Ronnie1a

I'm going to buy a Rockler taper jig as tapered cuts are required on a new project I am going to tackle. I have no idea how they work or how difficult they are to use. Is anyone aware of any internet sites that may include instructions/directions? Or, any advise on their use would be appreciated.

mics_54

I'm sure it will come with instructions if you are buying it new. I doubt it's too complicated.

Ronnie1a

The reviews on the Rockler web site all tended to agree that the instructions were "crappy" and were poorly written.

firehawkmph

Ronnie,
I looked at the jig you mentioned. I don't think you need any kind of indepth instructions for it. It looks very similar to an old craftsmen jig I have. They are just designed to hold a piece of wood at a slight angle to run through your table saw. You really don't need much more than that. Mark your desired taper on our piece you are cutting. Adjust the angle jig so that line you just marked is parallel to your fence. Adjust the fence so your blade cuts rught up to the line and send 'er throught. (Always a good idea to try a scrap first on a new setup).
Mike Hawkins

rrich

Patience it the word...

I just used my Rockler taper jig today.

1 - On the edges of the wood, draw a line that represents the where the taper is to be cut.
2 - Put the taper jig against the fence on your saw and wood against the taper jig. Adjust the jig to the approximate angle of the taper.
3 - Align the fence, taper jig and the wide end of the wood to be tapered with the saw blade.
4 - Align the taper jig and the narrow end of the wood to be tapered with the saw blade by adjusting the taper jig.
5 - Repeat steps 3 & 4 until no adjustment of the taper jig is required.

BTW - It helps if you adjust the stubby fence on the taper jig so that the wood is even with the leading edge of the taper jig.

__________________
Use the right tool for the job.

Rich (Tilting right)
Huntington Beach, California
Remember that when we have the "BIG ONE" everything east of the Rockies falls into the ocean.

garryswf

Ronnie1A,
The easiest way to aquire a tapering jig is to gather scraps from around the shop and make one that suits your needs. I needed one to taper some legs but also wanted it to secure to the fence. Here are a couple of pictures, if you need more pictures or need to know how it was built all you need do is ask and i will be more than happy to assist.

ACP

Good looking jig Gary. I plan to copy that one ASAP. Thanks for posting the pics.

garryswf

Acp,
Since this jig was built i see some things that need to be done to it, but overall it functions well and keeps my hands completly away from the blade. That was my objective My scrap wasn't long enough. The piece that is on the left side of the fence "IMO" should have been the same length as the piece that rides on the top of the fence. Have a Great Day

ACP

Cool, I will keep that in mind.

woodnthings

AS far as instructions, layout the angles on the workpiece, adjust the jig and measure so that the distance to the fence is the same at the front and rear, creating a parallel cut. Then make the pass.
Next step is making the other side of the workpiece the same and requires resetting the angle on the jig since there is now an different angle sitting against the jig. This jig can be flipped on either side since the adjustment is on the end. The other end is just a simple hinge.

Attached Thumbnails

       

__________________
Never stand directly in front of a horse or tablesaw that's running!
If you're not making dust, you're gathering it. After I reread my own posts, I agree with myself even more.

woodnthings

additional photos

Attached Thumbnails

       

__________________
Never stand directly in front of a horse or tablesaw that's running!
If you're not making dust, you're gathering it. After I reread my own posts, I agree with myself even more.

garryswf

WnT, & Ronnie,
I did read your post with interest, and i do like your tapering jig, simple for ronnie to build and use. The reason i built mine the way i did is because i have a right hand that was injured, tendons cut in three of the fingers and it doesn't work the best, it now seems to get in the way more than it used to. Thus the further away from the blade i keep it, well you know the rest. It was more of a safety thing for me.

Ronnie1a

Thank you all for your advise and photos. Both were very helpful and appreciated.