Smooth Tapers Made Easy: A Simple Table Saw Tapering Sled
Adding a taper to a table leg or other furniture part is a great way to give a project a lighter, more refined appearance. And when it comes to making smooth, accurate tapers, the table saw is hard to beat.
The challenge is holding the workpiece at the correct angle as it passes through the blade. That's where a simple table saw tapering sled comes in handy.
Unlike complicated adjustable tapering jigs, this shop-made sled uses a flat base and three support blocks to hold the workpiece securely at the proper angle.
It's easy to make, quick to set up, and produces a smooth taper with very little cleanup.
Make a Simple Table Saw Tapering Jig
The sled consists of a flat base that rides between the table saw blade and rip fence.
Three support blocks hold the workpiece in position: one at the front, one at the back, and one along the side.
Together, these blocks keep the workpiece from shifting as the sled moves through the blade.
The key is positioning the workpiece so the desired taper line aligns with the cutting edge of the sled.
Set Up the Sled for Accurate Taper Cuts
Start by marking the beginning and end of the taper on your workpiece.
Place the workpiece on the sled and align the two layout marks with the edge of the base.
Once everything is positioned correctly, secure the workpiece with strips of double-sided tape.
Next, attach the three support blocks to the sled with screws, positioning them against the front, back, and side of the workpiece.
The support blocks help maintain the correct angle and keep the workpiece from moving during the cut.
Before cutting, verify that the workpiece is firmly restrained, the support blocks and screws are clear of the blade path, and the sled can travel through the cut without binding.
Cut a Smooth Taper on the Table Saw
With the workpiece secured, position the table saw rip fence so the cutting edge of the sled aligns with the blade.
The fence guides the sled through the cut while the support blocks maintain the workpiece's angle.
For the smoothest results, I like to use a glue-line rip blade. This type of blade is designed to produce a clean rip-cut surface, which means less sanding afterward.
Use a push handle or another suitable means of controlling the sled while keeping your hands away from the blade. Make sure the sled is properly guided and can't lift, twist, or drift into the blade.
Once the cut is complete, the taper should be smooth and straight. A few light passes with sandpaper are usually all it takes to finish the surface.
An Easy Way to Cut Tapered Furniture Legs
You don't need an elaborate jig to cut accurate tapers on a table saw.
With a simple base, three support blocks, and careful layout, this shop-made tapering sled holds the workpiece at the correct angle and makes the cutting process straightforward.
It's a handy solution for tapered table legs, cabinet parts, and other furniture components where a smooth, consistent taper makes all the difference.
Upgrade to an Adjustable Table Saw Taper Jig
The simple tapering sled featured above works great for individual projects. But if you regularly cut tapered table legs, you may want a jig that's easier to adjust and reuse.
In this Woodsmith Shop video, we'll show you how to set up and use a fully adjustable table saw tapering jig. It features a plywood base with a miter-slot runner, an adjustable fence with T-track, and hold-down clamps that securely position the workpiece. A built-in stop helps ensure that every leg is cut consistently.
Watch the video to see how to lay out a taper, adjust the jig, and make two perfectly matched taper cuts on a table leg.
Want to build one for your shop? Our Adjustable Table Saw Taper Jig woodworking plans include everything you need to make this versatile accessory. Use it to cut two- or four-sided tapers, straighten rough lumber edges, and make angled cuts with accuracy and repeatability.
GET THE COMPLETE STEP-BY-STEP WOODWORKING PLANS → Build a Versatile Table Saw Tapering Jig for Perfect Furniture Legs
