Method 1 - Tapering Jig and Table Saw

I created a plywood sled with some blocks screwed on it at a angle. The sled would ride against the rip fence of a table saw, with the post clamped to the sled and the blocks. I ran the cuts from the side of the post toward the end. (not from the end toward the middle of the post.)

It will take 4 passes to taper all four sides of the post. After each pass rotate the board so the newly cut edge is on top for the next pass. This will ensure that the bottom of the board is flush with the sled for all but the last pass. For that pass place one of the cutoff slivers between the tapered post and the sled.

I made the sled long enough so that I could clamp the post to the sled fence on the furthermost point of the out-feed side. Push the sled through using a push block to hold the post tight against the sled fence on the in-feed end. Do not use your hands to hold the post against the fence on the out-feed end. If the saw catches it will pull your hands into the saw!

Method 2 - Jointer

1. Set the depth of the in-feed table to the desired taper depth
2. Start the cut at the desired taper length pushing the board toward the out-feed table.
3. You may repeat steps 1/2 to increase the taper angle.  I call these "Tapering Passes" in the drawing above.
   
4. Once the taper  angle is established with the first cut(s) you can change the depth of the in-feed table and make "planing" passes on the tapered edge to increase the length/depth (same ratio as established in steps 1-3).  These planing passes are  made with the tapered face flush against the in-feed table rather than angled as above.
   

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