Angle Measurement in the Workshop

Ah, yes, the gent that gave me his sine bar also provided some of those angle plates along with lots of other goodies.

So it seems I have the basics but as there is an offer on an M & W bevel protractor from Allendale, I might just make a purchase.

Thanks for all the opinions and ideas.

Roy

The bevel protractor is used for measuring existing angles, or setting specific angles for marking out. The Wixey can't really do that easily, its main use is for setting work up in the mill (and other things, of course). A major advantage is that it can be zeroed on any convenient surface (the mill table, for example), and the workpiece can then be set to any required angle relative to that initial surface.

Since it has a magnetic base, it can clamp on to any ferrous workpiece so as to allow you to adjust the angle before clamping it.

It has many more uses than setting up machinery. Setting circular saw blade angle, setting up long pieces for welding, etc.

I quite agree that a set of angle plates are much quicker to use, but they can't do odd angles, unless you make one, that is. And they are not a lot of use when setting a tilting vice accurately to a specific angle.

I've just realised that this looks rather like an advert: it isn't. I'm just a home user that has found it to be a very useful tool.

Edited By Gary Wooding on 19/09/2013 15:59:48

One other thing you can do with a Wixey is basic dividing of work in the lathe if you have a big enough chuck jaw to stick it to or a suitable edge.

Edited By JasonB on 19/09/2013 16:33:28

HI Guys
Seeing Moderators photo reminded me . If you want to divide 3 or six in a 3 jaw chuck . Put a spirit level on jaw 1 level it mark line on job a machine flat same on No. 2 jaw etc if you want 6 on the same setting do the same from the back . I suppose you can do the same on a 4 jaw chuck . Also i have a round plastic protractor I fit running true on a stub on the back of my lathe with a fixed pointer . Ok
for home workshop projects but not toolroom or machine shop use I may add
Regards Nobby