What - non Festool - tool / workshop related gizmo/stuff did you buy today?
Crazyraceguy
Member
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- Oct 16, 2015
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I finally got around to getting a new magnetic digital angle box. Those things have come a long way since the last one I had. Not only can it show the angle difference between the saw table and blade by zeroing from the table, it also knows absolute level. It also has lasers out of either side and it's rechargeable with the newest USB port. Pretty darn cool for less than $29.
It's so much easier/faster than comparing the blade to a T-bevel or even the digital angle finder that I have been using.
It's so much easier/faster than comparing the blade to a T-bevel or even the digital angle finder that I have been using.
Michael Kellough
Member
When considering Digital inclinometers, compare the specs carefully. Readout to two decimal places is better than one place but only if the resolution is the same.
Most specify a resolution of .1 degrees but I’ve seen some that are only .2 degrees.
Also look for the frequency at which the device updates it’s position.
When setting the table saw blade to an odd angle I stick a Wixey box to the blade but I noticed when I cranked the tilt wheel fast I could see the angle curser move continuously but the Wixey display changed increments at a much slower pace. I have to crank very slowly when approaching the target angle and even then I can see the hardware curser move between one tenth degree and the next. So, when I need very fine adjustment I go back to making supplemental increments for the built in bevel gauge and use a flashlight and reading glasses to hit the mark.
Most specify a resolution of .1 degrees but I’ve seen some that are only .2 degrees.
Also look for the frequency at which the device updates it’s position.
When setting the table saw blade to an odd angle I stick a Wixey box to the blade but I noticed when I cranked the tilt wheel fast I could see the angle curser move continuously but the Wixey display changed increments at a much slower pace. I have to crank very slowly when approaching the target angle and even then I can see the hardware curser move between one tenth degree and the next. So, when I need very fine adjustment I go back to making supplemental increments for the built in bevel gauge and use a flashlight and reading glasses to hit the mark.
Crazyraceguy
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Mortiser said:
Sure, it was branded as COROLLAXA on Amazon
This one goes to 2 decimal places, in .05 increments IIRC?
I did test the first cuts against the bevel gauges that I had been using. It was just the same and much quicker.
Cheese
Member
In 2004 I constructed a 450 sq ft Bluestone patio in the back yard, it's been a great source of enjoyment and entertainment over the years but after 14 years of Minnesota freeze/thaw cycles some of the stones need to be re-leveled. Just basic maintenance...
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I was originally going to fabricate a manual vacuum lifter using the MIDI as the vacuum source. Then I stumbled upon the GRABO, this thing's pretty slick. It has an on-board vacuum pump and monitors the amount of vacuum and when it goes below a certain level, it turns on the pump automatically to return to the proper vacuum level. The max lifting force ranges from 375# on glass to 165# on drywall. For rough slate, which would be similar to Bluestone, the max is 176#.
https://grabo.com/products/grabo-pro/
Here's a shot of me lifting a 18" x 36" Bluestone slab from a path...I'd estimate the weight is around 70-75#.
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I was originally going to fabricate a manual vacuum lifter using the MIDI as the vacuum source. Then I stumbled upon the GRABO, this thing's pretty slick. It has an on-board vacuum pump and monitors the amount of vacuum and when it goes below a certain level, it turns on the pump automatically to return to the proper vacuum level. The max lifting force ranges from 375# on glass to 165# on drywall. For rough slate, which would be similar to Bluestone, the max is 176#.
https://grabo.com/products/grabo-pro/
Here's a shot of me lifting a 18" x 36" Bluestone slab from a path...I'd estimate the weight is around 70-75#.
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Cheese
Member
Frank-Jan said:
Ya, thanks...
...in the USA the only version available is in a cloth bag. Would have been nice if they offered it in a Systainer but it really wasn't a deal breaker because there's really no alternative solution that I know of. It's like a Gecko on steroids and with a mind of it's own. [smile]This thing cycles on and off always trying to maintain some standard level of vacuum. If I had done this with a MIDI, the vac would have to be on 100% of the time. This new version is pretty slick.
woodbutcherbower
Member
[member=44099]Cheese[/member] ……
Beautiful patio and garden ………………. A+
Vacuum lifting gadget ….…………………. A+
Steel-toecapped safety moccasins ……… F-
Buddy, please consider taking care of your patio toes as well as your woodworking fingers [eek]
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Beautiful patio and garden ………………. A+
Vacuum lifting gadget ….…………………. A+
Steel-toecapped safety moccasins ……… F-
Buddy, please consider taking care of your patio toes as well as your woodworking fingers [eek]
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woodbutcherbower
Member
Cheese
Member
woodbutcherbower said:
Please give me credit where credit's due, those are "Steel-toecapped Double Thickness safety moccasins". [wink]
Ya I hear ya... [smile]...and I understand your concern...just a quirkiness I have. [tongue]
rmwarren
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- Jul 11, 2010
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woodbutcherbower said:
And there I'd thought I was the only FOG'er who'd taken up DIY projects after giving up on my lifelong dream of foot-modeling...
FWIW I've been looking for a project that would allow me to seriously justify the need for the Grabo, you landed on the perfect
RMW
squall_line
Member
Double bonus, they make plenty of kits and adapters to turn the Grabo into an ersatz Vac-SYS.
I watch my neighbor do his project work and yard work in Crocs (or generic alternatives) all the time, and I don't think I've ever seen him wear a mask in his garage shop. But at least he usually wears ear and eye protection?
I watch my neighbor do his project work and yard work in Crocs (or generic alternatives) all the time, and I don't think I've ever seen him wear a mask in his garage shop. But at least he usually wears ear and eye protection?
- Joined
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Izzy Swan has done a lot with the Grabo. Look for his videos on YT and some of his templates that work with the Grabo on his website.
https://www.izzyswan.com/Store/
https://www.izzyswan.com/Store/
Crazyraceguy
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That's quite a coincidence. I just saw a You Tube video where Matias Wandell was doing just the same thing, with a gadget that he built from a shop vac and a 2-wheel cart. He used it to lever the pieces up, rather than lifting by hand (back) Keeps the toes away from it too.
We are all different, I have never worn shoes of any type in the workshop or working in the yard unless I am either welding or cutting / grinding metal. Bare foot and medical insurance fixes them for nothing but curiously I have never had a foot injury that required a doctor. I got the bare foot habit from being in and out of boats in my child hood and I only had one pair of shoes I wore to school.
Cheese
Member
Bob D. said:
Thanks for that Bob...
...never heard of him but his cabinet installation adapter for the Grabo looks interesting along with the molds for epoxy knobs. [smile]
4nthony
Member
I'll be happy to retire my DIY thin strip ripping jig now that this is here. I'm kinda blown away by how substantial and heavy it is.
Still waiting for mine to ship
