Woodpeckers PTJ-32 Precision Taper Jig Owner’s Manual

: June 13, 2024
: Woodpeckers

Table of Contents

Woodpeckers PTJ-32 Precision Taper Jig
MDF SLED INSTALLATION
SCALE INSTALLATION
SCALE CALIBRATION
CLAMPING HANDLE INSTALLATION
Documents / Resources
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

Woodpeckers PTJ-32 Precision Taper Jig

MDF SLED INSTALLATION

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

Track 32″ – Fence Side & Saw Blade Side
Ratchet Handle #10-32 x 0.625
Brass Bushing 0nstallecf) (2) 5 0nstallecf) (2)
Brass Shim0nstallecf) (2)
Oval nut
Push plate/Hinge Screw

HARDWARE BAG A

Screws 1/4″-20 (6)
Oval Nuts 1/4″-20 (6)
NOTE : pre-installed. Jig The Tracks Span Loosen CD to Clamp© both open and with Ratchet the close.

SCALE INSTALLATION

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

HARDWARE BAG B
CD Scale 0°-15° x 0.5° & Index Lock @) Scale 0°-7° x 0.25° & Index Lock Ratchet Handle #10-32 x 0.625 (2) Brass Bushing (4)
Brass Shim (8)
Button Head Cap Screw 1/4″-20 x 5/8″ (4) Thin Nylock Nut #10-32 (2)
Cone Point Set Screw #1 0-32 x 1 ” (2) Oval Nut #10-32 (4)
Oval Nut 1/4″-20 (4)
Allen Key 5/32″
Allen Key 3/32″

NOTE : The Precision Taper Jig has two positive-locking angle scales. One adjusts from 0° to 7° in quarter-degree increments. The other adjusts from 0° to 15° in half-degree increments. Only one scale is needed at a time. You will probably want the 0° to 7° scale installed most of the time, unless your project calls for a larger angle. Both scales can remain installed at the same time, but having both on limits the range of motion you have for the Clamping Handles.

Remove the Span Clamp© from the Precision Taper Jig by loosening the two Ratchet Handles and sliding it out of the T-slot of the Track.
Pre-assemble the 0°-15° CD or the 0°-7° @) Scale & Index Lock following FIGURE 4.
Slide the Scale assembly into the Saw Blade Side Track, ensure that the Brass Shims span over the T-slot. FIGURES 5 & 5-1.
Slide the coordinating Index Lock assembly into the Fence Side Track, also ensuring the Brass Shims span over the T-slot.
Slide the paired-up Scale and Lock close to the corresponding laser engraved index mark on the Saw Blade Side Track. NOTE: Do not secure the Scales at this time. FIGURE 6.

SCALE CALIBRATION

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

HARDWARE BAG B Plastic Shim (2)

Loosen the Ratchet Handles on the Span Clamp and close the Precision Taper Jig to set to 0°.
Ensure that the gap between the Fence Side Track and Saw Blade Side Track at the Hinge End of the Precision Taper Jig matches the gap at the Stop End using the included Plastic Shims. FIGURE 7.
To set the gap at the Hinged End, loosen the Screws in one side of the Hinge ®, then squeeze the two Tracks together with the Plastic Shim in between. Re-tighten the Screws in the Hinge and the gap is now set. FIGURE 7-1.
Once the gap is made equal, lock down the Ratchet Handle on the Span Clamp to ensure the gap is maintained. You can remove the Plastic Shims.
With the Scale on its designated laser engraved line on the Saw Blade Side Track, (FIGURE 6.) set the Index Lock at “0”. The Scale and Index Lock are to be parallel to the Saw Blade Side Track edge.
Secure the Scale by tightening the Button Head Cap Screws using the 5/32″ Allen Key.
Secure the Index Lock by tightening the Ratchet Handles.
Tighten the Cone Point Set Screw with an 3/32″ Allen Key. Tighten the Cone Point Set Screw so that it digs into the bottom of the Fence Side Track leaving an indentation. This is intentional and provides you with a positive stop so that if the Scales are ever removed and reinstalled, recalibrating the Precision Taper Jig to the exact setting as before may be done.
Tighten the Thin Nylock Nut on the Index Lock until it stops. The Cone Point Set Screw pivot should NOT be turning at all if properly installed.
Loosen the Ratchet Handle on the Index Lock and check for free movement. If the Index Lock is locked completely or too loose, adjust the Thin Nylock Nut to your personal preference.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION KIT INSTALLATION AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

CD Extension Track 16″ (2)
MDF Sled 16″ -includes 1-3/8″ Thin & 4″ Wide
Clamping Handle & Clamp Assembly
HARDWARE BAG C
Span Clamp, Long (1) Ratchet Handle #10-32 x 0.625 (2) Brass Bushin.9 (2) Brass Shim (2) Oval Nut #1 0-32 (2)
Track Connector (2)
Set Screw 1/4″-20 x 1/2″ (8) Allen Key 1 /8″ (1)

HARDWARE BAG A

Screws 1/4″-20 (6)
Oval Nuts 1/4″-20 (6)

Remove the Push Plate CD from the end of the Saw Blade Side Track. FIGURE 8.
Loosen (do not remove) the Screws securing both MDF Sleds. Slide the MDF Sleds out away from the hinged side of the Precision Taper Jig so that roughly 16″ of the MDF Sled is exposed. FIGURE 9.
Locate the 16″ Extension Tracks @. One end of the Extension Track will have 3 Screws installed where the Push Plate is to be installed. This Extension Track will attach to the left side of the Precision Taper Jig.
Starting with the Saw Blade Side Track side, install a Track Connector and the Set Screws for it. Then, slide the Extension Track over the exposed Oval Nuts of the 32″ long Sled, until the Extension Track touches the 32″ Track. FIGURE 10 & 10-A.
The Track Connector can then be adjusted so that it is evenly distributed between the 32″ and 16″ Tracks. Repeat for the fixed side 32″ and 16″ Extension Tracks.
Secure the Track Connectors with Set Screws using an 1 /8″ Allen Key.
On the underside of the now 48″ long taper jig, ensure that the 32″ long sleds are even with the end of the tracks, then tighten the screws.
In the 16″ MDF extension sleds, install the Countersunk Screws and Oval Nuts (as in Section I. Page 2). Slide these Extension Sleds in from the Hinge end until they contact the 32″ Long Sleds. Tighten the Screws. FIGURE 11.
Assemble the Long Span Clamp@. FIGURE 12.
Install the Long Span Clamp into the Extension Track ensuring the Brass Shims are spanning the T-slot.
Slide the additional Clamping Handle ® Clamping Stud into the Saw Blade Side Track from the end.
To secure the Clamping Handle, tighten the Brass Thumb Knob on the Clamping Stud.
Install the Push Plate (i) in the end of the Saw Blade Side Track. FIGURE 8.
When complete, your Precision Taper Jig should now be 48″ long. FIGURE 13.

CLAMPING HANDLE INSTALLATION

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL NEED:

Slide the Clamping Stud into the Saw Blade Side Track from either end.
NOTE : The Clamping Handle may become “trapped” between other components of the Precision Taper Jig. Based on work piece length, you may want to remove the Span Clamp temporarily, install a Clamping Handle, then reinstall the Span Clamp.
To secure the Clamping Handles, tighten the Brass Thumb Knob on the Clamping Stud. FIGURE 14.

QUICK ADJUST CLAMPING HANDLE OPERATION

Push the Release Button on the Clamping Handle and lift up or slide down for quick position changes.
The Clamping Dogs can be reversed from the UP or DOWN position to support a clamping range from 3″ down to 17 /32″. Smaller workpieces may require a simple wooden spacer. FIGURE 15.

CUTTING TAPERS WITH THE MDF SLEDS INSTALLED

Set the Precision Taper Jig to 0°.
Place your workpiece on the Wide MDF Sled.
Press the right side of the workpiece against – the fence of the Precision Taper Jig.
Make a pencil mark at the front of the MDF Sled where the left side of the workpiece ends.
FIGURE 16.
Remove the workpiece and cut off the excess MDF Sled where you made your pencil mark. FIGURE 17
Mark your workpiece where you would like the taper to begin.
Set the desired angle of the Precision Taper Jig with the Scale and lock. Then tighten the Ratchet Handles on the Span Clamp.
Place the workpiece back on the Wide MDF Sled ensuring that the end is pressed firmly up against the Push Plate.
Use the Clamping Handles to clamp the workpiece in place.
With the right side of the Precision Taper Jig pressed firmly up against your table saw rip-fence, slide the fence over until your taper starting point kisses your table saw blade. FIGURE 18.
Lock your table saw rip-fence in place.
Slide the Precision Taper Jig back so that the workpiece is no longer contacting the blade. FIGURE 19.
Turn the table saw on.
Using the Clamping Handles as gripping points, push the MDF Sled through the blade.
Ensure that the right side of the Precision Taper Jig maintains contact with your table saw rip-fence.

CUTTING TAPERS WITHOUT MDF SLEDS.

If your workpiece is wider than the MDF Sled it may be easier to make the cut without the MDF Sleds installed.
To remove the MDF Sled, flip the Precision Taper Jig over and loosen the Phillips head screws on the Thin and Wide MDF Sled. Remove the MDF Sleds by sliding them out of the Track.
NOTE : Clamping Handles cannot be used as clamps without the MDF Sleds installed. They still may be used as gripping points to push the sled.
You may create your own wider sled to replace the standard 4″ Wide MDF Sled to accommodate your workpiece.

REPLACEMENT PARTS
If you would like replacement parts for the Push Plate, Clamping Dogs, or MDF Sleds, they are available at woodpeck.com.
NOTE : If the Push Plate gets nicked or damaged during operation, it may be rotated one time to get an additional clean stop.

ANGLE CONVERSION CHART
Use these charts to help you precisely plan your precision taper. WARNING! To reduce the risk of injury, always use feather boards, push sticks or push blocks with proper guarding. Keep hands away from moving parts. Refer to your saw manual for proper setup and use.

Woodpeckers, LLC Strongsville, Ohio
woodpeck.com
© 2021Woodpeckers, LLC

WARNING!
This product can expose you to chemicals, including chromium, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Wamings.ca.gov