Comparison between
TS-Aligner Jr. and
Red-Line X Point
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
Red-Line X-Point TS-Aligner Jr. Base Model $119.99 $133.46 Case Included $40.35 Spindle Rod Included Included Offset Bar Included Included Instructional Video Not Available Included Angle Attachment Gage Included Included Dial Indicator
Included $13.60 - $169.38 Total: $119.99 $187.41 - $343.19 The Red-Line X Point is available from Hartvelle Tools and Woodworker's Supply (where it lists for $129.99). It's not uncommon to see it discounted for as low as $79.00. The accessories that I've listed provide parity in features and function between the two products. It is said that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. This "made in China" "Setup Gauge" copies many of the features of TS-Aligner Jr. but I'm not feeling very flattered.
What is included
I own a Red-Line X Point and will use my photos for this review. All references and descriptions relate directly to the specific sample that I received.
The Red-Line X Point consists of five different custom aluminum extrusions ("Base", "Cross Bar", "Vertical Mount", "Angle Gauge Attachment", and "Cam Lever") connected to each other using various screws and "T-Slot Fasteners". The major parts are red anodized. A common black face "Made in China" dial indicator is mounted directly to the longest extrusion called the "Cross Bar". The "Cross Bar" has a T-slot and is mounted to the "Base" using a screw and oval shaped "T-Slot Fastener". This arrangement allows the dial indicator to be moved horizontally and locked into position.
The screws on the back of the dial indicator that I received with my Red-Line X Point were extremely loose (almost falling out). This is a pretty common defect for low cost "Made in China" dial indicators. Since we test and calibrate the dial indicator on every TS-Aligner Jr., the possibility of such a defect is eliminated.
The Base is a large un-machined aluminum extrusion cutoff. The four screws in the corners are intended to be used as "leveling feet" to prevent rocking on an "uneven surface". Since the base is un-machined, it's likely to rock on perfectly flat surfaces too (mine did, even on this flat granite surface plate). Four "leveling feet" are not so easily adjusted, three (like on the Industrial TS-Aligner) would have been better. The slot in the middle is for a bearing used for miter slot guidance. It's adjustment allows for a play free fit in a wide range of miter slot widths (just like the TS-Aligner products).
Here's a bottom view of the base showing the placement of the other two miter slot guidance bearings. The two counter-bored holes next to the bearings are for magnet mounts and magnets. These are intended to hold the base against machine table surfaces.
A close-up of one of these magnet mount holes reveals the quality of workmanship employed throughout the manufacture of the Red-Line X Point. The threaded mounting holes are far enough off center to make installation of the magnet mounts virtually impossible.
This view of the base shows the rough cut finish typical of all the extruded parts.
Here the base is shown with bearings and magnets in place (but not really installed because the screw holes are too far off center). Since the magnets are mounted in-line with the bearings, they have no effect when used in conjunction with each other (on machines with a table slot).
The rough nature of the raw (un-machined) extrusion is shown in this view of the base.
A close-up of the mounted center bearing shows the large (1/4-20 x 2.5") flat head screw that is used to secure it in place.
The two stationary bearings are mounted with large nylon washers underneath. The resulting arrangement causes the bearings to stand proud from the base far enough to drag on the bottom of miter slots on machines that do not employ a full 5/8" slot depth.
Shown here is the "Cam Lever" assembly on the topside of the base which locks the center bearing in place once its adjusted to fit a particular slot width.
This is the "Vertical Mount" which is used to mount the dial indicator vertically.
Here the "Vertical Mount" is shown installed on Red-Line X-Point with the dial indicator mounted. There is no vertical adjustment. On a flat surface the plunger on the dial indicator is pressed in about 3/4", limiting height measurements to the remaining travel of the dial indicator (about 1/4"). The dial indicator can also be mounted vertically on the cross bar. Neither arrangement facilitates measurement of arbor flange runout.
The Red-Line X Point includes a "Stylus Offset" bar (just like that on the TS-Aligner products). Unfortunately, the stylus offset included with my unit was too long causing it to drag on a flat table surface.
Also, the screw used to attach the stylus offset was too long and would not hold it securely to the dial indicator plunger.
The Red-Line X Point includes an "Angle Gauge Attachment" which is intended to function exactly like the Angle Attachment Gage on TS-Aligner Jr.
Shown above is the angle gauge attachment mounted to the dial indicator and cross bar. In this configuration, the dial indicator tilt is completely restrained so that no adjustment or calibration is possible. Notice how the plunger on the dial indicator is not parallel with the lower indicator point.
A close-up view of the indicator stylus points reveals that they do not screw completely in. The mounting studs are not threaded far enough to allow it.
Another view shows how the stylus points do not align vertically. Combined with the lack of adjustment or calibration, this adversely affects the Red-Line X Point's ability to use it's angle gauge attachment to measure angles. My testing revealed as much as 0.022" error. This translates to an angular error of almost 2/3 degree (0.62) at 45 degrees (far in excess of the crude scales found on most woodworking machinery).
Just like TS-Aligner Jr., a "Spindle Rod" is also included for aligning and testing spindles on the drill press, shaper and other machines. However, it is much smaller and shorter. It incorporates a unique setscrew in the end which helps clamp it onto the cross bar. Unfortunately, tightening this setscrew causes gouges in the cross bar.
The Red-Line X Point comes with a high quality 12 page printed manual including good illustrations and descriptions for every setup and configuration.
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The case that is included with the Red-Line X Point is also very high quality with a molded interior that accommodates each of it's parts. Unfortunately, none of the parts can be assembled when they are in the case. All of the screws and other hardware are kept loose in a pocket underneath the base.
Comparison of standard features:
This section compares the features and functionality of the Red-Line X Point with the TS-Aligner Jr.
Miter slot guidance and Base
The bearings on TS-Aligner Jr. are mounted with a very low profile so they won't drag on the bottom of the miter slot. The base is also machined flat and does not require leveling screws.
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.The Red-Line X Point uses a similar technique to measure angles (even using almost the same name). Unfortunately the implementation lacks even basic engineering. No consideration has been given to dimensional consistency of the dial indicator or tolerances of the parts. It relies completely on the fixed geometry of some prototype dial indicator and the accuracy of the "machining" (which is remarkably poor). There are no user adjustments for dial indicator position or tilt. Angle blocks could be used to increase accuracy and ease of use but the manual only hints at this possibility. No real instructions are given.
User's Manual
TS-Aligner Jr. comes with an extensive 44 page printed manual full of photos and illustrations. The Red-Line X Point comes with 12 page printed manual illustrated with drawings. Nearly two of these pages are devoted to parts lists.General Fit and Finish
Every TS-Aligner Jr. is carefully machined, assembled, tested, and calibrated. All of the parts fit together and work properly.
Features included with TS-Aligner Jr. but not available for the Red-Line X Point
Upright Bar
The Upright Bar converts TS-Aligner Jr. into a height gage. It allows the dial indicator to be positioned within a five inch range to take advantage of it's full travel. The "Vertical Mount" on the Red-Line X Point is not adjustable and limits measurements to about 1/4" above the table surface making it difficult to be used for setting blade and cutter heights. It also does not allow the dial indicator to be positioned to measure arbor flange runout on a tablesaw.
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 available for Red-Line X Point.Summary
I'm more embarrassed than flattered that the makers of the Red-Line X Point would copy my ideas (even plagiarizing the names of various parts and wording in my manual) with such ineptitude and disregard for quality. It represents the low end of products made in China. I can't say if the defects in quality and workmanship on the unit that I received are typical. I can say that the basic design is not practical for any sort of mass production. Even if all the parts were carefully and accurately machined, it's highly unlikely that very many units would include a dial indicator with the exact dimensions needed for accurate angle measurement (not to mention clearance between the offset bar and table surface). The design itself is not feasible.
Last revised: January 28, 2008.
Copyright 2008 Edward J. Bennett Company All rights reserved.