I created this jig to straighten curved boards and to cut tapers, and I’ve found it to be one of the handiest jigs in my shop. Cut the base to size and mount a wedge on one end to create a jam clamp. Then screw a hold-down that can be adjusted with a wedge to the middle of the board. The wedge and hold-down can be relocated as needed. To straighten a curved board, push one end of the board under the jam clamp until it is tight, and swing the other end out until 1 in. or so extends over the edge of the jig. Lock the board in place by positioning the wedge under the hold-down at the same height as the workpiece, and tighten the hold-down with a screwdriver. Then set the rip fence, and push through to straighten the edge.

To cut a taper, set one end of the workpiece under the jam clamp. Make sure the taper waste extends over the edge of the jig and then wedge and tighten the hold-down. To cut duplicate parts, drive three screws into the plywood to set the position of the workpiece so you can reproduce it. Set the rip fence so that the jig is right against the blade and push through to cut the taper.

Jim Richey

Jim Richey

Tim Hanson, Indianapolis, IN

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