Help with alignment tools, please

[Gene Michael]

I'd like to improve the alignment on several shop tools and need some input. Last month, I almost bought an engineer's square from Rockler. To their credit, they pulled this item due to quality issues. Saw a three piece set in a case from Woodcraft for $29.95, but wondered about the quality. Have also looked at the electronic gauges, like the Wixley.

The tools to be aligned include a miter saw, table saw, band saw and radial arm saw, so flexibility is important. Am also on a budget (retired with fixed income) so cost is an issue.

I'd appreciate any recommendations and suggestions that anyone can offer. I really hate to throw away $$$ on an alignment tool that isn't square. Thanks.

[Bill Huber]

For checking the squareness of my blades and miter guide I just use drafting triangles. They are cheap and do a very good job.

For $5 you can get 2 six triangles.

http://www.cutting-mats.net/triangles-fluorescent.html

I guess the next thing up the list is the Wixey angle gauge, they have been on sale for $29 here and there and you can get them from Wixey for $39. The Wixey is great for setting different angles for the blades.

The the next up would be for me the Digital Protractor from Wixey.

But still with having both of the Wixeys I still pull out the triangles most fo the time to check for a 90.

[glenn bradley]

The Wixey and the Beall units will give you readings from a relative starting point. I have one of each and use the Beall at the TS and CMS due to the 100ths position that the Wixey does not have. I use the Wixey on the jointer, bandsaw, DP and almost everything else. Neither of these will do a whole lot to get you aligned in the first place however.

I use a good straight edge and a magnetic base with a dial indicator for setups. I have the Lee Valley 36" (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=56676&cat=1,240,45313) straight edge and could use a longer one in addition but wouldn't want only a longer one. The mag base (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5645)and dial indicator (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=623) are from Harbor Freight and do fine. There are other units for about the same cost available here and there. The measurements used for setup are almost always differential vs. baseline specific so a reasonable device will get close enough for woodworking (.001" for me, YMMV).

[Doug Shepard]

I bought the ubiquitous 3-pc engineering square set a long time ago and IMHO you can skip the middle size. I occasionally find use for the smallest one but the largest (I believe that's 6") get used all the time. You can often find lots of listings on eBay for good ones (Starret, B&S, etc) at very good prices but I dont think I'd bother with a set.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Gene, the stuff I can't go without are a 3' or longer straightedge, an engineering square, a dial caliper, a dial indicator with all of the mounting parts, a speed indicator or tachometer, a set of feeler gauges, and a couple levels.

Ebay is a great source, Starrett, Brown and Sharp, Mitatoyo and other quality tools can be had for pennies on the dollar. I bet you could get all brand name tools on my list for $200, on the bay, but you really don't always need brand name, which may get the cost down 50% or more.

[Joe Scharle]

I paid $5.95 for this dial indicator at HF. Mounted like this checks out your blade & fence. If there is a HF or Northern near you, I suggest you go in and open the box. Check for smooth action. Friend got a HF thru the mail that was sticky. Couldn't see anything obviously wrong, but his replacement works fine. A true framing square; check it out before leaving the BORG and a 6" engineer square is all the basic setup tools I use. But a small plastic right triangle works just as well.

However, I will not cut lumber anymore without my Wixeys! If I need 22.5 deg, I know the first cut will be 22.5 deg!

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/data/194/Alignment_Setup.JPG