Recommendation for Decent Protractor

[Bugsysiegals]

I'd like a decent protractor so I can square up and calibrate my Kapex.  I'm not sure I've any other use for it since the Kapex comes with a protractor for setting angles but just doesn't tell you the angle.  Any recommendations for a tool which is accurate but will not be used other than calibration?

I found this for ~$60 after 10% promo or do you recommend something else?
https://www.rockler.com/starrett-7-prosite-protractor-durable-aluminum

 

[Rick Herrick]

Could you use the angle tool that came with the Kapex? 

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Well it doesn’t have any measurements on it so it’s hard to say whether a bevel is 45 degrees or not, etc.

 

[Michael Kellough]

universal vernier bevel protractor

You can spend anywhere from $60 to over $600.

 

[Banana]

If you look on amazon there are quite a few reviews and photos showing the Starrett aluminum protractors markings misaligned. 
I’ve bought and returned many of the plastic versions too out of curiosity because I’ve seen so many youtuber’s using them - they’ve all come horribly misaligned in both mating pieces & marking degrees. 
For moldings I find the dirt cheap (General Brand etc.) digital protractors to be vert accurate and reliable and are my go to preference.

 

[Cheese]

I have the Starrett 12” protractor and as mentioned the markings are very wide and sometimes nothing lines up exactly. Forget the 7” or 12” Pro Protractor for any precise angles.

I also have the Starrett bevel vernier protractor that cost over $500...never used it on the Kapex, no need for it.

I’d suggest buying a Starrett 12” combination square and use that to square the Kapex and to check for 45 degree angles. That’s all you need.

 

[waho6o9]

I just put a magnetic angle indicator on the side of the blade, works for me. 
If I understand you correctly. 
View attachment 1

 

[Bugsysiegals]

I've used two different Woodpeckers squares to square the fence which is nearly perfect and can be set perfect with a little effort.  Besides 45 degrees, I assume I want to check the miter gauge is correctly position for the various angles from 45 degrees Left and 60 degrees Right in addition to the Bevel being accurately set so maybe the digital calipers is best for this?

 

[dwillis]

I've just ordered two (left and right hand) Universal Gauges from Bridge City Tools (https://bridgecitytools.com/products/ug-1-universal-gage) to check and calibrate my Kapex and table saw. The advantage over a typical square is the gauge is easier to read, and it is also designed to be used as a protractor when doing layouts and calibrating equipment.

 

[suds]

I also have the Bridge City Tool Universal Gauge. For me it is very hard to see the cursor on the arm you use to see your readings.  The arm is gold in color with a faint white line. At certain angles you can’t see it. Other than that I like it.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

I ended up going with a cheaper digital caliper for now which shows 90 degrees on my WoodPeckers square, 98.9 on my MFT/3 without re-calibrating with bench dogs after removing the rail, 90 degrees on the Kapex miter angle, and 89.9 on the Kapex bevel angle. That said, I was surprised to see the 60 degrees miter angle showing ~59.7 but since the blades teeth can impact things I’ll verify by cutting some scrap wood before I go adjusting anything.

That said, it seems very accurate and should work well to calibrate the Kapex.

GemRed Digital Angle Finder Protractor (Stainless steel, 7inch/200mm)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W395R5E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7EYNFb340PTKY