how to use my wixey

farley · Post by **farley** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:31 pm

I been on line and to UTUBE and just can't figure out how to use my wixey with my chop saw.

trying to set 30 degree angle among others.

TIA

algale · Post by **algale** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:46 pm

It is a compound miter saw, isn't it?

I've never used my Wixey (really a Beal, which about the same) to set angles on my compound miter saw, but if I was trying to set the bevel angle (vertical) at 30 degrees, I'd place the Wixey flat on the bed, zero it, and then stick it to the saw blade. Rotate the bevel mechanism until the Wixey reads 30 degrees and lock the bevel mechanism. I don't think the Wixey will help you set the miter (horizontal angle).

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:47 pm

You don't give much information to work with farley.

When you set your chop saw to cut something at 90°, do you use the wixey?

The wixey is magnetic. I would say, zero the wixey on the bed of the chop saw and then move it to the blade. With the wixey attached to the blade, tilt to 30° and go for it.

I hope this helps cuz I got nothing more to offer.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:50 pm

Maybe a picture would help us to understand your dilemma.

farley · Post by **farley** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:50 pm

I am not compounding it.
Just moving the saw to the right toward the 30 degree mark.

algale · Post by **algale** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:52 pm

farley wrote:I am not compounding it.
Just moving the saw to the right toward the 30 degree mark.

I do not believe the Wixey will help you do that.
EDIT: On second thought, you could use it, indirectly. If you have a bevel gauge you could use the Wixey to set the bevel to 30 degrees. Put the base of the bevel gauge on a surface. Zero the Wixey to the same suface. Then put the Wixey on the bevel's guage's angle blade and lock the blade when the Wixey reads 30 degrees. Then place the bevel gauge's base against the chop saw's fence and move the chop saw blade until it touches the bevel gauge blade.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:57 pm

OKAY, now you got me really confused. I know this is going to sound like a smart alec reply but...tilt it until the indicator says 30° and lock it in place.

If accuracy is the issue and you can't apply the wixey then I would suggest that you revert to the Shopsmith and cut yourself a 30° set up clock from a piece of wood and use that.

What are you making and from what?

farley · Post by **farley** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 7:13 pm

I think I understand Algale way.

I am making segmented pieces, and I don't believe the gage on the saw is good enough, as I did what dusty said and it didn't give me a perfect 30 degrees as was evident when I put them together.

algale · Post by **algale** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 7:34 pm

farley wrote:I think I understand Algale way.

I am making segmented pieces, and I don't believe the gage on the saw is good enough, as I did what dusty said and it didn't give me a perfect 30 degrees as was evident when I put them together.

If it were me, I'd use the Shopsmith to cut the segments. I know there are people who love their chop saws, but I find my chop saw is a blunt instrument best suited to rough cutting framing and some finish carpentry work rather than making precision cuts on small pieces. Its a combination of a so-so design by a so-so-maker with a below average blade. But since I don't need it for precision work, I don't think I'll be upgrading it.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 11:34 pm

IIWM, I would use the table saw and a 'miter set'.

Alternatively you could use the miter gauge and set it with the wixey.

I am not clear if you are using the chop saw with a 90 cut across the workpiece and the bevel angle set to 30. If so reference to the miter saw bed and set the blade angle. If you are making an angle cut(but 90 vertically) the wixey will not help you.