Hi,
I need to taper the surface of a 1 x 12 x 38 inch piece of poplar from 1 inch at one end to 1/4 inch at the other end. I have a Bosch 2.5 inch power plane, a hand powered block plane, a table saw and a Jet 14 inch band saw. What’s the best way to tackle this job to get an even taper from one end of the board to the other.
Thanks for your help.
Jeff
Replies
Reduce the width of your stock so you can taper on the table saw or band saw and then glue the pieces into the required width. With an accurate glue job you probably could finish the taper by sanding.
reduce the width of your
Hi Jeff,
I think the safest method is to use the band saw. You'll need to make up a cutting jig first out of 1/4" mdf. Get a piece that's wider and longer than your poplar piece. Then lay out the shape you want onto the mdf.
Put your marks right near one edge of the mdf and then cut out the shape on the band saw. Need I remind you, cut straight. But don't worry if you don't. You can clean up these lines, and you'll have two cuts, one for the long edge and one for the end of the stick, you can clean these up with your block plane. Get it pretty good and straight. Then take another chunk of 1/4" mdf, wider and bigger than the first and tack glue it to the bottom of your first piece. You have just made your cutting jig.
This cutting jig will run up next to the fence of your band saw. Set the fence for the proper distance, lay your poplar piece into it, and slowly make your cut. Clean up the edge with your block plane.
If you make the cutting jig properly, the cut and clean-up should be quick and easy. Good luck. Gary
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