If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your woodworking projects, then taping is the way to go. This easy woodworking technique allows you to create smooth, tapered curves that can really make your pieces stand out. The best part is that it’s easy to do with a table saw. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to cut a taper on a table saw in just a few simple steps. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this guide will show you how it’s done. Let’s get started!
How to cut a taper on a table saw
Here are step by step Guide
1. Draw the line
To get started, you’ll need to draw a line on the face of your wood. It should be perpendicular to the edge and it needs to show where you want your taper to begin and end. For this piece, we wanted our taper to start at half an inch from one end and stop at one and a half inches from the other. Read more here How to cut mortise on table saw.
2. Create your stop blocks
Once you’ve drawn your line, move your fence so that it begins right where the line ends on the face of the wood. Then choose a stop block for your saw to run into when making each cut, and attach it securely to the fence using screws or clamps. Make sure that both sides are exactly even with each other and your fence. You’ll need two of these: One for the beginning of the taper and another for the end. If there is more than one saw blade width between them, adjust accordingly.
3. Run tapered test cuts
To begin cutting, set up your table saw like normal then slide your wood across the saw with the line you drew facing up. Now it’s time to run test cuts! Run a couple of pieces through, making sure that they have uniform tapers. You can always run them through again if they aren’t perfect. But this gives you a good idea of what your actual cut will look like. learn more here How to cut plexiglass on table saw.
4. Cut along the line
Once you remove the stop blocks from your fence and bring it back into place, slide your wood across it once more, lining up where you want each taper to start and end with the blade. Then take one last pass using your newly created test piece as a marker for both sides. If everything looks uniform after this final test cut, then go ahead and make your final cuts by following along your line.
5. Check the taper
Finally, once all of your sawing is done, it’s time to check the taper with a caliper. If your taper looks uniform and meets your standards, then you’re ready to move on!
As you can see, cutting a tapered piece of wood only requires a few steps and patience. While there are other ways to accomplish this task (such as using hand tools), we personally think that using a table saw is the easiest way for beginners and woodworkers alike. So if you want that luxurious look for your next project or simply need something smooth and sleek for its intended use, then give taping a try! Learn more here How to cut mortise and tenon on table saw.
Safety tips when using a table saw for tapering:
- With the table saw unplugged, push your wood all the way into the blade.
- Only run your taper test pieces through with no one by the machine. It’s dangerous to have someone there when it’s being used.
- Make sure everything is tight before you start cutting. Loose pieces can cause problems.
- Always be aware of where your fingers are when using a table saw. If you’re distracted, accidents can happen easily.
- Remove the blade guard while working with tapering to have full access to the wood and the blade. Otherwise, it’s impossible to safely get a close enough look.
- If you feel sick or dizzy while cutting, ask for help and let someone know before continuing on! It could be a sign of a more serious condition.
- Make sure to use the right-sized blade for tapering your wood. Too narrow or too wide of a blade can make the process difficult.
- Keep your body parts away from the blade.
FAQ’s:
Can I cut a taper on any table saw?
Of course! But make sure that your blade is perfectly perpendicular to the top of your table in order for it all to look uniform. Also, if you don’t have a fence or stop block, use tape or clamps to attach your wood securely in place before making each slice.
How do I ensure that my tapered cuts are uniform?
We recommend checking your cut with a caliper, which you can pick up at any hardware or craft store for an affordable price. This way you’ll be able to measure and adjust accordingly before cutting each time.
Can I use this technique on other pieces of wood?
Absolutely! Depending on what you’re going for, this method can be used with a variety of materials. Whether you want a tapered leg or another type of streamlined design, this is a great way to go about it!
What are some benefits of using a table saw?
When compared to hand tools, you’ll have more control over the finished product with less room for error. Some other benefits are that it’s easy to set up and learn, allowing beginners to get into woodworking quickly, and is often much faster than manual methods.
Conclusion:
I hope that this article was helpful for you to be able to cut a taper on a table saw. If there are any questions about the topic feel free to ask in the comment section below and I will try my best to answer them for you guys. Thanks!
