Help with long taper cuts on table saw

3 years ago

I’ve seen many videos of taper cuts which are 2-3 feet in length and they create a jig, making it look relatively easy. I can’t get my head around whether a jig roughly the length of the table saw fence could be used for much longer runs (8 ft)? Or would it create a major kick back situation?

In remodeling my house, I’ve come across various times where I’ve needed to taper let’s say a 1 in variance on an 8 ft long 1x4. I’m not skilled enough yet to make a perfect freehand on the jig saw and my Kreg accu-cut coupled with my jigsaw or circular saw is so wide, that I can’t figure out a way to overhang the 1x4 so my blade can make the fit, but have enough meat left on the board to secure it to the worktop.

It leaves me thinking a tapered jig on the table saw would be the easiest method, but as mentioned above I try to be safe and know my limits - and I don’t want an 8 ft spear kicking back at me! Lol.

I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post a video - but this is the closest video I could find to what I’m asking about - I just don’t know if I would need to have a 8 ft long jig since the taper would be the same angle through out? https://youtu.be/KS9gM9pN9Uw

Featured Answer

PRO

Joseph Corlett, LLC

3 years ago

There is no higher risk in pushing an 8' straightedge through a table saw than with a rail saw.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
3 years ago

Make a longer jig as in the video please.

No freehanding please.
Mike L
Original Author
3 years ago
Would the jig need to be 8 ft long if the taper length is 8 ft?
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PRO
PPF.
3 years ago
Would the jig need to be 8 ft long if the taper length is 8 ft?

The video shows just how to do what you want.

No, the jig would not need to be 8', it could be a bit shorter or somewhat longer.

Try to understand why that is.

You can also build a simple saw guide for your circular saw, or consider a track saw -- lots of fairly inexpensive options.
klem1
3 years ago
A table saw jig needs to slide while carrying material past blade. An eight foot jig is just too unwieldly and prone to cause a dangerous situation. Running a hand held power saw against a straight edge is quicker,safer and more accurate.
Seabornman
3 years ago
I have screwed a good, straight board to the back of the board I want to cut, set at a taper. Not something you'd want to do for production cuts, but works well.
Seabornman
3 years ago
The other way I've done it for boards as long as 16 ft. is to lay board on sawhorses, clamp a known straight board to it, using a backup board if needed, and run circular saw down it. Not as precise as table saw. If the edge has to look good, I'll dress with a portable power planer.
klem1
3 years ago
Joseph Corlett, LLC "There is no higher risk in pushing an 8' straightedge through a table saw than with a rail saw."

Said the bleeding man to emergency room nurse and alleged by self appointed pro that assured him earlier. Problem is that statistics, experienced cabinet builders and insurance companies say different. Both, frequency and seriousness of injuries caused by table saws are far greater than rail saws per hours in operation.