How to Cut Smooth Tapers with a Band Saw
Tapered legs are a simple detail that can make a big difference in the appearance of a table, desk, or other furniture project. By gradually narrowing a leg toward the bottom, you can give a heavy-looking piece a lighter, more refined appearance.
And the good news is that cutting tapered table legs is easier than you might think.
Sure, you can make tapers using a jig on the table saw. But building and setting up a tapering jig takes time. Unless you're cutting a large number of identical parts, I've found that the band saw is often a quicker and easier option.
The process comes down to three basic steps: layout, cutting, and smoothing.
Step 1: Lay Out the Taper on the Table Leg
The first step is to mark the taper on the workpiece. These layout lines will guide both the band saw cut and the final smoothing process.
Start by determining where the taper will begin and how narrow you want the leg to be at the bottom.
For the table leg shown here, the taper is cut on two adjoining faces.
I begin by drawing the finished dimensions on the bottom end of the leg. Then I mark where the taper will start near the top.
Finally, I use a straightedge to connect the marks and establish a straight cutline along the face of the leg.
Take your time with this step. Clear, accurate layout lines make it much easier to cut consistently and leave just enough material for smoothing.
Set Up Your Band Saw for Cutting Tapers
Even though you're only rough-cutting the taper, you still want the cut to be as straight and smooth as possible. The cleaner the cut, the less work you'll have to do with a hand plane later.
That's why I like to give my band saw a quick once-over before getting started.
Since cutting a taper is essentially a rip cut, I install a 1/2"-wide band saw blade with 3–4 teeth per inch (TPI). This combination cuts quickly and helps the blade track straight through the workpiece.
Next, check that the band saw table is square to the blade. Finally, adjust the upper blade guide assembly so it's approximately 1/4" above the workpiece. Keeping the guides close to the wood helps minimize blade deflection and produces a straighter cut.
With the saw properly adjusted, you're ready to follow the layout line and cut the taper.
Step 2: Cut the Taper on the Band Saw
With the taper marked, you're ready to make the cut.
I prefer to start cutting at the narrow end of the leg and work toward the point where the taper ends.
There's a good reason for this.
If you start at the upper end of the taper, the band saw blade may skip along the surface before entering the wood. This can leave a gouge that's difficult to remove later.
Starting at the narrow end makes it easier to enter the cut smoothly.
Follow the Layout Line
The goal is to remove as much waste as possible without cutting into the finished taper.
Follow the line in a smooth, controlled motion, staying just to the waste side of it.
A practice cut or two on scrap wood can help you get comfortable with guiding a long, angled cut.
Let the blade do the work rather than forcing the leg through the saw. A steady feed rate will produce a cleaner cut and make the next step easier.
Keep your hands clear of the blade and use appropriate support and push devices as needed.
If you're tapering two adjacent faces, make the second cut using the layout line for that face, keeping the workpiece stable against the saw table.
Step 3: Smooth the Taper with a Hand Plane
A band saw leaves a surface that needs some cleanup before the leg is ready for assembly or finishing.
There are several ways to smooth a taper, but one of my favorites is using a hand plane.
Any bench plane can do the job, although a plane with a longer sole makes it easier to create a straight, flat surface.
Start with Light Cuts
Set the plane for a light cut and begin by removing the high spots left by the band saw.
As the surface becomes smoother, take longer passes to blend the entire taper into a continuous, flat face.
Keep an eye on your layout lines so you don't remove too much material.
I also like to check my progress with a square to make sure the adjacent faces remain consistent.
Take your time here. A few careful passes with a sharp hand plane can turn a rough band saw cut into a clean, smooth taper.
An Easy Way to Make Tapered Table Legs
That's really all there is to it.
With accurate layout lines, a controlled band saw cut, and a little hand planing, you can make attractive tapered legs without spending time building a special jig.
This technique is particularly handy when you're making a table, desk, or cabinet with just a few tapered parts.
And once you've tried it, you may find yourself reaching for the band saw the next time a furniture project calls for tapered legs.
More Tips for Making Better Table Legs
A great-looking table leg starts with the right lumber. Choosing and orienting the grain can make a big difference in the appearance of a finished furniture project.
Learn how to Make Better-Looking Table Legs from Solid Wood with tips for laying out and milling legs that feature attractive, consistent grain.
SEE MORE TABLE LEG TIPS → How to Make Solid Wood Table Legs with Straight Grain
