Tapering Table Legs with a Jointer
Tapered legs can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of a furniture project. By gradually reducing the thickness of a leg toward the bottom, you can give a table, desk, or cabinet a lighter, more refined look.
There are several ways to cut tapered legs, including using a table saw tapering jig or a band saw. Another approach is to use a jointer.
A jointer can produce a smooth, straight surface that requires very little sanding. And because the machine removes material in controlled passes, it offers a way to create consistent tapers without extensive layout.
Complete the Joinery Before Tapering the Legs
Before cutting a taper, consider how the leg will connect to the rest of the project.
Depending on the length of the taper, only a short section at the top of the leg may remain square.
This can make it difficult to lay out and cut mortises or other joinery after the taper has been formed.
For that reason, I prefer to complete the joinery while the leg is still square.
The flat faces provide reliable reference surfaces for marking and machining the joints.
Once the joinery is finished, the leg is ready for tapering.
Lay Out the Leg Taper
One advantage of using a jointer for tapering is that the layout can be relatively simple.
The original technique uses two reference marks to establish where the taper begins.
The first mark is made on the workpiece to identify the starting point of the taper.
The second mark identifies the front edge of the jointer's outfeed table.
These marks provide visual references for positioning the leg during the operation.
Preventing a Dished Cut
One challenge with this type of tapering operation is that the beginning of the cut can develop a shallow depression.
This happens because the workpiece approaches the cutterhead at an angle rather than remaining fully supported along its length.
The original technique addresses this by placing a couple of layers of masking tape around the leg just above the taper's starting line.
The tape slightly changes the workpiece's position relative to the cutterhead, helping avoid a depression at the beginning of the taper.
This is a feature of the original method, not a substitute for safe workpiece support or an approved machine setup.
Why Shallow Cuts Matter When Making Tapers
A smooth taper is easier to achieve when material is removed gradually rather than all at once.
Shallow cuts provide greater control over the final shape and reduce the amount of material removed in any single pass.
The original method illustrates this principle with a ¼"-deep taper formed through multiple cuts, followed by a very light cleanup pass.
Regardless of the machine used, the goal is to remove material consistently while preserving the intended taper angle.
Keep the Tapers Consistent
When a furniture project has several tapered legs, consistency is important.
A useful practice is to mark each leg and keep track of the machining performed on each face.
This makes it easier to produce matching tapers throughout the project.
It also helps prevent accidentally removing too much material from one leg.
The Importance of a Final Cleanup Pass
After the bulk of the material has been removed, the tapered surface may need a light cleanup pass.
The purpose is to remove minor surface irregularities while preserving the straight taper.
The original jointer technique uses a very light final cut to refine the surface.
For a taper produced using a table saw or band saw, a hand plane followed by light sanding can accomplish the same goal.
The finished surface should be straight, smooth, and consistent from the beginning of the taper to the bottom of the leg.
Alternative Ways to Taper Furniture Legs
Although a jointer can produce a smooth tapered surface, it's not the only way to make tapered furniture legs.
A table saw tapering jig supports the workpiece at the desired angle while it passes through the blade. This is a practical approach for making matching furniture legs.
A band saw is another option. After laying out the taper, you can cut just outside the line and refine the surface with a hand plane or sanding block.
Both approaches avoid the need to lower a workpiece onto a jointer cutterhead.
For many woodworking shops, one of these methods will be the better choice.
Smooth Tapers Make Better-Looking Furniture
Tapered legs are a small design detail that can make a big difference in the appearance of a furniture project.
Whether you use a jointer, a table saw tapering jig, or a band saw, the important things are accurate layout, consistent material removal, and a smooth finished surface.
With careful preparation and the right technique, you can create straight, uniform tapers that give your next furniture project a clean, professional appearance.
How to Sand Wood by Hand for a Smooth Finish
A clean taper is only part of the job. Before applying a finish, you'll want to remove any remaining tool marks and smooth the surface without rounding over the crisp edges.
Discover practical hand sanding techniques, including choosing the right sandpaper, using sanding blocks, and working through progressively finer grits for a smooth, consistent surface.
EXPLORE HAND SANDING TECHNIQUES → Put the Finishing Touches on Your Tapered Legs
