DigitalToolsUnder$100 Value-packed racy devices deliveraccu
igital technology touches nearly every aspectof modern life: telephones, TVs, and computers,of course.But digital is alsosteadilybecoming a part of home workshops. Some shop tools, such as tablesawsand drill presses,are beginning to sprout digital readouts.But in this article we're focusing on tools under $100.
The dlgital imclinom*t**" two-step The built-in blade-bevelscaleof a tablesawwill usually get you into the general neighborhood of an angle. But to bring real accuracy home, try a digital inclinometer (or tilt box)-a cleverlittle tool that quickly comparesthe angular differencebetween two surfaces(above,the sawtable and the blade). To calibrate the tool, first stick it onto your tablesaw'stop with the rare-earth 112
magnets built into the bottom of the case.Push a button to zero out the setting. Next, use the magnetson the side of the case to adhere it onto the saw blade. (It works with saws that tilt the blade either right or left.) Now you can crank the blade to the exact angle you need. The digital readout displays in increments of 0.05 degrees, but the statedaccuracyis 0.2 degrees.
A calculated way to irnprove ac{uraty Most fifth-graders are proficient at working with fractions. But it's often tough to find a fifth-grader when you're in the middle of a project. In that case, you'll find it helpful to buy a calculator that works in feet, inches, lf you want to quicklybreezethroughestimating and fractions. and project-planning chores,get yourselfa math The Construction Master 5 Calcula- wizardsuchasthe ConstructionMaster5 from tor, shown at right, can easily add, CalculatedIndustries. Best-Ever Home Shop ldeas
2009