Is this angle finder any good?

[BRAD D]

I just ordered it to use with my tube bender (the home built one that bends up). I want it for its magnetic base, so i can stick it to the tube while i bend it.



Heavy Duty Protractor-Level— Two 25-lb. pull magnets hold this tool securely. Rotating dial has two 90° quadrants, graduated to 2 1/2° . Conversion chart shows degrees and rise per foot and per meter. Base has V-groove for working on rounded surfaces. Includes one level vial. Frame is cast aluminum. Size is 9" Lg. x 29/32" Wd. x 2" Ht.

mcmaster
part# 2145A11

[78bronco460]

I would get a normal wheel-type protractor. You're looking at a pipefitter's tool. They don't bend pipe so they don't have to account for springback. You'd be fooling with that bubble way too much, and it would make bending harder than it needs to be.

[BRAD D]

Originally Posted by 78bronco460

I would get a normal wheel-type protractor. You're looking at a pipefitter's tool. They don't bend pipe so they don't have to account for springback. You'd be fooling with that bubble way too much, and it would make bending harder than it needs to be.

I think the wheel spins.. just like a wheel-type

[78bronco460]

Originally Posted by BRAD D

I think the wheel spins.. just like a wheel-type

I don't think it does. Pipefitters set it to the angle then run their pipe to it when they have to maintain a slope in a run. I'm an electrician not a fitter, so maybe one will jump in here to confirm what I've seen em do.

This is similar to what I have used bending conduit for many years. They have one degree graduations and are easy to read. I might be too picky about the tools I use, but it's much easier to get accurate bends and duplicate parallel runs with this type of tool.
I'd rather use a tape measure a string and some trig than a fitter's level.

[PTSchram]

Originally Posted by 78bronco460

I'd rather use a tape measure a string and some trig than a fitter's level.

LOL! When helping folks build cages, if I dare utter the term calculator, I get run out of the shop! I'm sure the word trigonometry would get me shot!

[Lowtorious]

This is the shit: Bosch digital protractor
http://www.toolbarn.com/images/bosch/dwm40l.big.jpg
~$100; Available from several places on line.

[jptbay]

Smarttool electronic angle finder is a good option as well.

There are magnetic mounts available, and also a cool Mitler bros. plane of bend bracket (see picture). I have seen it at www.trick-tools.com They are a vender on this board.

The smarttool is available at sears as well. I saw it at www.sears.com for $75 with free shipping.

John.

[rusty_scout]

After having used these at work for several yrs,i got myself one.
It is a Miracle Point.


http://www.erickmagnaholder.com/prot...er_finders.htm

[BRAD D]

Thanks for the tips.. the one I got was not what I thought it was

[Todd W]

Here's one I found on amazon not to bad.

And the bosch one: here

Any idea why the bosch is bout 5x as much ?

[Trick-Tools.com]

We have some pretty cool ones also.

http://vansantent.com/angle_finders_levels.htm

[traxman25]

Does the Bosch one find degrees from level if the angle finding arm is closed? I really just want a digital level basically. The Bosch one looks the best for the money because it can find angles too, followed by the smart tool from Trick Tools which is just a digital level. However if the Bosch only finds angles digitally and makes you rely on the bubble for making it level than it's worthless to me because I already have a nice small manual angle finder.

[BRAD D]

Originally Posted by traxman25

Does the Bosch one find degrees from level if the angle finding arm is closed? I really just want a digital level basically. The Bosch one looks the best for the money because it can find angles too, followed by the smart tool from Trick Tools which is just a digital level. However if the Bosch only finds angles digitally and makes you rely on the bubble for making it level than it's worthless to me because I already have a nice small manual angle finder.

Yeah i dont know if it does... but i like the looks of it.

[78bronco460]

If you're gonna spend the bucks, buy a SmartTools PRO 360.
http://www.smarttooltech.com/product.php?product=3

[MOGXJ44]

Leave it to a Fitter to invent a level that doesn't make things level. Damn Fitters!
Travis
IBEW Local 48 member

[SeaBass44]

these are the bomb

http://www.offroadfabnet.com/forums/...read.php?t=924

[KYOTA]

Originally Posted by traxman25

Does the Bosch one find degrees from level if the angle finding arm is closed? .

nope, but other than that it works great

[traxman25]

Thanks KYOTA.

Shane, you'll be getting a call...

[82yoter]

Originally Posted by 78bronco460

I don't think it does. Pipefitters set it to the angle then run their pipe to it when they have to maintain a slope in a run. I'm an electrician not a fitter, so maybe one will jump in here to confirm what I've seen em do.

This is similar to what I have used bending conduit for many years. They have one degree graduations and are easy to read. I might be too picky about the tools I use, but it's much easier to get accurate bends and duplicate parallel runs with this type of tool.
I'd rather use a tape measure a string and some trig than a fitter's level.

I am also an electrician and I agree, A wheel type protractor is the way to go for accurate bend. And on another note I'd also look into buying a "No Dog" for bending offsets, or where there are many bends on the same plane.

[traxman25]

Just got my SmartTool digital level from Trick Tools. This thing is awesome! My desk is .4 deg tilted to the left. . Shane also recommended I get the almuminum bracket since mine will be used in the shop, and he knows how not nice I am to most of my tools... I also already have a POB bracket for the magnet base on the housing to "attach" to.


82yoter, what's a "No Dog"?

[Ed ke6bnl]

Originally Posted by rusty_scout

After having used these at work for several yrs,i got myself one.
It is a Miracle Point.


http://www.erickmagnaholder.com/prot...er_finders.htm

I have one of those also but someone welded another angle to the bottom and a screww to fasten it to the pipe, since it came that way I will leave it alone. did have to make my own punch that I used oil hardening rod and made a point and hardened it. Works good.