Comparison between TS-Aligner and
TS-Aligner Jr.
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Home shop woodworkers need accurate machine alignment just as much as industrial woodworkers. However, it's generally difficult for the amateur to afford a tool that's designed for a wide variety of large industrial machines. Home shop machinery is generally smaller and lighter than industrial versions and receives a lot less abuse. In addition, the home shop woodworker isn't measuring time in terms of dollars and often doesn't mind spending a little more time to save some money.
Pricing
| TS-Aligner Jr | TS-Aligner | ||
| Base Model | $133.46 | $390.56 | |
| Miter Guidance | Included | Included | |
| Case with foam insert | $40.35 | Included | |
| Offset Bar | Included | Included | |
| Instructional Video | Included | Included | |
| Indicating Square | $31.65 | Included | |
| Total | $205.46 | $390.56 |
Cost of a dial indicator is identical for both models.
What is included
The TS-Aligner Jr. Base is machined from a custom aluminum extrusion. The finish is red anodized. Miter slot guidance is provided by a row of three 5/8" roller bearings. Play is eliminated by adjusting the position of the center bearing to fit the miter slot. The Cross Bar is also machined from a custom aluminum extrusion and red anodized. The dial indicator mounts directly to the cross bar. The cross bar is about 8" long and allows the horizontal position of the dial indicator to be easily changed and locked. The User's Manual contains 44 pages of photos and illustrations detailing the use of TS-Aligner Jr.
The Spindle rod is used to make measurements and adjustments to machines with spindle chucks. To do this, the cross bar is removed from the base and attached to the cutout on the spindle rod. The Upright Bar allows the dial indicator to be mounted vertically so that it can be used as a height gage (see below).
The dial indicator is a necessary option for both the Jr. and the Sr. The choices for both are identical from low cost import to high quality domestic industrial models. For more information, refer to the Dial Indicator Buying Guide. The Stylus Offset Bar attaches to the plunger on the dial indicator and enables measurements very close to the table surface (see below).
Angle measurements are performed using the Angle Attachment Gage. This device fits over the stem of the dial indicator. Accuracy of angle measurements can be within 0.057 degrees using simple Trigonometry. A Tangent table is included to convert dial indicator readings into degrees. Calibration requires a flat surface and a precision ground 45 degree steel angle block. The procedure is covered in the User's Guide and the Video. Units come from the factory pre-calibrated.
TS-Aligner Jr. comes with a high quality DVD video. It is about 55 minutes long, detailing features and various machinery measurement and alignment procedures. Also included is a 44 page User Guide and hex wrench pack. The storage case shown here is optional.
Shown here is the resulting height of the dial indicator stylus when using the Stylus Offset Bar.
The photo above shows TS-Aligner configured as a height gauge using the Upright Bar. This setup requires the Upright Bar to be mounted to the cross bar where the dial indicator normally goes. Then the dial indicator is attached to the upright bar. The vertical position of the dial indicator can be adjusted along the entire length of the upright bar (five inches).
This photo shows how the Angle Attachment Gage fits onto the stem of the dial indicator.
Comparison of standard features:
The TS-Aligner was designed specifically for industrial use to provide very accurate and efficient setup of industrial machinery. It's larger, more durable, and a lot easier to configure. My goal in designing the Jr. version was to provide those same functions to the home shop woodworker at the lowest price possible without sacrificing quality. Naturally, some compromises had to be made.
The first compromise was in the area of vertical angle measurement (such as blade tilt). One of the most expensive elements of the Industrial TS-Aligner model (Sr.) is vertical motion of the dial indicator. It must be smooth and accurate (to within 0.001") over a fairly long distance (nearly four inches). So, there is no vertical motion on the Jr. Instead, a fixed point provides a reference for all vertical angle measurements over a precise one inch interval. This reduces the potential accuracy of angle measurements. The Sr. can resolve angles to within 1/60 degree (one minute of arc). The Jr. can resolve angles to within about 1/18 degree. But, the Jr. still provides considerably more accuracy than the scales on all home shop machinery and all other home shop angle jigs.
The second compromise was in the area of convenience. The Sr. is designed to reduce setup time to an absolute minimum because time is money in an industrial environment. However, in the homes hop this is less of a requirement. So, it takes more time to switch the Jr. from one measurement operation to another. In the example above TS-Aligner is shown configured as a height gage. This is done by simply pointing the dial indicator downward. On TS-Aligner Jr., the dial indicator must be removed and replaced by the Upright Bar. Then the dial indicator must be mounted to the Upright Bar. These design changes helped to reduce cost significantly as well.
The third compromise was made in materials. There is no stainless steel in the Jr., all the parts are machined from custom aluminum extrusions. This reduces the complexity and time required for all machining operations.
Finally, the Sr. comes with a high impact double walled custom molded case with a die cut foam insert that has special places for all the components. It also includes the 6.5" square. The Storage Case for the Jr. is optional. It is a low cost stock case with die cut foam insert. The 6.5" square is also an optional accessory for the Jr.
In addition, the smaller size of the Jr. makes it better suited for use on "contractor" sized machinery. The Sr. will work fine on any 10" table saw but is a bit cumbersome on a 6" or smaller jointer. It isn't well suited for bench top planers or miter saws.
What should be considered when trying to decide between the Jr. and the Sr.? In deciding between the two, the factors to keep in mind are:
Vertical angle measurement accuracySpeed and efficiency
Durability (mostly of the dial indicator)Size of the machinery ("contractor" vs. industrial).
Of course, you could choose to buy the Jr. without a dial indicator and add your own higher quality instrument. This would remove point #3 from consideration.
Last revised: January 25, 2008.
Copyright 2008 Edward J. Bennett Company All rights reserved.