Tapering on a 10" saw?

[portland_aaron]

I have started my build of a 42" in Portland, OR and have been very impressed with some of the builds on here. I would like to put the time in to cut the bricks for a nice, tight taper, but can't seem to figure out how to set it up on my saw.

I have reviewed a number of threads about cutting the brick faces to remove the inverted Vee, but haven't been able to figure out how it is possible to cut the taper without running into the arbor on my 10" wet saw.

Is there some trick that I am missing, or is this only possible with a 14" saw?

Also, I have read that people soak the brick prior to cutting. Is there a reason for this? I cut the bricks for the floor without soaking, and the diamond blade cut through it like butter!

Thanks for all the help.
Aaron

[UtahBeehiver]

Re: Tapering on a 10" saw?

Aaron,

I used the old cheapo Harbor Freight 10" and was able, for the most part do most of the compound cuts I needed. I made a jig that allows you to cut the taper and bevel at the same time. Here is a pic of the jig. It is just a take off modifications of another WFO idea. You will find that you will need to do some hand cutting\fine tuning on certain cuts. Yell if you have questions. There are other examples out there some more complicated and some more simple. Good luck.

[deejayoh]

Re: Tapering on a 10" saw?

^^^^^
that jig is the bomb. Wish I had it for my build!

check out my spreadsheet to get the calculations for the brick dimensions and angles for the jig. Linked in my sig below.

Fun to see all the new builds starting up this season

[UtahBeehiver]

Re: Tapering on a 10" saw?

aaron,

too bad you weren't around last fall, I donated my jig to a WFOer back east off this forum. But you can build one with scrap stuff fairly easy. I think I only spent less than $5 on material for the Habitat for Humanity thrift store called Restore. I think most major cities have one. The wood tables were from an old cabinet front, the bolts were toilet flange bolts and the hinges SS cabinet hinges. Good luck.

[dlebla]

Re: Tapering on a 10" saw?

I'm the lucky one taking advantage of UtahBeehiver's Jig, thanks again. I started it up last fall and will hopefully start up soon once some more of this snow melts. I'm going to pass it on after I finish but I dont think you want to wait that long. Good luck!

[brickie in oz]

Re: Tapering on a 10" saw?

Also, I have read that people soak the brick prior to cutting. Is there a reason for this?

Because they dont know any better.

[kbartman]

Re: Tapering on a 10" saw?

Aaron,

I used the old cheapo Harbor Freight 10" and was able, for the most part do most of the compound cuts I needed. I made a jig that allows you to cut the taper and bevel at the same time. Here is a pic of the jig. It is just a take off modifications of another WFO idea. You will find that you will need to do some hand cutting\fine tuning on certain cuts. Yell if you have questions. There are other examples out there some more complicated and some more simple. Good luck.

Hello,
Utah Beehiver
Great jig, I would like to make one. Do you have a more detailed sketch or pictures of you 10" jig. How is the height adjustment set screw installed?

[UtahBeehiver]

Re: Tapering on a 10" saw?

Will pm u so i don't hijack the thread

[stonecutter]

Re: Tapering on a 10" saw?

Aaron,

I used the old cheapo Harbor Freight 10" and was able, for the most part do most of the compound cuts I needed. I made a jig that allows you to cut the taper and bevel at the same time. Here is a pic of the jig. It is just a take off modifications of another WFO idea. You will find that you will need to do some hand cutting\fine tuning on certain cuts. Yell if you have questions. There are other examples out there some more complicated and some more simple. Good luck.

Nice set up there!

[portland_aaron]

Re: Tapering on a 10" saw?

UtahBeehiver - feel free to hijack the thread! I would be interested to see the schematics as well.

I made a little progress this weekend, but just with the level (easy) cuts. The tile saw is a lot of fun - goes through the bricks like butter!