lighthouse

[Leroy_89030]

I want to build a small lighthouse with a base of 6 " and taper to a top of 3" but don't know how to cut the pieces out on my table saw.Can anyone help with how to set this up.

[Stuart]

You need a taper jig and set it so it also cuts at an angle so you get an octagonal (or however many sides you want the lighthouse to be).

http://www.runnerduck.com/images/tj_complete-thmb.jpg (http://www.runnerduck.com/images/tj_complete-thmb.jpg)
This is quite a sophisticated taper jig (photo found on google), but it can be as simple as a flat board with anther screwed to it at an angle, with a toe at the end for the work to push against. This can then be made so it presents the work to the blade at an angle - producing a compound angle (terminology?) so you can end up with

http://home.neo.rr.com/rodsphotogallery/Lighthouses/RhodeIsland/Images/PointJudith.jpg
I'm sure someone has a jig like this that can show a better example of what I'm talking about!

[Leroy_89030]

I can see where you would cut the first side ,but how do you turn the wood over to cut the other side