Like Nebe said, add 2"; but I often add 2.5" if the end tapers are very thin (under 1/4") because it leaves more room to taper away from the squared ends. I don't like getting too cramped when operating the Vega because that piece sure will jump if the cutter catches an end.
This isn't a hard rule, because ultimately I try to get the most out of the piece of lumber I'm using. i.e., if I have 3' of board and it's a 7" plug, I'll try to keep the blanks at 9" instead of 9.5".
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