Tapering table legs

Small-shop methods for tapering square table legs. June 13, 2001

Question
I'd like to hear about methods you have used to make square tapered table legs, that would work in a small shop environment.

Forum Responses
A shop-made "tapering jig" can be used on the table saw and similar type set-up for either the jointer or shaper for finishing the surface.

Depending on the quantity and time restraints, outsourcing is always another option.

Should you decide to make the legs yourself, spend sufficient time exploring jig set-ups and make good jigs. Time spent in planning is time saved in production and, more important, safer production.

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Without a doubt the easiest way is to use the jointer. Let's say you want a 3/8" taper on all sides. Lower the front table of the jointer 3/8". Then start the piece with it just resting on the outfeed table by 1/2" or so and feed it through. You'll wind up with a small nick where you started your cut, but this can be cleaned up later with the jointer set at 1/32".

The advantage here is that you can do all four legs with this one setup, whereas using the table saw requires repositioning the taper after two faces are done.

Obviously, if you need to start the taper a few inches from the end (to allow for an apron), you'd make a mark on the fence and start the pass there.

I don't do a lot of tapered legs, but I use this method to take small wedges off my doors when I'm fitting them within a frame.

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Shaker-style tapers appear only on the two inside faces of the legs. That is by far the easiest method to produce, since you can use a single jig for both tapers and you only have to cut two per leg. They also look great. You might consider that method rather than tapering all four faces.

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Don't forget about a band saw and a shaper with a spiral cut shaper head.

Rough cut the taper on a band saw (this is safer than tapering on the table saw) to rough size, then make the final clean up cut with a shaper using a cradle jig and a rug collar on the top or bottom of the cutter (your preference). This method works great for production runs, makes quick, clean cuts, and allows for repeatability.

Lay out your legs so the shaper is making all of the cuts with the grain on the taper.