I have a tool customer that has me searching for a digital angle finder.

Has anyone out there used any of the ones availible (I think there are two - the Bosch and another one by Smart Tool. Both are different styles - with the Smart Tool one looking like a small level, and having magnetic bases that attatch to the angle finder, while the Bosch unit looking more like a protractor.

I'm looking for any others out there and comments about the ones I listed above.

Thanks!

i have been using my smart tool for the last 10 years or so. great tool with alot of uses.

Air Ride has the bosch unit and he seems to like it just fine, it has more functions and features then i need . either way you will find it being used frequently in your shop.

Figured this post needed some pic's for people who have never heard of them.If you hury here is one on ebay brand new for $63 and $10 shipping it has 2 hours left bosh digital angle finder (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4360253976&category=20766#ebayphotohosting) and here is a pic.
http://www.coastaltool.com/a/bosc/images/dwm40l.jpg
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/bosc/bodwm40l.htm?E+coastest

Here is the Smart tool one I think. for4 $89.95
http://www.speedpartz.com/smarttoolmodulebig.gif
http://www.speedpartz.com/smarttool.htm

I used the smart tool pictured above but I killed it building my last chassis, the contactors were getting stuck so it read the same and the display started going bad. I got this one to replace it and so far I like it, it has a v-notch on one side so it is easier to use on tubes.

http://www.use-enco.com/ProductImages/0388376-11.jpg

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=240-0341&PMPXNO=4822126&PARTPG=INLMK3

another vote for the smart level

It's funny to hear about one breaking I've been beating on the pair I have for years without issue?


Mitutoyo also makes a digital angle finder

Sears sells the Smart Level for $89.00 in a 24" version. I would assume it can be removed and used with the magnetic base, although untested at this time.

i had a 24" bosch and it was IDENTICLE as the smart tool except of being silver. it mysteriously dissapeared from work one day so then the company's smart tool mysteriously disapeared and reapeared in my work truck :flipoff2: . now i use the smart tool. i am sure they are made in the same place, just marked under different names.

i used the samrt tool and the bosch when building communication towers. they were used very rough. lots of banging on the tower when being pulled up on a rope. i never had a problem with them at all.

We went with the Smart Tool one. Seems OK so far.

I got a smart tool and it has been invaluable for building my new chassis. How did I get by without it?

that bosch seems to be a better choice, only down side is it is a little big, 16". but it allows a few things the smart tool doesnt... You can split the arms and get an accurate measurement, so if you are using a JD or that style bende you can still find the angle while it is horizontal. It allso has a built in miter cut figure outer, so you measure the angle in one direction, hit a button, measure it in the other, hit a button, and it tells you to miter it with a angle and a bevel angle.. could be good for figuring out complex tube notching or the such... Plus it is a true level which means you can use it for othe things, but at the same time, I dont think it would be as quick as the smart tool for measing the difference between 2 vertical angles, b/c the smar tool has the calibrate button...

I have 2 of the smart levels, they are awsome. I still use the cheap yellow angle finders from home depot, for quick work. The smart levels are worth the money, and they are very user friendly.