To cut coves accurately on the tablesaw, you must clamp the fence to the table at the correct angle, because the angle determines the shape of the cove. This simple parallelogram device makes finding the correct fence angle easy.

To use the device, simply move the arms apart a distance equal to the desired width of the cove and tighten the wing nuts to lock the arms at this distance. With the sawblade set as high as the cove will be deep, place the device over the blade and rotate it until the arms contact the tips of the teeth at front and back. The device is now at the correct fence angle. All that remains is to clamp a fence to the saw at the same angle, and taking about 1/16 in. at a pass, begin making incremental cove cuts until the final depth is reached.

Joe Hardy, Des Moines, Iowa

Fine Woodworking Magazine, February 1989 No. 74

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon

Estwing Dead-Blow Mallet

A quality dead-blow mallet that packs and punch but isn't too heavy for furniture work.

Buy at Amazon