Crafting A Table Saw Jig For Angle Cuts: A Diy Guide

Building a table saw jig to cut angles can be a tricky endeavour, but it's a useful skill to have for any woodworker. A taper jig is a long piece of wood meant to brace a board's side and is used to keep your fingers away from the blade when cutting. There are also other jigs, such as a taper guide, which has two legs that adjust to the exact angle needed for your cut. The process of setting up a taper guide may look tricky, but with the right technique, it's not difficult and will result in impressive cut quality.

Prepare the wood and saw blade

To prepare the wood and saw blade for cutting angles on a table saw, start by unplugging the saw to prevent accidents while you work. Then, use a ruler or tape measure to measure out the desired cut on the wood, marking the spots with a pencil. Double-check your measurements to ensure the angle is correct. Next, outline the cut by drawing a straight, thick, dark line across the board with a pencil, connecting the points you marked.

Now it's time to adjust the saw blade. Using the adjustment crank, raise the blade to about 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) above the table. This height adjustment will ensure a smoother cut for angles. If in doubt, raise the blade as far as it can go to achieve the cleanest cut.

At this point, you can choose to use a drafting triangle and a miter gauge for cross cuts or a taper jig for long or bevel cuts. If you opt for the drafting triangle method, place the triangle near the saw, ensuring you have enough room to set the desired angle. Set the miter gauge against the flat edge of the triangle, noting the angle markings on the gauge. Move the gauge left or right to adjust the angle as needed, then lock it into place.

For bevel cuts or rip cuts, use a taper jig. Open the jig to set the wood at the correct angle, measuring from the jig to the endpoints of the desired cut to ensure they are the same distance. You can also use the taper jig to outline the cut by marking the endpoints and connecting them with a ruler.

Set the wood at an angle

Setting the wood at an angle is a crucial step when using a table saw to cut angles. Here is a detailed guide:

If you are making a cross-cut, which is a cut across the width of a board or perpendicular to the wood's grain, you will need to use a drafting triangle. Clear everything off of the table saw and place the drafting triangle near the saw. A drafting triangle is a combination tool with flat edges, making it ideal for preparing angled cuts.

For other types of cuts, such as rip cuts (made along the length of the board) or bevel cuts (angled cuts on the edge of the board), you will need to use a taper jig instead of a drafting triangle. Rest the taper jig against the side of the board opposite the cut. The saw's fence will fit against the opposite side of the jig, providing stability.

Now, you will need to use a miter gauge, which is a semicircular device with markings corresponding to different angles. Hold the miter gauge against one of the flat edges of the drafting triangle or the taper jig. The miter gauge's markings will help you position the wood at the desired angle.

Move the miter gauge left or right to adjust the angle. Keep the wood pressed against the drafting triangle or taper jig while doing this. Turn the handle of the miter gauge until it indicates the correct angle for your project, and then lock it in place by rotating the handle clockwise.

If you are cutting a 90-degree angle, simply rest one edge of the drafting triangle against the saw blade and place the miter gauge against the other end. For other angles, continue adjusting the miter gauge until it is set to the desired angle.

Once the angle is set, secure a fence to the wood to control it during the cutting process. The fence is a metal bar that serves as a safety feature on the table saw. Slide the fence along the table so that it braces against the miter gauge or taper jig.

Now you are ready to cut the wood at the desired angle! Remember to always prioritize safety when operating power tools like a table saw.

Use a taper jig or miter gauge

Using a taper jig or a miter gauge is a great way to cut angles on your table saw with precision and accuracy. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Understand the Basics

Before you begin, it's important to know that a table saw is not primarily used to cut angles, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done effectively. A taper jig or a miter gauge will help you achieve the desired results.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tool

Decide whether you want to use a taper jig or a miter gauge. A taper jig is ideal for long rip cuts at angles, especially when building table legs, chair legs, or magazine racks. On the other hand, a miter gauge is more suitable for cross-cutting narrower stock pieces, such as those found on a picture frame.

Step 3: Set Up the Taper Jig

If you choose to use a taper jig, follow these steps:

• Adjust the rails of the taper jig to the desired angle. Most taper jigs have a scale that allows you to set the angle precisely.
• Decide which side of the table saw blade you want to use the jig. Some jigs can be used on either side, offering flexibility.
• Position the taper jig against the fence of your table saw. Ensure that the blade is up and the jig is securely in place.
• Place the board you want to cut against the taper jig, with the end of the board aligned with the lip at the bottom end of the jig.
• Adjust the position of your fence to cut the taper at the desired width.

Step 4: Use the Miter Gauge

If you opt for the miter gauge, here's what you need to do:

• Place a drafting triangle near the saw if you're making a cross-cut. A drafting triangle is a combination tool with flat edges that make it ideal for setting an angled cut.
• Set the miter gauge against the flat edge of the drafting triangle. The miter gauge has markings corresponding to different angles, so adjust it to the correct angle for your project.
• Move the miter gauge left or right to fine-tune the angle. Turn the handle to lock it in place when you've achieved the desired angle.
• If you're making long or bevel cuts, use a taper jig instead of a miter gauge. A taper jig is a safer option for these types of cuts as it keeps your fingers away from the blade.

Step 5: Safety and Testing

Before cutting, ensure you put on safety gear, including safety glasses, earplugs, and a dust mask. Additionally, perform a couple of test cuts on scrap wood to ensure your saw and jig are set up correctly.

By following these steps, you'll be able to cut angles on your table saw using a taper jig or a miter gauge effectively and safely.

Secure a fence to the wood

To secure a fence to the wood, you'll need to slide the fence along the table so that it braces the miter gauge or taper jig. This is an important safety feature as it enables you to hold the wood in place while cutting angles on a table saw. The fence also keeps your fingers away from the blade. If you don't have a fence, you can use a piece of scrap wood. Simply slide it into the clamp on the front of the miter jig or the back of the taper jig.

If you're using a drafting triangle to set the angle, set it aside and replace it with the fence. The fence should be positioned in front of your dominant hand at the edge of the table. Then, set the wood between the fence and the saw, aligning the saw with the cutting guideline. Make sure the miter gauge is out of the way of the blade before you begin cutting.

If you're using a taper jig, position the fence in the same way, and then set the wood between the fence and the saw. The fence will help you control the wood as you cut, so make sure it's secured to the jig.

Cut the wood

Cutting the wood with a table saw requires careful preparation and attention to safety. Before you begin, unplug the saw and put on safety goggles, earplugs, and a dust mask. You should also ensure your work area is well-ventilated and clear of other people and pets.

Next, you need to measure and mark the wood. Use a ruler or tape measure to determine the angle you want to cut, marking the spots with a pencil. Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. Then, connect the points you've marked with a straight, dark line, creating a clear guideline for your cut.

Now, adjust the height of the saw blade. Table saws have an adjustment crank that raises and lowers the blade. For angled cuts, you'll want to set the blade to around 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm). This ensures more of the blade's teeth come into contact with the wood, resulting in a smoother cut.

If you're making a cross-cut, place a drafting triangle near the saw. A drafting triangle has flat edges that are ideal for preparing angled cuts. Set a miter gauge against the flat edge of the triangle, noting the angle markings on the gauge. Move the triangle left or right to adjust the angle, turning the handle to lock it in place when you've found the correct angle.

For long or bevel cuts, use a taper jig instead. Rest the jig against the side of the board opposite the cut, and use a tape measure to ensure both ends of the cut are the same distance from the jig.

Now, secure a fence to the wood to help control it during the cut. The fence is a metal bar that acts as a safety feature, creating space between your fingers and the blade.

At this point, you can make some test cuts on scrap wood to ensure your saw and miter gauge are correctly set up.

When you're ready to cut, stand behind the wood, to the side of your dominant hand, to protect yourself from kickback. Hold the scrap wood firmly against the fence with one hand, and use your other hand to begin pushing the wood, fence, and miter gauge or taper jig toward the saw blade. Go slowly and steadily, maintaining control throughout the cut.

Once the blade has cut through the wood, pull everything back toward you, away from the blade, before deactivating the saw and removing the wood. Check the cut to ensure it's smooth and at the correct angle.

Frequently asked questions