Comparison between
TS-Aligner Jr. and Multi-Gauge
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
Multi-Gauge TS-Aligner Jr. Base Model $53.95 $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 Total: $53.95 $133.46 The manufacturer, One-Way Manufacturing maintains this web page for the Multi-Gauge. The above price is currently listed the One-Way web site for a Multi-Gauge without dial indicator. The accessories that I've listed provide features and functionality that are included as standard with TS-Aligner Jr.
What is included
I do not own the Multi-Gauge but the One-Way Manufacturing web site contains a great deal of information.
Multi-Gauge consists of a large square frame made from cast iron. Three of the four sides are precision ground square and flat. A standard dial indicator is connected to the fourth side.
Turning the frame on one edge allows the dial indicator to be used as a height gage. Turning it on its side allows fence and blade alignment using a miter gauge for guidance.
Comparison of standard features:
This section compares the features and functionality of Multi-Gauge 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 Multi-Gauge doesn't include any miter guidance. Blade and fence alignments are intended to be performed with a miter gauge.
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 dial indicator on the Multi-Gauge is fixed on one location of the cast iron frame. It's position is not adjustable.
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). Multi-Gauge allows the dial indicator to be pointed downward but it doesn't appear to be high enough to take advantage of the full travel of the dial indicator. The heavy cast iron base provides exceptional stability but little versatility.User's Manual
TS-Aligner Jr. comes with an extenisve 44 page printed manual full of photos and illustrations. I do not know what sort of manual the Multi-Gauge comes with.Features included with TS-Aligner Jr. but not available for Multi-Gauge
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. The position of the dial indicator on Multi-Gauge is fixed.
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. Multi-Gauge has no means to measure angles.
Custom Storage Case
An optional plastic storage case with a custom foam insert is available as an option for TS-Aligner Jr. A storage case is not available for Multi-Gauge.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 Multi-Gauge.Last revised: January 28, 2008.
