How to Use a Tapering Jig to Cut an Equal Angle

Cutting an Equal Angle with a Tapering Jig on an Opposite Side

Awhile back, I shared my method of using a tapering jig on a table saw. I’m not great with math (as a draftsman, go figure!) but figured out a method to cut angles with the tapering jig on the table saw. A reader contacted me and asked to show how to cut an equal angle on the opposite side. That is one thing I had not done before, so today I will show how to use a tapering jig to cut an equal angle on the opposite side.

It is basically the same concept used when cutting one angle but with a few adjustments. Cut the initial angle in the work piece using the tutorial How to Use a Tapering Jig. Mark the start point and end point of the first angle. The start point on my work piece is 3-1/4″ down from the top and the end point of the angle is 1″ in from the lower edge of the side. Close the adjustable leg on the tapering jig and line the work piece up with the leg. Measure from the outside of the stationary leg (the leg that will run along the rip fence of the table saw) to the mark at the start point of the angle, then move the adjustable leg and work piece to match the measurement at the end point of the angle. Set the rip fence to the same measurement then run the work piece through the saw.

On the opposite side, mark the start of the angle and the end point of the angle. Close the adjustable leg on the tapering jig, and line the angled part of the work piece with this leg. Measure from the outside of the stationary leg of the tapering jig, then move the adjustable leg and the work piece out until the measurements are the same. This part does require a bit of tweaking as the measurement changes when the angled leg is moved.

Run the work piece through the table saw. That is all there is to it – so easy!

Please make sure all safety precautions are in place before and during use of the table saw – hair tied back, no loose clothing (including hoodie strings!), safety glasses and gloves on!

Have any questions on how to use a tapering jig to cut an equal angle on the opposite side? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2014-04-29 08:00:40.