Comparison between TS-Aligner Jr. Lite and Wixey Digital Angle Gauge
TS-Aligner Jr. Lite represents TS-Aligner accuracy at a breakthrough price for the budget minded home shop woodworker.
Pricing
Wixey TS-Aligner Jr. Lite Base Model $39.99 $76.18 Offset Bar Not available Included Angle Attachment Gage Not available Included Instructional Video Not available Included Dial Indicator
Not available $13.60 - 169.38 Total: $39.99 $77.08 - $232.86 The above price is currently listed at the Woodcraft web site. I purchased this unit at the local Woodcraft store and will use my own photos for this review
What is included with the Wixey Digital Angle Gauge
The Wixey Digital Angle Gauge comes packaged as shown above. Two batteries were included (CR2032 button type).
The instructions are printed on the back side of the packaging paper insert.
The whole unit measures about 2 inches square by 1.3 inches thick. The front and back are plastic, the perimeter is plated metal (I would guess that it's aluminum). The bottom has three high strength rare earth magnets.
In the Metrology Lab
The most important aspect of any product is its ability to perform. The maker claims vertical angle measurement accuracy to 0.1 degree (6 minutes of arc). I was anxious to test this claim.
I used my Starrett AG16LM angle set as standards for the testing. Unlike comparisons with a test cut of a piece of scrap wood, these solid chromium carbide angle blocks leave absolutely no doubt about the accuracy and validity of the testing. These are the sort of instruments used by the NIST and other national standards organizations as master standards. (i.e. my Wixey is now certified with instruments whose accuracy is traceable to NIST standards ;-))
I chose the following angles for the test: 45, 30, 15, 5, 3, 1 degrees, 30 minutes (0.5 degrees), and I combined the 5 and 1 minute blocks to create 6 minutes (0.1 degrees).
The Wixey was zeroed on the granite surface plate against the edge of a granite straight edge. Then various angle blocks and combinations were placed underneath the Wixey using the same spot on the surface plate against the same spot on the straight edge. Since the angle blocks are made of chromium carbide, the magnets in the bottom of the Wixey did not provide any attractive force. So, on steeper angles the Wixey required support to prevent it from sliding off the angle block. The following photo gallery shows the results of these tests.
In the end, it's very clear that the Wixey Digital Angle Gauge lives up to its maker's claims.
Comparison of standard features:
The Wixey Digital Angle Gauge is designed to perform only one function: measurement of vertical angles. It does this one function very well. It is not designed to perform any other machinery alignment, setup, or measurement operation. TS-Aligner Jr. Lite is designed to measure the same vertical angles as the Wixey at nearly twice the accuracy (0.057 degrees). It can also perform a variety of other machinery adjustment and alignment functions that the Wixey cannot perform.
Offset Bar
This feature of TS-Aligner Jr. Lite allows measurements to be made very close to the table surface (about 1/4"), enhancing the accuracy of blade alignment and making precise adjustments to the miter gauge much easier. The Wixey Digital Angle Gauge does not perform any linear measurements so it cannot be used for blade alignment. It cannot measure horizontal angles so it can not be used for miter gauge alignment either.
Angle measurement
TS-Aligner Jr. Lite uses the dial indicator in conjunction with the Angle Attachment Gage in two methods for measuring vertical angles. It takes advantage of basic trigonometry to achieve remarkable accuracy (0.057 degrees). This degree of accuracy is necessary for cutting precise, tight fitting miter joints on a four sided frame without the need for test cuts. A tangent table is included to translate dial indicator readings to angular measurements. The Wixey Digital Angle Gauge can measure vertical angles to 0.1 degrees (about half as accurate as the Angle Attachment Gauge). This degree of accuracy can provide tight fitting square joints on a four sided frame without the need for test cuts. It is marginally adequate for cutting tight fitting miter joints on a four sided frame.
Optional angle blocks and can be used to further increase accuracy and ease of use.
Horizontal Adjustment
Just like the "dial indicator on a stick" solution, TS-Aligner Jr. Lite is intended to be used with your miter gauge. You can slide it to any horizontal position relative to the item you are measuring. The Wixey Digital Angle Gauge doesn't perform any linear measurements so it doesn't have the need for horizontal adjustment.User's Manual
TS-Aligner Jr. comes with an extensive 37 page printed manual full of photos and illustrations. Also included is a full length copy of the TS-Aligner Jr. video (DVD or VHS). Instructions for the Wixey Digital Angle Gauge are contained on the paper insert of the packaging (shown above). It consists of seven simple line drawings. No video is included or available.Upgradeability
TS-Aligner Jr. Lite is an "entry level" product intended for beginners. As skill and knowledge increase, the beginner will want more functionality and versatility from an alignment product. TS-Aligner Jr. Lite can be upgraded to the fully functional and complete TS-Aligner Jr. at no penalty in price. There is no upgrade to enhance the capability of the Wixey Digital Angle Gauge. If additional measurement or alignment functions are required, additional products will need to be purchased.Summary
It has been a long time since I have reviewed a product which lives up to its claims. For maximum accuracy and reliability, I would suggest zeroing the gauge for each and every measurement. The Wixey Digital Angle Gauge is accurate, handy, and easy to use. It is certainly not the most accurate angle measurement device I own, but it sure beats the scales on all woodworking machinery I've seen. And, except for the TS-Aligner products, it is considerably more accurate than just about any other such product made for woodworking.
Conclusion
To be sure, angle settings on woodworking machinery are some of the most challenging. The Wixey Digital Angle Gauge addresses half of these (the vertical angles like table saw blade tilt) with ease and enough accuracy for common work (four sided frames). It doesn't address a myriad of other adjustments which must be done properly to obtain accurate results. It doesn't address horizontal angles (like miter gauge settings). And, it doesn't provide the accuracy needed for more advanced work (multi-sided frames, segmented turnings, compound angles, etc.). If you have already invested in an alignment jig that doesn't facilitate precise angle measurement (or any angle measurement) then the Wixey will help to fill an important gap. However, a TS-Aligner Jr. Lite will perform the same angle measurement tasks with twice the accuracy, and provide all of the other important alignment functions for less than the combined cost of a Wixey Digital Angle Gauge and a competitive alignment jig.
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Last revised: January 29, 2008.
