True-Cut Taper Jig

Ripping table legs or other project pieces at an angle can be frustrating, even dangerous. This jig lets you set the precise angle to cut leg after leg safely.

1. Using 1-¹⁄₂ " -thick maple stock, cut the jig body (A) to 3x30" and the jig arm (B) to 1-³⁄₄ x30".
2. Drill a ¹⁄₄ " hole centered from side to side through the jig arm, 1-³⁄₄ " from one end, where shown below. Starting at the end opposite the hole you just drilled, rip the jig arm on center, stopping 2" from the hole. (The hole simply prevents sawdust buildup.) Use a bandsaw or handsaw to cut to the hole, to form the notch, shown on the drawing.
3. Cut a piece of 1" walnut stock to 3-¹⁄₄ x4-¹⁄₂ " for the handle (C). Drill a ¹⁄₂ " hole 1-¹⁄₂ " deep in it, where shown in the Full-Size Handle Pattern. Cut the handle to shape. Sand a round-over on all but the bottom edges.
4. Drill a ¹⁄₂ " hole 1" deep in the jig body for mounting the handle. Cut a ¹⁄₂ " dowel 2-³⁄₈ " long and glue it into the handle. Now, spread glue on the dowel and on the bottom side of the handle, and glue the handle to the jig body. Sand the jig body, arm, and handle smooth, and apply the finish.

1. Clamp the jig arm to the jig body so that the front ends are flush. Position the hinge, mark the screw hole locations, drill pilot holes, and fasten the hinge to the jig arm and body.
2. Mark the screw hole locations, drill pilot holes, and attach the lid support to the jig arm and the body.