For a recent production run of toys, I had to cut several beveled notches on each toy. My first thought was to use a simple beveled block attached to my miter gauge that would tilt the workpiece at the appropriate angle for a dado-blade cut. But then I realized I’d have to try several different angles when building the prototype, requiring many trial-and-error setups. So to save time, I designed the variable-angle, notch-cutting jig shown in the drawing.

The jig consists of a sliding frame that runs along the miter-gauge slots in the tables. The frame includes a work-support easel mounted on a tilt-adjust mechanism. When the easel is set at the desired angle, the tilt-adjust mechanism clamps it in place.

I adjust the dado blades to the proper height for the desired depth of cut, and push the whole frame forward to make the cut. I slide the workpiece to the left or right and make another pass to widen the cut of the beveled notch.

Jack Hall, Newport Beach, Calif.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, April 1998 No. 129

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