Bosch DWM40LK Miter Finder Digital Protractor/Angle Kit with Extension Leg and Case

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Angle finder: The angle finder function determines the exact angles of a job site or workpiece, eliminating all the guesswork.

Compound cut calculator: The compound cut calculator automatically determines the exact miter and bevel settings necessary to make each crown molding cut fit precisely.

Protractor: The protractor precisely positions the workpiece or the intended cut line at the angle you require.

Level: The built-in vertical and horizontal spirit levels are accurate to 0, +/- 0.05 degrees.

Applications
Use the DWM40LK to calculate the exact miter and bevel angles for crown molding cuts, measure trim cuts for remodeling, check and transfer angles, accurately install cabinets and counters, measure roof angles, fit up windows or doors, align wood forms for concrete pouring, fit carpeting and parquet or tile floors, align and check banisters and rails, and much, much more.

Key Technical Specs

• Vial accuracy: +/- .05 degrees
• Electronic accuracy: +/- .1 degrees
• Readout accuracy: +/- .1 degrees
• Measuring range: 0 - 220 degrees
• Battery lasts up to 100 hours
• Leg extension is 16 inches long

Warranty
The DWM40LK Miterfinder is covered by a 1-year unconditional Bosch warranty.

What's in the box:
Bosch Miterfinder digital protractor, padded nylon case, and 16-inch leg extension.

I have been looking for a tool like this for a while and when I saw it I had to have it. It will come in very handy for me and for some of my neighbors when I show it off. The first thing I did was to prove that my dining room is not square. Crown molding is a challenge when everything is square; when it is not it gets expensive to get it right.

Now that I have it I am finding all kinds of uses for it. This is a well made instrument by Bosch that does exactly what is was designed to do. It seems to be extremely accurate. I've used it to check the angles and levels on my miter saw, table saw, and belt sander. I like the fact that it has a built-in calculator that makes finding miters much easier.

I tried to turn it on to complete a job I am running behind on and nothing. Even though it was fixed for very little money it did eat up half a day which cost me far more than this level did.Just something to consider as you make your buying decision. Before you guys think I abused it, I can assure you I did not. nothing.

UPDATE 7/28/2008: I just found the simple reliable quality alternative in the Starrett CP505A-12. If you have an electronic problem the tool is a throw away after the one year warranty. I am now looking for a quality machinist protractor like a Starrett C359 (see the UPDATE below) or equivalent on ebay so I can be assured that my job will continue if this one goes out again. Since I had nothing to lose and I needed it yesterday, I tore it apart. After a trip to the electonic supply I had the level up and running as good as new.I came to realize how much I rely on this tool and how much of a problem it can be if it fails. I bought this tool about 1.5 years ago and I've loved using it until today.

I called the Bosch service center and basicially there are four parts available for this level, none of which are electronic. It stays in a padded case that I use for my Stabila levels and has never even been dropped or submerged or anything else you might be thinking. In a world of electronics it might sometimes be better to just keep things simple, mechanical, and RELIABLE. I desoldered and tested them and found one bad one (4.7mf @ 63V). I put in a set of new batteries and. It just quit.

They sell it on Amazon for $85; so you'll save some money over the electronic version and it will work anytime, anywhere, without batteries. Most of the electronic construction is micro chip except for 3 capacitors.

I bought the Bosch DWM40LK because I was installing a lot of crown molding. The extension leg comes in handy for the long sides needing measurement. I used it for the crown and also when I built a bar. It is a precision protractor and is well made.

It hasn't replace my speed square or sliding bevel; makes a very nice addition to my top hand tools. A fantastic tool for crown molding, it makes outside corners a breeze. I use it mostly for installing baseboard and trim molding. The carrying case is nice and helps keep the tool out of harms way. I also use it to keep my compound miter and table saws honest.