How to set odd anagles on miter gauge?

[dynabase]

I was looking at some plans recently and it had all these odd half degree miters in it. I have seen a gauge that sets them easily but it is about $70 bucks and I can't justify it at this time.

Does anyone have an alternate (spelled cheap) method of setting up the 1/2 degree angles on the miter gauge? For example the chair plans I was looking at called for a 9 1/2 and a 12 1/2 degree cut in several places. I guess I could just round the numbers up but I would still like an easy way to do the 1/2 degree settings.

Thanks

Michael

[BuckeyeDennis]

I was looking at some plans recently and it had all these odd half degree miters in it. I have seen a gauge that sets them easily but it is about $70 bucks and I can't justify it at this time.

Does anyone have an alternate (spelled cheap) method of setting up the 1/2 degree angles on the miter gauge? For example the chair plans I was looking at called for a 9 1/2 and a 12 1/2 degree cut in several places. I guess I could just round the numbers up but I would still like an easy way to do the 1/2 degree settings.

Thanks

Michael

I bought one of these digital protractors from Amazon. With 500mm blades it's about $25, and $19 with 200mm blades.

I calibrated it against a couple of precision references (including the Woodpeckers PolyGauge), and mine is accurate to within 0.1 degrees. In fact, it was dead on for all of the PolyGauge angles except one. But note that the blades are scissors-sharp, as shipped. So I broke the edges with a bit of fine sandpaper -- end of problem.

[JPG]

Cannot an eyeball estimate half way between index marks?

[dynabase]

Cannot an eyeball estimate half way between index marks?

Not when the eyeballs or almost 75 years old. I'm probably going to be remembered as the "Father of Braille Method of Woodworking".

Michael

[JPG]

Cannot an eyeball estimate half way between index marks?

Not when the eyeballs or almost 75 years old. I'm probably going to be remembered as the "Father of Braille Method of Woodworking".

Michael

Guess these older ones are fortunate to be near sighted.

[Hobbyman2]

Like the digital protractor,,,, once you set it cant you adjust the miter gage on the ss and lock it down then I use the disc sander to touch it up ?

[john_001]

An inexpensive method is to use a plastic protractor (e.g., from Staples, etc.) that's marked in 1/2 degrees. Set it against the miter gauge and align the center with the miter slot or the miter gauge bar. It's a lot easier to read than the miter gauge itself (0 degrees on the miter gauge will be 90 degrees on the protractor).

[reible]

While you are thinking this over, a product that shopsmith offers come to mind, that is the miterset

Miterset:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/miterset.htm

I don't own one but it says it can set to 1/2 degrees.

I might get one someday but since I have a miter gauge that can set to 1/10 degree I have not seen the need for it. Still when has that stopped me??

One can also look at the design and see if you really need the precision they say. A half degree on a short piece can be sanded to fit pretty well and who will notice the fit if not right on in most cases.

Ed

[masonsailor2]

I would have to agree with Ed. For most projects a half degree accuracy is just not necessary. In most cases rounding up to a full degree will get you there and then a little hand fitting will suffice. The only people I know that deal in that fine of measurement are the CNC guys. That being said it is possible to build an inexpensive miter gauge that is that accurate. It involves building a sled for the saw and drawing a protractor on it. But it would take a lot longer to build than just hand fitting the pieces.
Paul

[dynabase]

While you are thinking this over, a product that shopsmith offers come to mind, that is the miterset

Miterset:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/miterset.htm

I don't own one but it says it can set to 1/2 degrees.

I might get one someday but since I have a miter gauge that can set to 1/10 degree I have not seen the need for it. Still when has that stopped me??

One can also look at the design and see if you really need the precision they say. A half degree on a short piece can be sanded to fit pretty well and who will notice the fit if not right on in most cases.

That's the $70 set I was referring to. It looks like a great tool but I don't think I can justify the money.

I am more inclined to do the round up process at this point. I have plans from Woodsmith for a Morris chair that has several 1/2 degree cuts. I don't see any reason for this on a chair arm. I guess they are just showing off. I have also seen several other furniture plans from different folks with 1/2 degree cuts. I could see it (maybe)if you were doing a glue up for a turning project but a chair arm? I guess part of this post was trying to find out how many SS users bothered with that fine a cut. I'm guessing not many care that much and just round up like I do. I like the idea of a digital protractor on a SS for table tilt and to some extent miter gauge setup but to get one just to do 1/2 degree setup seems like overkill.

Michael

Ed