How to Make a Taper Cut With a Jig

Mark the cut line on the face of the wood using a meter stick and pencil. The face of the wood is the top surface, and the cut line is the spot on the wood that will be cut. Position a combination square on the edge of the wood and align it with the cut line. Extend the cut line down the side of the wood with a pencil. Repeat with the other side.

Position the taper jig against the fence, which is the metal guide on the table saw. Position the wood against the taper jig. The taper jig should be sandwiched between the wood and the fence. While adjusting the fence, keep the jig pressed against the fence and the wood pressed against the jig.

Turn the nut on the fence with an adjustable wrench and turn the screw on top of the taper jig with a screwdriver counterclockwise to loosen them. Adjust the angle of the fence so the cut line on the wood is centered over the right miter slot (closest to the fence).

Adjust the angle of the fence and jig so the cut line runs parallel to the miter slot. Check by measuring the distance between one end of the cut line and the miter slot and comparing it to the distance between the other end of the cut line and the miter slot. The two measurements should be the same.

Turn the nut on the fence and the screw on top of the taper jig clockwise to lock them into place.

Stand next to the table saw on the side opposite the blade. The fence should be between you and the blade for safety.

Turn on the power saw.

Position one of your hands on top of the fence. Grab the top of the taper jig with the fingers on the same hand.

Push the jig along the fence so the wood approaches the blade. Keep your fingers away from the blade as you make the cut. Continue pushing until the entire length of wood has been cut and passes through the table saw blade.

Turn off the table saw. Remove the cut wood and push the jig back to the starting position. Always turn off the saw and reset the jig after each cut.