Table saw alignment (Wixey)

[Alan D]

I have used the old basic alignment methods to assure the blade is aligned but started reading up on the WIXEY ANGLE INDICATOR GAUGE. Those who use the WIXEY do you find it valuable in checking alignment (blade angle) and worth the $40 for the degree of accuracy?

Alan

[dusty]

Alan, I'm going to do a song and dance, a good ole Texas Two Step, around this one.

I think the Wixey is worth every bit of what it costs. It is as accurate as advertised and is very easy to use. I use it for tasks that I've never seen advertised. Example: I clamp my framing square, t-square, miter gauge, etc in a bench vise and use the Wixey to check them. If I need an odd angle, I do the same with the miter gauge except that I adjust for the angle I want. It works great.

I do wish that it was capable of confirming true level; it does not do that. I indicates displacement from the physical angle it was at when zeroed.

I find that it works just as well for Shopsmith checks and adjustemnts but I hardly ever use it for that. The same can be said for the dial gauge.

I find that the tried and true methods that Shopsmith advertises and that I have used for these many years yields as good of test as is required. I have double checked my alignments used the Wixey and Dial Gauge and found no reason to alter the original alignments.

I do believe that if one is not "hung up" on the old methods that they could become just as confident and competent using the Wixey and Dial Gauge.

[flashbacpt]

Alan,

Dusty is right! The so call old methods still work very well. I have a Wixey, and simply love it for its convience of use.
As stated by Dusty, you will find additional uses for the Wixey. It is a very handy tool, one of those quick grabs to verify a setting.
For whatever reason, I have squared my blade using the old methods. With the Wixey, you can now, very rapidly check your work. I have found that the old methods are right on the money 90 percent of the time. However, once in a while, the Wixey proves differently.
I work in a small space, and there have been times when I have bumped, knocked, or just plain hit my ShopSmith by accident, making me wonder if I had knocked it out of alignment. With the Wixey, you can check your alignment in seconds.
Bottom line: Handy, easy to use and most convienent

FlashbacPT
John Casey

[Alan D]

All the other uses sure are a plus especially checking the miter gauge squareness. The real positive feature I see is being able to conduct quick and frequent check on alignment. With the cost of good hardwood, errors could be costly.

Thanks Dusty and John.

Alan

[ldh]

For what its worth take a look at the BEAL TILT BOX, it can also serve as a pocket level. I have both the Wixey and the Tilt Box, but I think the Tilt Box just might be a better tool in the long run. One of them was a gift and you just don't return gifts with my family.

LDH

[kalynzoo]

I also square my blade using the method in the book, as taught in the SS traveling class, taken after purchase. Since this seems to true my cuts within my needs I see no reason for another device.