Tilting V-block setting aid

[mklotz]

Years ago I bought the tool pictured below...

It consists of a V-block that slides in a dovetailed base so the V can be oriented at various angles. Once set to the required angle a screw hidden in the base locks the V-block in place. It's not a tool one would use every day but for certain jobs it can be a real aid.

The scale on the slide is slightly confusing it reads 45 degrees when the V-block is oriented as shown in the photo. IOW, it's reading the angle of the sides of the V-block wrt horizontal/vertical. However, that's not the biggest problem with the scales. The graduations are too tiny and too close together to be easily read; the vernier is a joke. Setting the thing precisely using the scale is impossible.

So, I machined the block of aluminum shown above the device in the photo. It's nothing more than two angles cut precisely 45 degrees wrt to the base of the block.

Here's how it's used...

The sharp end of the block is fitted into the V of the V-block. Then the gauge and the block are butted against a precision angle block with the whole assembly pressed between two parallel surfaces. In the picture I used two attachments to my combination square. If I can tolerate a bit less accuracy I use the two jaws of the mill vise.

Setting the V-block back to its rest position is simple. Simply remove the precision angle block and use the bare aluminum block...