iGaging Angle Cube vs Wixey

reible · Post by **reible** » Thu May 01, 2014 9:18 pm

I really like the Beall Tilt Box. I got mine way back when, and there is a post here somewhere of some of the points I took into consideration before I decided on which one. The 9V battery was one of them, the others were the level and relative (level) angle setting and the fact you could actually re-zero the mechanism.

If I were to buy a second one or a replacement I'd go back to Beall without question.

Ed

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri May 02, 2014 7:38 am

reible wrote:I really like the Beall Tilt Box. I got mine way back when, and there is a post here somewhere of some of the points I took into consideration before I decided on which one. The 9V battery was one of them, the others were the level and relative (level) angle setting and the fact you could actually re-zero the mechanism.

If I were to buy a second one or a replacement I'd go back to Beall without question.

Ed

Except for the paint job and labeling, the Beall Tilt Box appears to be the same as the Angle Cube. It also possesses the same features that draw you back to the Beall.

Let's face it, there can't be a whole lot of differences. I did pay more than what everyone else has indicated.

http://www.bealltool.com/products/measuring/tiltbox.php

Added Comments:

I attempted to start a comparative test but almost immediately got stymied. Much to my surprise and disappointment the Angle Cube does not react as I thought it would.

Using the tilting table as the test bed, I set three angle indicators on the table and zeroed them. I then began tilting the table in controlled increments expecting the Angle Cube to advance from 0.00 to 0.01, to 0.02....etc. It does not. It advances from 0.00 to 0.1 to 0.2...etc. Advertised resolution is 0.05. So maybe I am expecting too much. Maybe the best it is going to give me is 0.00 to 0.05 to 0.1 to 0.15 to 0.2 ...etc.

Yes, this is a fundamental measurement task. An experienced test engineer should not be asking such questions BUT I AM.

Those of you who have the Beall Box or the iGage, please tell me what yours does. I may need to chang my test routine.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri May 02, 2014 11:34 am

dusty wrote:Except for the paint job and labeling, the Beall Tilt Box appears to be the same as the Angle Cube. It also possesses the same features that draw you back to the Beall.

Let's face it, there can't be a whole lot of differences. I did pay more than what everyone else has indicated.

http://www.bealltool.com/products/measuring/tiltbox.php

Added Comments:

I attempted to start a comparative test but almost immediately got stymied. Much to my surprise and disappointment the Angle Cube does not react as I thought it would.

Using the tilting table as the test bed, I set three angle indicators on the table and zeroed them. I then began tilting the table in controlled increments expecting the Angle Cube to advance from 0.00 to 0.01, to 0.02....etc. It does not. It advances from 0.00 to 0.1 to 0.2...etc. Advertised resolution is 0.05. So maybe I am expecting too much. Maybe the best it is going to give me is 0.00 to 0.05 to 0.1 to 0.15 to 0.2 ...etc.

Yes, this is a fundamental measurement task. An experienced test engineer should not be asking such questions BUT I AM.

Those of you who have the Beall Box or the iGage, please tell me what yours does. I may need to chang my test routine.

Situation 'normal'. I think you expected 0.00 0.01 0.02 ...

Resolution is .05, so 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 . . . is expected. However that accuracy number will often swamp the .05 indication. I assume you are using the 'Dusty' table tilt adjuster.

What is the third angle indicator?

I would 'try' to determine the next 0.1 degree 'trip' point of each around a few different angles. Probably a gimball bearing test at best. Both approach directions are needed, but I do not need to tell you that.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri May 02, 2014 11:55 am

[quote="JPG40504"]Situation 'normal'. I think you expected 0.00 0.01 0.02 ...

Resolution is .05, so 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 . . . is expected. However that accuracy number will often swamp the .05 indication. I assume you are using the 'Dusty' table tilt adjuster.

What is the third angle indicator?

I would 'try' to determine the next 0.1 degree 'trip' point of each around a few different angles. Probably a gimball bearing test at best. Both approach directions are needed, but I do not need to tell you that.]
It is a digital level (about 7") with a thermometer. It momentarily displays ambient temperature when first turned on.

I bought it at Sears and have not seen one like since.

It, otherwise, has all of the functional characteristics of the Wixey (plus a hold function) and it turns itself off after some period of time.

It does not work so well for Mark V table alignment because it is too long to attach to the blade.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon May 05, 2014 8:59 am

I have not completed my review of the iGage and Wixey angle indicators. In fact, I have done virtually nothing.

However, this task caused me to drag out a 7" torpedo level that I have has for several years. It is impressive. If I could get the same functionality in a shorter version (so that it would fit on the saw blade), I would not recommend anything else.

In my opinion, it is functionally superior to either the iGage or the Wixey.

In the words of another user (not mine but I wholeheartedly agree):

Very accurate and Versatile tool Specifications for this level is very limited and does not do justice to the excellent features of this tool. Dimensions are 7" x 1-1/4" x 2-3/16". Features of this level consist of a horizontal and vertical reference vials, magnetic v-groove base, Zero button for relative/absolute angle measurement, Convert button to change between angle, in./ft. and percent, and a power auto save button or you can turn off immediately by holding down the button for 2 seconds, beeps at 0,45 and 90 degrees. The LCD screen shows battery condition level and has a back -lit screen for high visibility and the readings "flip" when you use the level upside down. This also comes in a zippered soft case for protection when not in use. I use this digital level for my knife sharpening system for checking the degree of angle when sharpening a blade,also for checking vertical/bevel angles on my table saw blade, drill press and just about anything that requires an angle setting for concise cutting or drilling.The accuracy is plus/minus one-tenth of 1 degree. The only thing I would have wanted was for the magnet to have a stronger holding power when used vertically on pipe, conduit or metal structure. The level tends to slide down especially if the metal is not very clean and smooth. Other than that, I can't find anything negative to say about it. It is an excellent level for the price and has more features than higher price digital torpedo levels that are out there.
I would recommend this product to a friend. by potobee Downey, CA | Wed, Dec 4, 2013

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Mon May 05, 2014 9:33 am

Can't use a level in my shop. Floor isn't exactly level.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue May 06, 2014 9:43 am

I have finally gotten around to playing with the angle indicators but that is about all I can say.

With the exception thateach, by themselves, is consistent. The problem is that when comparing one against another, the results are a bit confusing.

I'll post three sets of five pictures each to show what I mean.

In each set of five the table is first positioned at "no tilt" followed by "tilted" followed by "no tilt" followed by "tilted" followed by "no tilt".

Note how repeatable the observations are at no tilt.

[ATTACH]24947[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]24948[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]24949[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]24950[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]24951[/ATTACH]

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue May 06, 2014 9:44 am

Second Set of Five

[ATTACH]24952[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]24953[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]24954[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]24955[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]24956[/ATTACH]

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue May 06, 2014 9:46 am

[attach]24957[/attach] [attach]24958[/attach]

[attach]24959[/attach] [attach]24960[/attach]

[attach]24961[/attach]

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue May 06, 2014 9:58 am

All within +- .1° except one +-2°.

Since done on an aluminum surface, I wonder if on a steel table they would be more consistent.

I think the gimbal bearings are the most likely thing to cause deviations.(assuming they have them) I do not know about the internals. The iGauge has to me been 'stickey'.

At first I thought the two tilts in each set were opposite direction, but closer look shows tilt always left side up.

I am curious how you determined the degree of tilt in each case. Dusty tilt adjuster nut fractional turns?

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