Greetings from the cloisters version 2011. My annual work retreat expires in a couple of days (I think I might too) and I can’t wait to come home.

While away, Michael has been busy working on the AngleMaster Prov2 video and I am happy to be able to share it with you early.



We have several prototype units out in the field and those folks, if time allows, are likely to share their early thoughts. The first review we have seen is from Popular Woodworking.. Some of the comments are interesting and it might be helpful to add a bit of the “why” regarding this new tool.

As some of you know, I made a living as a studio furniture maker in the late ’70’s and early 80’s. Most of my frustration as a woodworker was dealing with the limitations of tools and equipment, and of course my own limitations. This is also part of the fun, but at the end of the day, my time meant something to me. So tools that saved me time, either directly or indirectly, always interested me. After all, there is no guarantee that tomorrow will arrive.

Spending my time hand fitting things because my layout tools were suspect has always rubbed me wrong. Ask yourself this question; If you demand that your try-square be square within a couple of thousandths of an inch (and it should) what can you expect from a protractor that reads in single degrees, maybe half-degrees? Yikes–a try square that is 1/2 a degree off becomes a really good paint can opener.

Here’s a fun way to determine if your methods work without spending a penny on new tools. Make a five side, compound mitered frame. Here are the only numbers you need to know. Your saw blade needs to be tilted 24.559 degrees off of 90 degrees. Your miter gage needs to be set to 117.192 degrees to the blade. Cut your five pieces to the same length and see if your last joint closes. (The trig for figuring this out is not that hard, so you might want to give that a try since the answers are posted.)

This exercise is extraordinarily difficult if you are using one of the ubiquitous 4″ protractors, but give it a try. And please share your results. Like many things that are hard, people tend to avoid them. There is a whole new world out there that is not ninety degrees and we are pleased to be able to show you how.

The AngleMaster Pro is for those folks who expect their best and value their time. Which brings up an interesting observation; if you value your time, what the heck are you doing hanging around on this totally awesome and worthless blog?

–John