Comparison between
TS-Aligner Jr.and Beall Inclinometer
Introduced in 1995, TS-Aligner Jr. was specifically designed for homeshop woodworking machinery. To this day it remains the premiere alignment tool for the homeshop woodworker.
Pricing
Inclinometer TS-Aligner Jr. Base Model $129.00 $133.46 Case with Foam Insert Not available Included Offset Bar Not available Included Angle Attachment Gage Not available Included Miter Guidance Not available Included Instructional Video Not available Included Dial Indicator
Not needed $13.60 - $169.38 Total: $129.00 $146.66 - $302.84 The above price was listed on the Beall web site. I'm not sure if the Inclinometer is being sold any more. It isn't listed along with the other measurement products on the Beall web site.
What is included
I do not own the Inclinometer but there's a great paid review of it on the Woodshop Demos web site.
Inclinometer consists of a large pendulum and a precision ground steel 1-2-3 block. It is designed for only one function: measuring vertical angles (blade tilt, jointer fence tilt, etc.). In this respect, it is a lot like the Wixey Digital Angle Gauge. Unlike the Wixey, the scale on the Inclinometer is graduated in 1/2 degree increments. Magnets are used to attach the Inclinometer to metal surfaces.
Comparison of standard features:
This section compares the features and functionality of Inclinometer with the TS-Aligner Jr.
Miter slot guidance
TS-Aligner Jr. uses a unique three bearing system for miter slot guidance. It can be adjusted to fit any slot from 5/8" to 7/8", providing a play free fit that is extremely accurate and smooth. The Inclinometer doesn't include any miter guidance. It is not intended to be used for blade/fence alignments.
Cross Bar
The Cross Bar on TS-Aligner Jr is eight inches long. It can be adjusted horizontally into any position and locked in place securely. This allows you to adjust the position of the dial indicator for a variety of needs. The inclinometer does not include a dial indicator and cannot make linear measurements.
Height gage functions
Using the Upright Bar, TS-Aligner Jr. can be easily configured as a height gage. The dial indicator can easily positioned anywhere along it's five inch length. This allows the dial indicator to be used to measure objects with a height of more than one inch (full travel of the dial indicator). The Inclinometer cannot make any height measurements.User's Manual
TS-Aligner Jr. comes with an extensive 44 page printed manual full of photos and illustrations. I do not know what sort of manual the Inclinometer comes with.Features included with TS-Aligner Jr. but not available for Inclinometer
Basically, the Beall inclinometer performs only one of the functions of TS-Aligner Jr. (vertical angle measurement).
Offset Bar
This feature 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.
Angle Attachment Gage
The Angle Attachment Gage utilizes basic one inch trigonometry to measure angles with remarkable accuracy. It's a unique feature only found on TS-Aligner Jr. (both Deluxe and Lite versions).
Angle measurement
TS-Aligner uses the dial indicator in conjunction with the Angle Attachment Gage in two methods for measuring angles. It takes advantage of basic trigonometry to achieve remarkable accuracy. A tangent table is included to translate dial indicator readings to angular measurements. Optional angle blocks and can be used to further increase accuracy and ease of use. This degree of accuracy is necessary for cutting precise, tight fitting miter joints without the need for test cuts. Inclinometer can only resolve vertical angles to 1/2 degree. This level of accuracy does not exceed what is already available on most machinery. It is not sufficient to eliminate the need for test cuts.
Custom Storage Case
A durable plastic storage case with a custom foam insert is available as an option for TS-Aligner Jr. A storage case is not available for Inclinometer.Video
The video helps to give you a quick understanding of TS-Aligner Jr. and how it is used to align machinery. There is no video included or available for Inclinometer.Summary
The Inclinometer may be simple and easy to understand, but it places a premium price tag on mediocre angle measurement accuracy. Most machines have scales which are equivalent in accuracy to that of the Inclinometer and you won't have to trouble yourself with swinging pendulums. If you are really interested only in accurate angle measurement, then you can do much better for a lot less by buying a machinists protractor. Decent import models are available for less than $100 at machine shop suppliers and some woodworking dealers (see Grizzly for example). The inclinometer is not a good choice for general machinery setup and alignment because it provides only one function: vertical angle measurement.
Last revised: January 28, 2008.
