This tip was shared by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a practical method for making tapered cuts on a table saw using only a few simple tools—no jig required.
Tapered cuts are often used in furniture and cabinetry work, but many woodworkers assume they need a specialized jig to get the job done. Jodee’s method shows how to make these cuts accurately and safely with materials you already have in the shop.
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What You’ll Need for This Technique
Instead of building a jig, Jodee uses a straight board, a scrap piece the same width as the workpiece, and some double-sided tape. These simple items allow you to create a guide setup that mimics what a jig would do—without the hassle.
This approach makes it easy to prep quickly and focus more on getting clean cuts than managing complex tools or fixtures.
How the Setup Works
The first step is marking the taper. Jodee shows how to use the scrap piece to create the correct offset. For example, to taper a board by a quarter inch, he marks and attaches the scrap piece to overhang the workpiece by that same amount.
Once aligned, the scrap piece is temporarily taped to the wide end of the workpiece. This small shift sets the angle for the entire cut, making the taper both precise and repeatable for a one-off setup.
Positioning on the Table Saw
A straight board is then placed against the rip fence to act as a fence-mounted guide. The workpiece and the attached scrap are placed against this straight board, creating a controlled, angled path through the blade.
Adjusting the fence to the correct position takes a little care. Once set, the board and scrap can be pushed through together, producing a clean, tapered cut.
Maintaining Control During the Cut
Feeding both pieces through the saw requires a steady hand. Double-sided tape helps keep the scrap aligned, especially at the beginning and end of the cut.
Jodee recommends applying just a small amount of tape—enough to hold the pieces together without making them difficult to separate later. Keeping a firm grip during the cut prevents shifting and ensures a smooth taper.
Tips for Best Results
This method isn’t meant for batch cutting or ultra-precise furniture components, but it’s perfect for quick tapers or when you need a one-off solution. Here are a few tips Jodee shares to make the most of this technique:
- Practice with scrap boards to get a feel for alignment and feed rate.
- Double-check your taper layout before taping to avoid cutting errors.
- Use good quality tape that won’t shift mid-cut or damage your material.
Why This Works
What makes this method so effective is how it simplifies the tapering process. It avoids fasteners, clamps, or dedicated sleds and instead uses the fence and your own layout skills to guide the cut.
By relying on simple materials and clear thinking, Jodee turns what might seem like an advanced operation into something anyone can try. It’s a good reminder that woodworking doesn’t always require complex setups to get professional-looking results.
A Smart Solution for Quick Tapers
Whether you’re working in a small shop or just don’t want to build a jig for a single cut, this approach gets the job done. It’s especially useful for legs, trim pieces, and other elements where visual tapering matters.
With just a few clamps, a bit of tape, and careful setup, this method saves time without sacrificing accuracy. It’s a great addition to any woodworker’s collection of practical shop tricks.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.