Materials
- Tapered leg template (can either be created by hand or downloaded from internet).
- Table saw with taper insert and dado insert
- Use a plywood work surface with your dado insert. A flat surface can be used, but it will be more difficult to make sure that the table saw blade is perpendicular.
- A template should not exceed half the width of your leg if you are using it as a template (the width of your material plus the other side).
Step 1 – Mark The End Of Your Board And Make A 45 Degree Cut.
Use a miter, or a table saw to make a 45-degree cut at one end of the board. This will allow the template to be aligned with the edge of your board. This is done by placing the corner of the blade in the corner of the miter or tablesaw and then lowering it until it touches your work surface. This ensures that your blade is perpendicular to your work surface. Learn more about how to cut plywood with a table saw.
Step 2 – Align Your Leg Template And Your Board
Next, mark the three other corners of your table saw’s blade with a pencil. You can also use a miter saw to cut wood.
Step 3 – Make A Cut With Your Taper Jig
Once you have marked the three corners of your blade it is time to use your taper-jig. Place this over your leg template. Then lower the blade so that it touches the taper. Your hand will guide the pieces through the saw.
To get the best results, make sure you keep all pieces in one place.
Step 4 – Remove The Template From Your Board And Trim The Tapered Ends
You can now make another taper cut. Make sure to keep your taper jig handy. You will be using these two pieces together this time instead of individually as you did previously.
Step 5 – Make A Clean Cut And Create A 45-degree Angle At Your Leg
You should also use a chisel for any material left over from the tapered cuts. This will create a perfect 90-degree corner between them (important if you want your tables legs to be structurally sound and smooth).
Once you have the straightest piece of wood connecting the two tapered pieces, you can add another piece of flat wood to it. It should be as wide as your final leg width. This piece can be used to mark the length of the legs. However, you must account for the depths of your taper cuts which will be 1/20cm wider than the inside of your table saw blade.
Once you have marked it, cut the square shape. Then complete your leg with any of the woodworking techniques that you are familiar with. You can learn more about how to cut plywood without using a table saw.
Safety Tips For Using A Table Saw To Tapper Legs
Take extra care with your fingers
Do not place your leg template on the board flat while you are cutting it. This could cause inaccuracy and may result in your template moving. Use a clamp or roller stand instead to elevate your leg template slightly, so it is not in direct contact with the blade.
You can hold the leg template in place with your hand, even if you are removing it from a cut. If the leg template slips, stop immediately and start again.
When cutting, be sure to align the blade correctly with your materials. You may make an error and end up with a cut that is not correct.
FAQs
What Materials Are Needed To Make A Tapered Leg.
This tutorial will only require a saw and some wood boards.
How Can I Make A Table Leg With My Saw?
You can use a dado pile to cut through your board instead of a taper-jig. This is a more difficult task, so make sure you have some experience with a taper-jig before you attempt it. If not, you can stick with the taper.
Which Angle Should I Choose For My Leg Template?
For more information about your jig, make sure you check the manufacturer’s specifications. If you don’t find it anywhere, it is best to use a 30
What Kind Of Wood Should You Use?
All varieties are acceptable. It is important that it be straight-grained, and not warped.
