A workpiece having one end with a lesser angle when compared to the other end, is basically what refers to as a taper cut. To achieve the perfect taper, the key is maintaining a smooth transition.
And that cannot be only achieved by simply pushing the workpiece through the table saw. You must also maintain that angle. Not to mention, the fair danger factor involved with wood due to possible catch or kickback. With the quick and powerful running blade having the required control for making taper cut is also included.
Clearly, there are a lot of things to take care of. And that’s where things get tricky for even intermediate woodworkers. Let’s discuss how to make a long taper cut on a table saw using a fairly simple process that, you should be able to master with a little focus. Hang With Us!
Quick Overview
Things You Need to Make a Long Taper Cut on Table Saw
There’s no doubt that you should own the best table saw capable of making a proper taper cut first and foremost. However, apart from that, there are a few more things you will need. So that all the difficulties someone is likely to face with a table saw to make a long taper cut can be eased.
Now the question is, what are those things that help?
- A Proper Taper Cut Jig for Table Saw.
- And a Reliable Blade That Has Taper Cut Making Capability.
You can easily go for a simple taper jig for table saw that comes with a pliable stop for workpieces as well as debarred aluminum rails. The cutting edge is obviously pretty dangerous and your hands must stay far from it. Having a tall handle would assure that.
And for setting the accurate edge for making a taper cut with table saw, the to-gauge point does the measuring job. Whatever point you set for acquiring edge, the bent bolting segment would guarantee the exact outcome. The whole thing is a piece of cake thanks to the bolting setting done by a couple of wing nuts.
Now one more thing! For a proper taper cut on a table saw, you must pay attention to the blade it comes with. Yes, you must figure out how to cut tapered wood strips but even before that, the tools are what should get your foremost focus. Ensuring a fine blade that serves with cuts as clean as possible, is an unavoidable priority.
And this is not just for making tapered cuts. Even if you aim to do something else with the table saw (especially the tricky ones) such as cross cutting wide boards on a table saw, if there’s a good-for-nothing blade conducting the job, the results will be a far cry from perfects.
Another thing we would like to mention is that tapers are not necessarily hard to achieve. There’s nothing too hard or tedious about it. Just the fact that you must have all the right tools at hand before starting the task is important. And from that point, making accurate taper cuts will become simpler and much easier to achieve.
Now Let’s Explain How to Cut a Taper on A Table Saw.
So, to get those perfect long taper cut using your table saw, here are the steps you must go through. Don’t worry, we’ll explain each part for you with important points that shall ease the process.
Get The Blade Protector Installed.
In most of the cases, there should be a blade protector given along with the saw. You must mount it before starting the taper cut.
Then it would be easier for you to cut with the base of the saw blade. As the protector would keep things on safe hand and you will be able to completely concentrate on making a good cut. Oh, you also need to alter the blade height.
This is to make cutting with base of blade easier. Plus, if there’s a wood edge obstructing in the cutting path, the blade won’t stop and keep making a cut following that way.
In case you have not used the blade guard till now, it might be abandoned somewhere in the area you store the table saw. Make sure you follow the manual given instruction to get it mounted.
Carefully Driving The Boards Through.
Choose the very back of the board to place your finger. You also need to consciously hold the fence with your little finger. So that it tears the boards into wider and broader pieces smoothly. The best table saw fence would be necessary to achieve that smoothness though.
That would make sure the edge of the board is well secure. While you work the piece through the cutting edge, don’t go too fast and make it unsteady. Try to give your complete concentration while tearing.
At this point, get the board over. Then try to back the pawl kick entirely. The cutoff or ripped segment should catch the saw. You must turn the saw off for that. Be very cautious when trying to move it aside. Because there are chances of facing kickback issues from your saw if you’re not being careful enough.
The pieces you get out of lumber should not be very fragile. At least avoid the point where it seems obvious to break and fall apart as soon as you start driving them. Having a push stick close to you will really help here.
Draw a Layout on Cut Parts.
During this phase of trying to make taper cut, you’re going to need a straightedge as well as a pencil. Start spreading the tapered cut out on the plain. Must include the kerf as well.
And then you want to draw a line for marking two opening sides that the blade would create. For example, if you have the finished part on left, then the cut resultant disposed material would be on right.
Work On the Jig Alignment Next.
The cut line should be parallel properly to the fence. The manner that fences and jigs use for holding the workpiece at the desired angle, for making a cut, is very important.
Next have the saw turned off. Then position the jig right against the fence. Also, have the workpiece that you’ll cut against the jig. Make sure the edged-on bottom is against the stop. Having the cut line marks on right positioning through moving the fence comes next.
Both cut lines will be exactly aligned to the miter slot right edge as you keep adjusting the jig angle as well as fence position. Lock the jig with the fastener by tightening it.
The very front edge of the blade should be in contact with the mark at taper’s beginning. Moving the fence will allow that. After you think it’s good enough, lock the fence as well. Now carefully try to pull both the workpiece as well as jig towards you. Make sure that these are clearing right with the blade. And then you can start the saw.
Finally, Make the Cuts.
So, we are almost by the end phase of making taper cut. You’ll need a shim to place right between the workpiece as well as the cutoff. It should be the same as the blade thickness. And then placing that edge against the fence shall help in making a similar taper on the opposing edge.
Usually, to edge make a taper cut or even rip-type cuts, you can place the fence on the blade’s right side. So that having utmost control is possible. Also for ensuring maximum safety in the process.
Have your hands right on top of the fence so that grasping jig as well as stock is easy. And then hold them really firm against the fence. And this shall help in not needing any type of exerting force or reaching over while handling the blade.
If you are curious about how to use a taper jig on a table saw in a way that it stays parallel with the wood piece, then go with the tape technique. Simply apply two tape pieces on both widespread points of the workpiece. And that should help.
You don’t want to force the wood into blade. So, push the wood as well as jig maintaining a careful pace. Remember the blade should be doing most of the job.
Also, keep in mind to shut down the saw so that blade stops before retrieving the resultant pieces. The same goes for when trying to get jig back to starting position. Or else cut off might be thrown back.
Wrapping Up
And that shall conclude this guide on how to make taper cut using your regular table saw. Cutting wood at a different angle is one of the many skills you’d find very beneficial to master. And perfecting tapered cut skills will surely help you get your woodworking projects to the next level.
We hope you make good use of this guide on how to make a long taper cut on a table saw and face no problem. Good Luck!
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