. Stand away from the blade, behind the fence.
- 7
  Hold the top of the cutting material and taper jig with one of your hands.
- 8
  Push the jig toward the blade and cut the material. Push the jig until the material passes completely through the blade.
- 9
  Turn off the machine. Remove the cut material. Reset the jig before each cut.

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