The tapered panels that make up the base of the Arts & Crafts side table have an additional challenge you need to address — the edges are beveled. The bevel needs to be taken into account when laying out and cutting the tapers. Not to worry though, there are a couple of jigs that will aid you.
Layout First. The End View you see above shows the layout of the bevel location on the top edge of the blank. Once you’ve drawn the lines that represent the bevel cut on the top edge, transfer the taper down the face of the blank to the bottom edge. There you can draw the bevel location on the bottom edge as well. Do this layout on both sides of all four blanks. Now you’re ready to set up the first jig.
The First Jig. As you see in the drawing above, the first jig cradles the untapered square edge of the sides while cutting the beveled taper on the opposite side. After cutting the 45° bevel on one edge of the jig base, align the side to the jig base like you see in the drawing below. Then pin nail the cleats in place.
Cut the First Edge. The drawing above shows making the first cut on the edge of all the side blanks. Next, you’ll set up the second jig to taper the other edge of the side blank.
The Second Jig. The second jig positions the side piece to dress the other edge. It’s a repeat of the alignment process you did for the other edge. As before, pin nail the cleats in place.
Cutting the second beveled taper is a repeat of the first cut. This time the jig is cradling the edge you’ve already cut.
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