TSO MTR-18 precision triangle not square, inflated expectation?

[festy]

I recently purchased TSO's MTR-18 precision triangle from Axminster tools in the UK. Given it's from a quality company in TSO, the high praise it has received, and the premium pricing, I believe I had justified high expectations for the product, especially around consistency and squareness. Unfortunately, for me, it has fallen short of those expectations. I'm hoping somebody could give me a steer on whether I'm expecting too much?

For some context and transparency, I have contacted Axminster tools regarding the following issue with comprehensive photos (see below) and they have been good, however what initially was going to be a straight forward replacement, has developed in to them being asked to check the item with their own engineers square and gauges, at the request of the manufacturer (I guess TSO?). The potential outcome being that they send the precision triangle back to me.

The issue I'm having is that when the foot is attached there is a slight lip at the corner of the precision triangle. When I butt this up against any straight edge e.g. back edge of my guide rail for square cuts, it puts it out of square. The other issue is with consistency. If I attached the foot to the other edge of the square it's perfectly flush. I used a torch with my Veritas straight edge to show the issue. The torch was on in all photos, however in some there is no light shining through, as that particular orientation is perfectly flat and true.

So, before I waste anyone’s time, and potentially risk damaging the product in transit, am I expecting too much?

 

[TSO_Products]

[member=59830]festy[/member]  - you are asking a perfectly reasonable question. We thank you for your purchase of our tools and providing the opportunity to address your concerns in conjunction with AXMINSTER.

If you are kind enough to provide TSO your direct email address we can help you from TSO. AXMINSTER Tools, (under European privacy rules) is not permited to provide us your contact information.

kind regards from TSO
Hans
info@tsoproducts.com

 

[festy]

[member=61691]TSO_Products[/member] Hi, no problem, I'll send that over to you. Apologies if it wasn't clear, but I've no issue with Axminster's dealing of this. I just didn't want to go through all the hassle if this is viewed as a non-issue

 

[afish]

I think you are being perfectly reasonable. If it was $50 I would say otherwise but you bought and paid a premium for something that is supposed to be at another level.  I just received a MTR myself and didnt check the fit with that extra piece installed.  I will check that out.   

 

[MikeGE]

I just received mine as well and will check it tomorrow.

 

[Birdhunter]

My experience with TSO is that they totally stand behind their products. I am confident they will make you a satisfied customer.

 

[afish]

So, just checking back with my results.  I mounted the removable "foot" in both directions on both sides of the triangle.  What I found was there is enough slop (tolerance) in the holes in the foot to allow the foot to be proud of the edge of the triangle. I didnt measure by how much but I would say its about the same as shown in your photos.  This was easily corrected by loosening the screws and pulling the foot back slightly from the corner and re tightening the socket head cap screws. The amount of adjustment was the same based on my human feeler gauges any which way the foot was mounted on either leg of my triangle.  I find the tolerances perfectly acceptable and wouldnt expect these holes to be dead on with no room for play.  It will take a little extra effort when mounting the foot if you are using the triangle in such a way that it would cause an issue if it sticks past by several thousands just make sure you keep it flush or slightly back from the corner. when tightening the screws. 

 

[TSO_Products]

- responding to the OP question, he confirmed that his MTR-18 is in fact accurate.

In response, we considered adding a PTR-18 and MTR-18 Triangle Instruction on our SUPPORT site: loosely assemble the Foot, then placing the Triangle, with the Foot oriented verticaly, on a flat surface before tightening the (3) Socket Head Cap Screws.

However, we decided instead on a small dimensional engineering change of the Foot  to make it impossible to have the end extend ever so slightly beyond the 90 degree corner. It will be a  running change in the next production run.

Thank you to customer Steve in the UK for pointing out this improvement opportunity [smile]

Hans