View Full Version : What is the differance between a taper and a miter?
navycop
06-06-2009, 03:54 PM
I was going to build a box with a sloped sides only (front/back/ lid all straight). I saw where I could make a taper jig. Why not just use the miter gage or tilt table? The box is going to be about 6-8 inches tall x 10 inches deep x 12 inches wide. The angle would not be a full 45 degrees. Still deciding on that. Depending on if I need a taper jig or miter. I can adjust the angle based on the answeres to this thread.
JPG40504
06-06-2009, 04:04 PM
Taper is usually used to describe something long/slender that does NOT have parallel sides. A taper can be measured as so much "in" per so much "run" similar to a slope. A miter is usually a larger angle.
Do Not know just how 'accurate' this is, But that is the way I understand it!:)
bills2008
06-06-2009, 06:03 PM
You taper a table leg, you miter a picture frame.
navycop
06-06-2009, 07:00 PM
I was looking at doing the lap desk from SS. The side is at a 86 degree. I don't hsvr the cutting or assembly inst. Just the plans (top view, front view, etc). I was confused on how to get the 86 degrees. So in closing I should miter it?
dusty
06-06-2009, 07:13 PM
I was looking at doing the lap desk from SS. The side is at a 86 degree. I don't hsvr the cutting or assembly inst. Just the plans (top view, front view, etc). I was confused on how to get the 86 degrees. So in closing I should miter it?
What you are doing is a compound miter of the box corners. To do this there is a chart in Power Tool Wood Working for Everyone. There was also a thread about this not too long along.
If I read this right - you want to tilt the table to 44.86 degrees and set the miter gauge for 86.01 degreess.
http://cowboyplus.net/cmiter/
iclark
06-09-2009, 02:56 AM
I was looking at doing the lap desk from SS. The side is at a 86 degree.
can you share the pointer for the SS lap desk?
I cannot seem to find it.
Ivan
navycop
07-08-2009, 08:15 PM
Check out Sawdust Session #18. Making breadboard joints.
iclark
07-09-2009, 12:06 AM
Check out Sawdust Session #18. Making breadboard joints.
thank you! I knew that I had seen something on SS about a laptop desk but it didn't occur to me to check the sawdust sessions.