Problem-Solving Products Precision Tapering by the Numbers MicroJig MicroDial Tapering Jig (Model TJ-500) the jig against your tablesaw’s fence, and then register the end of your workpiece against the trailing hook and the workpiece edge against the pivoting fence. Next, adjust the saw’s rip fence so the taper starts right where you want it to, grab the handle, and slide the jig along the fence to cut the taper. Tip-Top Tapering The biggest difference with the Microdial is in the details. Woodworkers who are not content with “close enough” will be impressed by the jig’s ability to dial-in tapers in three different ways (see photo, above): by the degree, rise (inches per foot), and, of course, simple layout. The rise and run gauge dial measures 1 taper angles in 16" per foot. The degrees scale–calibrated⁄ in 0.125° increments–almost seems better suited for metalworking If you have ever tried using if the jig could earn its keep than woodworking, but it your tablesaw to taper a post in my shop, I gave it a try. ensures line-splitting accuracy. or leg, you may already know Ready, Set, Saw Both scales are set in the how most tapering jigs make The Microdial comes same manner: align the color- the cut a lot harder than it almost entirely assembled. coded Microdial with the needs to be. Those inexpensive Simply attach the handle and appropriate setting on the scale, but ever popular hinged-bar a couple of other minor parts and drop the dial’s registration and you’re ready to taper. pin into the corresponding to follow a line and require a Don’t be swayed by your hole. Whichever method you tricky-twocontraptions step make to complete it difficult a cut. choose, your settings can be Simultaneously holding the blank apparent complexity. After preserved using the jig’s built-in against the jig while guiding the watchingfirst-impressions the DVD, of I thereferred jig’s locking stops. These stops help jig along a fence can get dicey. to the full-color manual for the when tapering opposite sides These cuts often necessitate of a workpiece, as each side post-cut clean-up work. found the jig intuitive to use. requires its own setting. MicroJig’s MicroDial Asfirst I soon few cuts, discovered, but after making that, I Bottom Line Tapering jig claims to solve the cut isn’t that different from This is not an inexpensive both problems, and offers a few other jigs. Set the pivoting fence jig. However, if you cut tapers additional advantages. To see for the desired taper, place on a frequent basis, the jig’s 68 woodcraftmagazine.com Oct/Nov 2013 Featured products available from Woodcraft Supply unless otherwise noted. Pivot knob Trailing block Microdial rise and run scale Memorylock stop slot Locking knob Microdial degree scale Hanging hole Handle Handle slot Slots for GRR-Ripper handles Memorylock Trailing stop slot block slots Keyhole slots for auxiliary sole Heel hook precision, ease of set-up, and (a feat that is nearly impossible (also from MicroJig) to help repeatability justify the expense. with other tapering jigs). hold the workpiece down as If it saves a few legs of choice For relatively wide pieces, you feed it over the blade. stock, the jig could quickly earn you can hold the workpiece in its keep. As an added bonus, place by hand. For narrow stock, MicroJig MicroDial Tapering you can use the jig to create you may want to add one or Jig #856320 $139.99 octagonal tapered legs or posts two GRR-Ripper 3D pushblocks Tester: Ken Burton WoodRiver® DV2 Self-Centering Drilling Vise – Accurate Drilling the Easy Way The unique design of this WoodRiver® DV2 Self-Centering Drilling Vise allows anyone to drill straight, accurate holes for pen blanks, bottle stoppers and more. The vise’s jaws feature “V” slots that clamp round or square blanks firmly and quickly, while remaining parallel to each other and square to the drill bit. Combined with drilling guides and stop collars, the DV2 design ensures drilling accuracy and repeatability. Vise works with pen blanks and bottle stoppers up to 1½" square (23/16" diagonal). • Fully Adjustable Heavy-Duty Toggle Clamp • Comfortable T-Handled Grip • Sturdy Angled Steel Base 158385 • Comes with 7mm, 10mm, 25/ 64", and 27/ 64" Drilling Guides And Stop Collars • Other Sized Drilling Guides And Stop Collars Sold Separately 13WW11H HELPING YOU MAKE WOOD WORK® For A Free Catalog Or To Find Your Local Woodcraft Store, Visit woodcraft.com Or Call 800-225-1153. For Information On Woodcraft Retail Franchise Opportunities, Visit woodcraftfranchise.com Photos: Manufacturer Oct/Nov 2013 woodcraftmagazine.com 69.