SIMPLE or FANCY Taper Jig for a Table Saw | How to Build

How to build a simple taper jig or a fancy tapering jig for a table saw that doubles as a jointing jig and straight line jig.
#woodworking #taperingjig #taperjig

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How to build a tapering jig the simple way or the fancy way. The simple tapering jig can be made in just a few minutes and will get the job done for you. But spending some extra time on a fancy DIY taper jig will give you some cool features and make this staple of table saw woodworking even easier to use. This sled also works as a table saw jointing jig and a straight line jig. It's perfect for any woodworker who uses the table saw a lot in their woodworking projects.

[Fixthisbuildthat]

Comment below which one you'd rather make!

[geko]

By far the best part of this video is the ending comment... "Hmmm... more jigs...."

I started my woodworking obsession in early 2021, and I feel all I have done is make jigs... I am just finally getting to the point that I have enough jigs to actually work on real projects in my garage.

[rayjess]

I built the fancy version this morning and it works beautifully on my contractor saw. I am using the rip fence as my reference without any problems. Thank you for the demo, it made a world of difference in the various steps in the construction.

[hanshartung]

I made the second one and love the way it works. I had purchased the Microjig Tapering Jig, and the first time I used it following instructions, the cutoff came fling back at me, and hit me square in the chest. So, I started looking on Youtube and ean across your design. I opted to build it and the very first time I used it, it worked like a dream. No fly backs or any other mishaps. That design has become my favorite and I use it whenever I make some legs for any project. Soooo, much easier to use and I'm not worried about being beaten to death from flying lumber. Thanks Brad.

[greggrennie]

Fancy is definitely the way to go if you taper wood often and your idea of routing 2 shorter slots rather than 1 full length worked out great!

[mitziwalker]

Simple. I'm a novice to woodworking, and the simple one will meet my needs and skill set at this time. As I learn and improve, I can always reference this video to build the fancy one.

[LycanSoldier]

I personally like the second one. More adjustments for different wood sizes. 👍🏾

[michaelgregson]

I'm going to make the second one.
Thanks for sharing.

[lvsfineartssurvey]

Built the second one. Used my dado blades to make the slots instead of router and for the top bar I used a piece of t-track I had and made the two slots smaller on either end.

[CasualBuilds]

"Don't look at nasty fences for the rest of your life" - this part was hilarious. I feel like you incorporated more shots of you speaking to the camera throughout the build process, I love this style. Thanks for the tips, Brad!

[owlbear]

I've been watching tapering jig builds by various Youtubers and the "fancy one" here was steps above some of the other designs I've watched. There are a few details that make this worth the extra effort, for example: the fence slot being in two sections. A long slot like some designs have really weaken the clamping power with all that flex. Even the commercial ones have that flaw and is why I am making me make my own. This is a great design and thank you for sharing.

[riccroft]

Your manner of explaining the way to make things is really top shelf, Brad, I enjoy your content and look forward to trying it in my shop

[josephgirgenti]

I like the fancy jig, thanks for taking the time.

[inspiringbuilds]

Brad, these taper jigs coupled with a planner jig and you're golden! I'd go with the fancy one. My style is spend a little more time building or making things right on the front end to save time on the back end.

[rla]

The simpler the better - great video. Occasionally I have had to do long tapered rips. One such case is the need to add jamb extensions to doors or windows (and sills for windows) with inconsistent depths (like needing to add 1-13/16" at one end and 2-3/8" at the other). A door jamb height is about 7 feet, but multiple ganged windows may have much longer top jambs and sills. Some years ago I fashioned an 8-ft. sled from birch ply, used a glued and screwed 3/4-in. strip of the same material for the miter slot, and as you show in your example (5:13) drilled to accommodate T-bolts for hold down clamps. I predrilled a series of patterned holes (about 30 or so) up and down the sled at varying distances from the edge similar to what you had done.

In use, initially I'd measure off the cutoff edge and adjust the rip at top and bottom using a tape measure, for example, 1-13/16 in at one end, 2-3/8 in at the other. I found the setup process to be somewhat tedious, which could be further complicated if there was a slight crook in the board to be ripped as it is impossible to measure in the middle of a board. I solved this by inlaying sticky backed metal measuring tape approximately every ten inches over the length of the sled. I notched in 1/64" deep x 1/2" wide dados the width of the sled and set the series of measuring tapes in place, with zero at the edge to eight inches (the width of my sled). With this addition, set up is a breeze for any length of board I need to rip, even boards longer than 8 feet. Even boards with a crook can be flexed enough to make straight cuts.

[donaldp]

For any work that I do, the simple jig works just fine. My motto: simplicity + functionality = elegance

[onetruebob_tj]

The second one is more functional to me. It appears to be easier to setup & adjust. Thanks for the great video

[williambuckley]

I like the fancy one better because it looks more versatile. Thanks for your video's they teach a lot.

[philgoulding]

Hey Brad,
Just finished the "simple" jig and a very please ! I actually built my hold down clamps from
some Baltic birch I had extra. This jig now allows me to true up some cherry I have wanted to work
with for a long time. Great plan and video! Keep up the great work!
Many thanks

[kevindavis]

Fancy jig is good for “jointing” if you don’t have one, but the simple one is quicker to make and you don’t need a router. Love the videos! Keep them coming.