Table Saw Taper Jig

If you're a woodworker aiming to enhance the precision and safety of your tapering and straight-line ripping tasks, The Rockler Taper/Straight Line Jig is a tool worth considering. Designed to simplify complex cuts, this table saw jig offers versatility and user-friendly features that cater to both novice and experienced craftsmen. Often you'll need to rip tapers when making legs that get more slender from top to bottom, like the shaker end table, or the angled back slats on an Adirondack chair. This jig also makes it safe and easy to rip a straight edge that is parallel to the opposite edge.

Cutting Tapers and Straight Edges on the Table Saw

The Rockler Taper / Straight Line Jig is safer than many old "hinge" style jigs that required use of the rip fence. An aluminum bar underneath the jig rides in the saw's miter slot, so the jig doesn't rely on the rip fence at all for a reference surface. The aluminum miter bar enables it to always track parallel to the blade through the cut, and the workpiece rests on the jig's base instead of directly on the saw table, to help immobilize it.

An adjustable fence supports the workpiece along its edge, and two metal hold-down clamps lock it in place securely. Setting up this jig for a taper cut is simple. Start by marking the face of your workpiece with the angle you want to cut, and then wrap those layout lines around to the edge and end of the workpiece. Set the taper jig into place on the saw. Then set the workpiece on the jig base, and adjust it so its layout marks align with the edge of the jig closest to the blade. Carefully slide the jig's adjustable fence over and against the workpiece, and tighten down the fence's two star knobs.

Make sure the back end of the workpiece is flush against the fence's adjustable metal stop before setting and tightening the two hold-down clamps. Start the saw and push the jig past the blade to cut the taper.

If you need to cut a straight edge that is parallel with the opposite edge of the board, remove the miter bar under the jig, clamp the board to the jig base and use the table saw fence to guide the jig through the cut.

For smaller workpieces, Rockler's Small Parts Taper Jig lets you cut precise tapers on small parts, lending lightness to blocky legs on chairs, sofas and occasional tables. It's also great for whipping out a handful of shims or opposing wedges for workholding applications. Its compact form factor is easy to store, easy to carry and easy to operate, especially on smaller machinery. The miter bar can be located in three spots to fit a wide range of saws, and features nylon set screws to remove the slop. Our comfortable Easy-to-Grip handle makes for comfortable, smooth-sliding operation, while two specially-designed compact hold-down clamps ensure your work won't slip, and allow cutting of narrow parts.