what tool to mark angle cuts?

[71Datsun510Wagon]

My apologies for the newbie question from a first-time fabricator

A project I will be starting requires 1" x 1" square tubing to be cut at certain angles. These are not simple angles such as 45 degrees. These include 70 degrees, 87 degrees , 93 degrees, 140 degrees, 73.6 degrees, etc, etc.

What tool should be used to mark the tubing at the correct angle. I don't think my high school protractor from 25 years ago will have the accuracy I desire!! <grin>

My plan is to cut it close to the desired angle, then use a circle/flat bed grinder to the exact angle.

Can anybody point me to a web site or recommend a brand name/model to look for? Anything that is digital out there? I don't even know what the tool is called that I'm looking for! (digital protractor ??)

Thanks!

Clueless Guy

[Travis Waldher]

I'de just use a chop saw with abrasive disc.

[JohnC]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00002255H?v=glance&vi=accessories&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I've got a 24" plastic adjustable protractor thingy from Home Depot that makes 1 degree graduations very easy to see. Use a chop saw, band saw, or cold saw to make your cut. If that's not accurate enough, use a mill to finish the angle.

[JohnC]

Btw, what project could possibly require 73.6 degree precision? Good luck maintaining that angle after welding.

[71Datsun510Wagon]

Btw, what project could possibly require 73.6 degree precision? Good luck maintaining that angle after welding.


My thoughts were the same when I read that one too! It's a Locost chassis (Lotus Super 7 clone).

I'll be happy just getting 73 or 74 degrees. The .6 will be SOL !!

[JeepinDoug]

A CNC mill will nail those angles, actuall any CNC X/Y table will.

I use an machinist angle protractor to scribe my lines.
http://www.jjjtrain.com/vms/Media/measure_adapt/protractor_angle.jpg

[D60]

It sounds like there's actually some allowable wiggle room on your project.

$6:
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=635-6600&PMPXNO=944426&PARTPG=INLMK3

[71Datsun510Wagon]

Thanks for the advice and examples everyone!

[PTSchram]

It sounds like there's actually some allowable wiggle room on your project.

$6:
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=635-6600&PMPXNO=944426&PARTPG=INLMK3


Ding ding ding, buy several, they'll come in handy and also come in many varieties that will allow you to work in close quarters, etc. I've found some realyl nifty angle measuring/transfer tools in the home depot type stores. Cheap, easily available, etc. With the cheapies, if I drop one, lose it, weld it to something (don't laugh, you know you've done it too!), I can run down the street and buy another one.

[D60]

Ding ding ding, buy several, they'll come in handy and also come in many varieties that will allow you to work in close quarters, etc. I've found some realyl nifty angle measuring/transfer tools in the home depot type stores. Cheap, easily available, etc.

I got some stainless steel SPI's from Enco but I can't find them on their website now. Wasn't much more than the Enco's, I think $8 on sale.

[PTSchram]

I got some stainless steel SPI's from Enco but I can't find them on their website now. Wasn't much more than the Enco's, I think $8 on sale.

I've bought several of the ENCO bevel protractors when they'r eon sale. Cheap enough I can drop them and not worry about it.

One of the things I really like about Enco's less expensive measuring tools is that I can buy tools I'd never be able to afford the big name variations. OK, so the Enco isn't quite as good, is it better to have a nifty tool, or wish you had one?

Cheap measuring tools can be a great thing-as long as you have the good ones stored away!