Has anyone used this Angle Gauge from Harbor Freight? Is it accurate? Can it be zeroed out against any surface like a Wixey? Or should I jsut wait for the Wixey to go on sale again?
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[OP]
Member
Has anyone used this Angle Gauge from Harbor Freight? Is it accurate? Can it be zeroed out against any surface like a Wixey? Or should I jsut wait for the Wixey to go on sale again?
95998.gif
"Live like no one else, so later, you can LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE!"
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In the manual, located here: http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...5999/95998.pdf
It says the "0%" button would make it zero out like expected.
Jason Beam
Sacramento, CA
beamerweb.com
[OP]
Member
Thanks Jason. I didn't know HF had the manuals online and I hadn't scrolled down the page far enough to see the link.Originally Posted by Jason Beam
Last edited by Charles Wiggins; 01-18-2008 at 2:44 PM.
"Live like no one else, so later, you can LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE!"
- Dave Ramsey
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No worries. I do that all the time :P
Jason Beam
Sacramento, CA
beamerweb.com
Member
Harbor freight is a great cheap tool store and you get exactly what you pay for. I have no problem buying non precision tools from harbor freight. An accurate angle gauge is not something I would ever purchase from harbor freight.
Another option to the Wixey would be the Beall Angle Box. I love mine and it is less expensive that the Wixey.
Actually, I got it on recommendation from several SMC members here.
Do a search for Beall here on SMC, I'm sure you'll find a few threads...
Greg
Last edited by Greg Muller; 01-18-2008 at 3:12 PM. Reason: grammar
My continuing search for old tools- rusthunter dot com
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It really depends on the tool. I recall reading a comment from a machinist/woodworker who claimed his HF digital caliper was as accurate as his Starrett, and at fifteen bucks, he didn't have to worry about knocking it off the workbench and breaking it. Even if he was exaggerating on the accuracy, its apparently good enough for woodworking.
[OP]
Member
Thanks Greg! The Tilt Box sounds like a much better alternative. Anyone know where I can pick one up? Or do you have to order them online?
"Live like no one else, so later, you can LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE!"
- Dave Ramsey
Member
you can get the wixey on sale right now at:
http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/html_p/C019003.htm
$24.95 + shipping...
Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. Mark Twain
I pretty much avoid HF for anything that requires accuracy. If things could be made really well for their prices, everyone would be cheaper. For non-critical items like hand screws, dead blow mallets, lightweight casters, rope, tarps, etc. they're a great resource.
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
Can you tell us the source for the Beall at a lower price? I've always seen them both for about $40 with the Wixey going on sale for $30 or as a give-away with their TS fence DRO.
I have the Wixey and love it but could really see the benefit of the extra digit to the right of the decimal point and wish I had it.
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
Guys,
I got mine as a gift, but the LOML says she paid $30 online direct from Beall, but she is MUCH youngerthan I, so her memory could be failing...
.
That 1/100* on the Beall seems to really make a difference to me, although I am sure a few folks would say that I am nitpicking. I've tested the difference of 1/100* degree in an octagon made with 8/4", 10" on each side OD, and the gap is easily noticeable.
I don't have any afiliation with Beall, but if I wasn't chained to my desk, I would go work for them.Or Delta, or Jet, or Woodcraft, etc... I love good tools!
Greg
Last edited by Greg Muller; 01-18-2008 at 5:11 PM. Reason: more 000000000's...
My continuing search for old tools- rusthunter dot com
In Memoriam
I have a hunch it might be a Beall sale. Cant recall where I just saw it but somebody else has a sale on it right now too. I think it was for the same price.
Use the fence Luke
I think Greg means That 1/100th * and I don't think that is too picky. If I want a half a 45* the Wixey will tell me 22.5* but if I want half of that, it will not tell me 11.25* where the Beall would.
Don't get me wrong, the Wixey is great and they are great to deal with. Just every now and then when I want to split hairs . . . .
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
Member
I understand where you are coming from. However, the 8" digital calipers I bought there read exactly same as my Brown and Sharpe calipers and they cost 1/8 as much money. I leave them on my bench all the time and leave the good ones in the tool box. One certainly needs to be careful about HF tools but some of them can be outstanding values. I use the Wixey and it has met my every expectation. However, if I were looking today, I might be tempted to try the HF one. You can measure its accuracy by measuring the angle of a known accurate square clamped in a vise. If it doesn't read correctly, just take it back.
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