Before we delve into the question too deep, first let's think about DIY builders who have yet to bring an angle gauge into their workshops to begin with. Here's the problem: woodworking newbies might assume that the factory-installed gauges and meters on their newly-bought tools will get the job done without any trouble. Maybe this is true enough when all you need is a simple, rough cut on a 2x4. But for more precise miters and bevels, it's surprising just how inaccurate most power tools are in this regard. Even with lock-in style hardware, most angle gauges on the less expensive tools can fall horribly short in giving you an accurate cut. Eventually we all figure this one out and then start looking for a more reliable measuring gauge.
In my case, I first went to a drafting supply store in search of sturdy triangle, ruler, and protractor. I reasoned that high-quality drafting tools would be the most reliable source I could find to check the angle gauge accuracy of my saw. I also bought an adjustable bevel gauge so I could transfer the protractor angles back over to my power tool blades. At first I was fairly happy with the set up - and confident that my bevels and angles were on target with my new measuring tools at the ready. However, after a while I started to notice that all the motions I was going through to set up my cuts was leaving me with a fairly large margin of error. For example, even if I were able to get a perfect angle set on my adjustable bevel gauge, I had question whether the lock-down screw would really hold things down tight enough while I moved on over to set the bevel on my saw. All it took was a small nudge (or worse, a drop to the floor) to send me back to square one. Complicating things was the fact that some of my settings depended a lot on the accuracy of my own eyes - which I've never trusted completely. So while I was happy to at least be using some better measuring tools than what came with my saw, I knew this wasn't the perfect solution.
Right Angle Drill
Digital Gauge vs Dial Gauge - How Much Accuracy Do We Really Need?
My next step in finding a better system for setting angles was to check out some of the more expensive angle gauges made for woodworking and home improvement. I saw some very impressive looking gauges from Starrett and Incra, but also noticed that many of the conventional dial gauges used to measure wood height, thickness, and depth had been replaced with digital readouts. Leading the way are companies like Wixey, which offer a host of new tools for making angle measurements with dead-on, digital accuracy. However, a reasonable question to ask is if a digital gauge can significantly improve your woodworking. Or in other words, how much accuracy do we really need in our woodshop? If the tried and true dial gauges have been good enough for fine woodworking up till now, what does digital have to offer that's any better?
The conclusion I've come to on this question is that for setting bevels on a saw blade, the digital angle gauge wins - hands down. This is particularly true in regard to cutting bevels for wood joints, where you really don't have room for error. Likewise, cutting 45 degree miter angles for joinery demands the same kind of accuracy. That said, there are plenty of cutting tasks in the workshop that really don't need that kind of precision. For example, rough construction for projects like outdoor sheds, picnic tables, and fences certainly don't need it - and in those cases I'm perfectly happy to come reasonably close with my twist and turn dial gauge.
Special Price!!! Milwaukee 3102-6 Plumbers Kit 7 Amp 1/2-Inch Right Angle Drill with D-Handle
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Milwaukee 3102-6 Plumbers Kit 7 Amp 1/2-Inch Right Angle Drill with D-Handle Feature
- Powerful 7 amp Milwaukee built motor
- RAD Assembly, Side Handle, 9/16 in. Open End Wrench
- Carrying Case
- Two speeds, 335 rpm low, and 750 rpm high
- Limited warranty, 30-day no-risk trial
Milwaukee 3102-6 Plumbers Kit 7 Amp 1/2-Inch Right Angle Drill with D-Handle Overview
D-handle power and a right angle drive head make this Milwaukee drill package perfect for stud and joist drilling. Powerful 7 Amp motor and three speed ranges make this a versatile tool that will handle a wide range of applications. Amps: 7, Chuck Size (in.): 1/2, Speed (RPM): 335 and 750, Side Handle: Yes, Keyless Chuck: No, Variable Speed: Yes, Case Included: YesSAVE NOW on the special offers below!
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