TSO precision triangle

[Bertotti]

For laying out angles I currently use a bosch digital square, used for rafters and such. It doesn't sit flat everywhere but it gets the job done. I am curious if anyone is using some form of assembly square like the mtr18 from TSO. If you do or something similar how well does it work? Is it worth the money to you and why?

This is my current unit, well similar, mine is an older model.

Thanks!

 

[Packard]

I have not yet made the purchase, but I am considering the Shinwa sliding angle gage.  They are available in three sizes, the largest is 60cm (24").  I have other Shinwa layout tools and they are of excellent quality.  This one is about $60.00. + shipping.
https://osakatools.com/products/shi...recision-angle-bevel-60cm-23-6-62662-aluminum

Pictured is one of their smaller versions (30cm; 12"):

 

[afish]

It depends on how large of a area I'm working and how precise I need to be.  I use several methods, that include

1.Speed square for quick rough work,
2. Bosch electronic angle finder for larger more accurate stuff,
3. TSO MTR mostly for checking for square since its the largest known good square I have ( I dont use it for laying out or cutting since I use CNC)
4. I use a small husky digital angle finder for doing trim type work (its smaller and easier to carry than the bosch and plenty accurate for trim)
5. For big stuff I will use a calculator and tape measure.
6. I also have and use a Starrett angle finder for my combo square but its markings are small and really hard to read for my middle aged eyes so I typically use that to copy a pre existing angle and then use it as a checker. 

 

[Bertotti]

Thanks, you two! I like the looks of that Shinwa! I do like my Bosch it just doesn't sit as flat as I would like at times and it's large. I'm going to look into the Shinwa!

 

[Packard]

Can you do a writeup on the Shinwa piece if you buy it. 

I make it a practice not to buy any equipment until just before I need it.  I wasted a lot of money over the years buying stuff that I thought I might need.  Now I wait until I actually need it.  So you will probably buy the Shinwa before me.  I see that Amazon.com sells the 60 cm unit (24") for $75.00.  That's the best price I've seen.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...4&pd_rd_w=fLMJr&pd_rd_wg=KL29r&ref_=pd_gw_unk

Amazon shows one (1) 5 star rating, but no accompanying reviews.

 

[Bertotti]

I will. I need to decide on the most useful size first. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Bob D.]

Here is the 30cm (12 Inch) version. Right now it is $49.
https://www.amazon.com/SHINWA-SLIDING-ADJUSTABLE-PRECISION-DEGREE/dp/B06ZZJDGN3

 

[Bertotti]

Thanks ordered!

 

[Packard]

Let us know how you like it.

 

[Bertotti]

Got it and I am undecided, either my Bosch is off or it is off. I am going to get new batteries for my Bosch. then when time permits make a few 45-degree cuts with both and see how they line up. Then I'll check to see which was more accurate. I just don't have time to do so at the moment. I put the two together and they did not match so one or the other or both have an issue. I'll dig into it when time permits. The day job and honeydews are taking up a lot of time.

 

[Packard]

There is an easy way to check the 90 degree for square.  This video shows it for a combination square, but the technique works for all squares.
https://www.google.com/search?q=testing+a+combination+square&client=firefox-b-1-m&ei=GkLXYOb4Fs-b_Qb2hYbQBw&oq=testing+a+combi&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAEYADIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeOgcIABBHELADOgIIADoFCAAQhgM6CAgAEBYQChAeOgUIABDJAzoFCAAQsQM6BQgAEJECOgIILjoECAAQCjoFCCEQoAFKBAhBGABQyDNYpu8BYKSKAmgEcAB4AIAB8gGIAesOkgEGMTQuNS4xmAEAoAEBqgEHZ3dzLXdpesgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz#kpvalbx=_cELXYIWaHIOTwbkPv7CEsA458

You can check the 45 degree by splitting the 90 in a similar manner.

 

[Birdhunter]

I use the dog holes on my MFT for most of my angle cuts. If the holes don’t match to the angle I need, I use the plastic protractor from my college drafting class. I also have the various drafting triangles from that course. It’s amazing the trig hasn’t changed over that many many years.