Tapering Table Legs

[Canuck]

Can anyone help me identify the best way to taper table legs safely on my Rigid TS2400 TS? (I am tapering 1 3/4 stock and my commercial taperinf jig seems to place the stock too close to the metal jig. (I know... this is a pretty simple problem, but I am a novice after all!)

Thanks in Advance,

Wayne

 

[Monty]

I hate those metal jigs. I bought one, and almost used it once (just like you're describing -- just doesn't seem safe, does it?).

Here, look at this recent thread on Woodnet. I think making a simple sled is the best way. You can make or buy clamps... use it for zero clearance with the blade... make it as simple or complex as you want... a great solution overall.


Oh, and using a runner is a good idea. ;-) :lol:

 

[Canuck]

Awesome!

I Think that you have given me an excellent solution!

Thanks so much!

Wayne

 

[junquecol]

Rip them on a bandsaw! Current issue (Jan 2006) of American Woodworker has one of the best articles on how to do this, that I have seen. Rip them on bandsaw (no danger of kick back) and clean them up on jointer. You could use a hand plane to clean them up also.

 

[hpetty]

I use a tapering sled similar to the one referred to on your first reply. However, mine has a pin at front to slip into a small hole on the end of your leg. This one has worked real well for me. I like the sled concept better than any of the other that I've looked at. kickback is virtually eliminated with this design.

 

[hpetty]

I found the source for the taper jig I use.

It was from WoodSmith/ShopSmith and plans can be found here:

http://plansnow.com/taperjig.html

 

[Canuck]

Thanks a lot Guys!
This input will give me several solutions! (The only one that I may have trouble with is the bandsaw solution. Don't have one ----- yet!) I guess that is part of the dreaded WoodGuy Disease! Maybe some day!

Thanks again to all who responded!

Wayne

 

[DavidF]

I almost never make super-dooper adjustable jigs, just can't be bothered. I tend to make the roughest one use jigs; not the pretty things you often see. One reason is that if a cut needs to go into the jig or does by accident! then I don't care. I use the cheap metal commercial taper jig, but I quite like the type that David Marks makes for his projects. I may well build in a front stock gripper to the metal one just to make me feel better.