Abstract:
An angle measurement tool having two legs held together by a removable adjustment member in which the legs are joined together about a common axis so that one of the legs rotates with respect to the other to form a desired angle the value of which is read using indexing means located on both legs.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention has to do with a measuring tool for use in the construction profession with particular applicability to finish carpentry, framing carpentry, wall layout, drywall installation, fitting countertops, piping layouts, floor and ceiling installations and cabinetry. It also has direct applications in the graphic arts field, the engineering and drafting fields and other manufacturing situations where angle measurements are performed. This invention has direct applications in virtually every situation requiring an angle measurement, and it has a multitude of professional and household applications, providing precise angle readings for any carpentry project and any other project that requires angle measurement, angle copying, angle transferring, and/or angle projection. Such projection of an angle may be accomplished with a laser, scope or other means of projecting or sighting to a distant point, line, plane or planes.  
         [0002]     This invention is used in the fitting of trim and decorative pieces, or any material, to the surface of wall surfaces, or any surfaces, which meet at an angular junction. The fitting of said trim or other material to this angular junction converges in a joint which is commonly referred to as a miter joint. A correct miter joint is achieved when the two pieces of trim or other material are cut at equal angles; one to the left and one to the right. A miter saw/miter box is used to cut the trim and decorative pieces, or any material, in a precise manner so that a clean and accurate miter joint is established.  
         [0003]     The invention is also used for fitting single pieces of trim, or any material, into any angle that is encountered. A miter saw/miter box is used to cut the material in a precise manner so that a clean and accurate fit is established between the freshly cut piece and the work surface(s).  
         [0004]     In addition to the above-mentioned functions, which are specific to the angle scale that is virtually universal to the miter saw/miter box, this invention also has scales for determining the actual angle, or any interpretation of the actual angle, throughout an entire revolution (zero degrees through 360 degrees).  
         [0005]     This invention has additional scales for determining, transferring and laying out the angles for common roof pitches. In the preferred embodiment, these scales are laid out in the standard “inches of rise per lineal foot.” The indicated roof pitch is simultaneously converted to a miter saw/miter box setting.  
         [0006]     While a miter saw/miter box is the preferred and generally most accurate way to achieve the angled cuts determined by the invention, other means such as a hand saw, hand-held circular saw, radial arm saw, table saw, jig saw and any other means for achieving the determined cuts are contemplated by the inventor.  
         [0007]     This invention has a laser/scope accessory and provision is made for said laser/scope accessory to be attached to the invention. The union of this invention with the laser/scope accessory provides a means for projecting any angle setting from a chosen point of origin along the angle chosen and out to a distance limited only by the power of the laser/scope. Such a laser/scope projection is useful in the layout of walls and construction angles, regardless of what plane they are in. Such a laser/scope projection is also useful in the electrical, plumbing, drywall and landscaping fields, as well as any trade or endeavor that requires the accurate determination, and/or projection, of any angle. It should be understood that a laser/scope, or lasers/scopes, might also be incorporated in the body of the tool as a permanent fixture(s). All such alternative means for employing a laser(s), scope(s) or other means of projecting or sighting on the measuring tool are contemplated by the inventor.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     It is an object of this invention to provide an easy to use tool to transfer angle readings from a work place surface(s) to a miter saw/miter box, to any other cutting device, or directly to any work piece, in a one-step operation.  
         [0009]     It is a further object of this invention to measure and/or project with a laser, scope or other means, an angle, its complementary angle, its supplementary angle, common roof pitch angles and/or any angle interpretation to which the several scales might be adapted. In the preferred embodiment all of these angle interpretations are projected and measured simultaneously.  
         [0010]     In the preferred embodiment of the invention an angle measurement tool is provided that in its final form is limited to two parts. Both of the parts have a plurality of scale measurements scribed upon them. The tool is so constructed that the movement of the two parts relative to each other will result in an angle being formed there between that will be measured by referring to a setting on the scales so provided.  
         [0011]     The tool can be utilized to measure the miter joint angle, bevel and miter settings for compound angles, the actual angle made by the legs of the tool, the complementary angle of the actual angle, the supplementary angle of the actual angle, the common roof pitch angle and/or any angle interpretation to which the several scales might be adapted. In the preferred embodiment, all of these angle interpretations are measured simultaneously. The tool can also be utilized with its laser/scope accessory (or integral laser[s] and/or scope[s]) to measure, layout and project wall angles, construction angles and any angle encountered or required. This improvement is accomplished by attaching the twin-beamed laser/scope to the invention and projecting/sighting a line along a chosen angle from a known point to any other point along the laser beam(s) or sighted line(s). Said point, or points, along the projected laser beam(s), or sighted line(s), must be located in order to achieve a proper rendition of the angle required, and the laser/scope accessory achieves that purpose in a one-step operation. It should be understood by those practiced in the art that many additional deployments of lasers or scopes might be employed for a variety of angle projections that are calculated by the measuring tool. The laser, or lasers, can be used to project planes as well as points along a line. These lasers can be deployed in many useful layouts that are directly related to any of the many angle functions to which the tool can be calibrated. It should be further understood that said laser(s), or scope(s), might also be integrated into the measuring tool, in addition to, or as an alternative to the laser (or scope) accessory. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIGS. 1A, 1B , and  1 C are plan views of top leg  14 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 1D  is a ‘reverse side’ plan view of top leg  14 .  
         [0014]      FIGS. 2A, 2B , and  2 C are plan views of bottom leg  18 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 2D  is a ‘reverse side’ plan view of bottom leg  18 .  
         [0016]      FIGS. 3A, 3B  and  3 C are plan views of assembly spring  20 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a cut-away end view, through the tool&#39;s axis, of tool  10 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of tool  10 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of all of the components of tool  10  as assembled with the legs forming an acute angle.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a top view of tool  10 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of tool  10  in a closed position.  
         [0022]      FIGS. 9A, 9B  and  9 C are plan views of top leg  14 .  
         [0023]      FIGS. 10A, 10B  and  10 C are plan views of bottom leg  18 .  
         [0024]      FIGS. 11A, 11B  and  11 C are plan views of assembly pin  16 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a cut-away end view, through the tool&#39;s axis, of tool  10 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of tool  10  with leg  14  in the ‘reverse side’ or alternate position.  
         [0027]      FIGS. 14A, 14B ,  14 C and  14 D are plan views of the Laser Pointer/Scope Improvement  80 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the Laser Pointer/Scope Improvement  80 .  
         [0029]      FIGS. 16A, 16B  and  16 C are plan views of the mounting plate accessory  90  for the Laser Pointer/Scope Improvement  80 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the mounting plate accessory  90  for the Laser Pointer/Scope Improvement  80 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 18  illustrates the Compound Angle Conversion Table  110 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]     As can be seen in the  FIGS. 1-8  the preferred embodiment of angle measurement tool  10  is constructed from several components including top leg  14 , bottom leg  18  and assembly spring  20 . Legs  14  and  18  are the same width and both have a circular shaped end  22 . It should be understood that circular end  22  of both leg  14  and leg  18  is a semicircle of a circle having a diameter equal to the width of leg  14  and leg  18 . It should be further understood that leg  14  and leg  18  might be wider or narrower than circular end  22  where the legs extend beyond the circle described by end  22 . It should also be understood that leg  14  and leg  18  might have non-parallel edges and tool  10  will still function as intended. Opening  24  in leg  14  is provided at the center of the circle of which end  22  is a part. Projected axis spindle/dial  26  of bottom leg  18  is provided at the center of the circle of which end  22  is a part. In the preferred embodiment, projected axis spindle/dial  26  is circular in shape and has a diameter equal to or less than the diameter of opening  24 , as shown in the figures. It should be understood that projected axis spindle/dial  26  has a diameter equal to or less than the diameter of the opening  24  as a function of the assembly of tool  10  and in order to facilitate placing indicia on that top surface of leg  14  which surrounds projected axis spindle/dial  26  and further, does not have to be in the shape of a circle in order for tool  10  to operate in the fashion described. As can be seen in  FIGS. 1A, 1B ,  1 C and  1 D groove  12  is recessed into top leg  14  around the perimeter of opening  24  for reasons that will be apparent below. Openings  30  are provided in projected axis spindle/dial  26  for reasons that will be apparent below. As can be seen in  FIG. 5  the components of tool  10  are assembled such that opening  24  of leg  14  is positioned around projected axis spindle/dial  26  of leg  18  so that the openings  30  and groove  12  in leg  14  align. Assembly spring  20  is then inserted through openings  30  into groove  12 . The fit, tension and frictional properties of assembly spring  20  maintain leg  14  and leg  18  in a steady position for an accurate reading of the measured angle. In the preferred embodiment assembly spring  20  has two ends and openings  30  are two in number. It should be understood by those practiced in the art that spring  20  may have a configuration with one, two or more ends. It should be further understood that opening(s)  30  may number one, two or more. Other position adjustment mechanisms are contemplated in alternative embodiments of the invention. It should be apparent to anyone practiced in the art that there are many ways to effect the union of leg  14  and leg  18  by means projecting through openings  30  into groove  12 . These means may be cam actuated, lever actuated, actuated by threaded devices, locking push-button or any of a multitude of means obvious to anyone practiced in the art. The inventor contemplates all such means of attachment and adjustment. It should be understood that projected axis spindle/dial  26  may or may not be constructed in union with leg  18 , but in its final form tool  10  comprises a bottom leg  18  that is in fixed union with projected axis spindle/dial  26 . As can be seen in  FIG. 4  opening  24  of leg  14  fits around projected axis spindle/dial  26  of leg  18  such that the top surface of projected axis spindle/dial  26  is co-planar with the top surface of leg  14  after the components of tool  10  are assembled. It should be understood that the top surface of projected axis spindle/dial  26  does not have to be co-planer with the top surface of leg  14 . Assembly spring  20  is passed through openings  30  from the bottom of leg  18  into groove  12  in leg  14 . This provides precisely pivoting legs  14  and  18 . It is recognized that leg  14  is the only moving part of tool  10  when being used to measure an angle for a miter joint reading or any other angle reading to which tool  10  is adapted. Arrow  13 A is provided on the top surface of leg  14  as shown in the figures. Arrow  13 B is provided on the bottom surface of leg  14 . It should be understood that the design of tool  10  is such that leg  14  may be assembled with the top or bottom surfaces in interchangeable positions relative to leg  18 . In other words, leg  14  is reversible in relation to leg  18  when the two parts are united by use of assembly spring  20  to form tool  10 . The reversible nature of leg  14  provides additional means for calculating angle interpretations. Arrows  38 ,  40  and  42  are provided on the radial surface of leg  14  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . In operation tool  10  simultaneously provides the miter joint angle measurement, the actual angle made by the legs  14  and  18 , the complementary angle measurement of the actual angle, the supplementary angle measurement of the actual angle, roof pitch angles and/or any angle interpretation to which the several scales are adapted. In the preferred embodiment projected axis spindle/dial  26  is provided with indexing markings that are representative of the miter joint angle reading. Specifically, arrow  13 A or  13 B points to the marking on projected axis spindle/dial  26  that is the miter joint reading. Arrow  15  is provided on the top surface of projected axis spindle/dial  26  of leg  18  providing a reading of any angle interpretation chosen for the scales placed on the top, bottom, edge or radial surfaces of leg  14 . The indexing provided on the radial surface of leg  18  measures the actual angle reading via arrow  38 ; the complementary angle reading via arrow  40  and the supplementary angle reading via arrow  42 . Alternative embodiments are contemplated by the inventor in which a wide variety of angle readings may be accomplished on the top surfaces, bottom surfaces and edges of either or both of legs  14  and  18 , as well as on projected axis spindle/dial  26 .  
         [0033]      FIGS. 9A, 9B ,  9 C,  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  11 A,  11 B,  11 C,  12  and  13  disclose an alternative embodiment in which leg  18  is provided with a projected axis spindle/dial  27 . Projected axis spindle/dial  27  is provided at the center of the circle of which end  22  is a part. Leg  14  is provided with assembly pin holes  19  for reasons that will be apparent below. Assembly pins  16  are provided for reasons that will be apparent below. As can be seen in  FIGS. 10A, 10B  and  10 C groove  17  is recessed into projected axis spindle/dial  27  around its entire circumference for reasons that will be apparent below. As can be seen in  FIGS. 9A, 9B  and  9 C assembly pin holes  19  are provided in positions on leg  14  such that they will join leg  14  to projected axis spindle/dial  27  of leg  18  when assembly pins  16  are inserted in pin assembly holes  19 . The pin assembly holes  19  and the groove  17  are sized such that assembly pins  16  secure leg  14  and leg  18  together into tool  10 . In the preferred embodiment assembly pins  16  are the same shape as, and fit snugly into, assembly pin holes  19  and are snugly tangent to groove  17  providing sufficient friction to maintain leg  14  and leg  18  in a steady position for an accurate reading of the measured angle. This provides precisely pivoting legs  14  and  18 . It is recognized that leg  14  is the only moving part of tool  10  when being used to measure an angle for a miter joint reading or any other angle reading to which tool  10  is adapted. Openings  21  are provided in leg  14  for removal of assembly pins  16 . The assembly pins  16  are retained in place by the snug friction fit provided by assembly pin holes  19 . A small nail or similar object is inserted in openings  21  and the nail is used to push the assembly pins  16  out of assembly pin holes  19  sufficiently far so that the assembly pins  16  may be grasped and removed far enough to disengage groove  17  allowing leg  14  and leg  18  to be disassembled. It should be understood that the design of tool  10  is such that leg  14  may be assembled with the top or bottom surfaces in interchangeable positions relative to leg  18 . In other words, leg  14  is reversible in relation to leg  18  when the two parts are united by use of assembly pins  16  to form tool  10 . The reversible nature of leg  14  provides additional means for calculating angle interpretations. Arrow  15  is provided on the top surface of projected axis spindle/dial  27  of leg  18  providing a reading of any angle interpretation chosen for the scales placed on the top, bottom, edge or radial surfaces of leg  14 . It should be understood by anyone practiced in the art that pin and pin retention designs of many different forms and means are contemplated by the inventor. These forms of retention include, but are not limited to: threading assembly pins  16  such that they are secured in threads located in assembly pin holes  19 , magnetism, latching means or a friction producing substance. It should be further understood that the assembly pins  16  may be fewer that two or more than two.  
         [0034]     It should be understood by anyone practiced in the art that there are an infinite number of arrangements of interlocking “pins”, “springs”, “cams”, “clips”, “catches”, “levers”, “latches”, “screws”, “projections”, “magnetic devices”, “holes”, “grooves” and “openings” that will secure projected axis spindle/dial  26  or  27  of leg  18  and leg  14  together such that they provide tool  10  with a leg  14  that revolves securely and accurately around projected axis spindle/dial  26  or  27  of leg  18 . The inventor contemplates all of these embodiments, including ‘snap-together’ designs and designs employing spring loaded ball catches (with or without an ‘easy release’ button) in addition to those represented in the figures.  
         [0035]     As can be seen in  FIG. 6  the top surface of leg  18  is provided with indicia  108  permanently affixed (or etched, printed, engraved, etc.) that provide readings for the common roof pitch angles. In the preferred embodiment the common roof pitch angles are expressed in the conventional format of “Inches of Rise Per Linear Foot”. For example, a ‘3 in 12’ common roof pitch refers to the angle created by a 12″ horizontal line and a 3″ vertical line in which the 3″ vertical line originates at either end of the 12″ horizontal line. It is understood, by definition, that the horizontal and vertical lines are perpendicular to each other. The angle in question is contained within the triangle described by said 3″ and 12″ lines. The hypotenuse of said triangle, in combination with said 12″ line, illustrates the angle of the aforementioned ‘3 in 12’ common roof pitch. The indicia  108  is utilized by viewing and reading either of the edges  100  or  102  on leg  14  at the place where those edges  100  and  102  align with the indicia  108  on leg  18 . Similarly, the bottom surface of leg  14  may have such an indicia  108  and it would then be viewed and read by either of the edges  104  or  106  on leg  18 . It should be understood that said form of indicia  108  is not intended to be limited to the reading of common roof pitches. It is the inventor&#39;s intention that said form of indicia  108  might be used for any of the angle readings mentioned on these pages as well as any angle reading that such indicia  108  can be adapted to. It should be further understood that the common roof pitch angles can be placed on any of the dials, surfaces or edges of the invention where said dials, surfaces and edges interplay in such a way as to provide a relationship between the parts that enables a consistent and predictable angle reading that can be scaled and read. It should be further understood that any number of different scales can be deployed on any of the dials, surfaces or edges of the invention, throughout an infinite number of conceivable angle layouts. The inventor contemplates all such variations of the layout of the scales and indicia.  
         [0036]     As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , leg  18  is provided with two inserts  62  and  64  permanently fixed on a line parallel to the leg  18  side of the angle made by the legs  14  and  18 . In the preferred embodiment inserts  62  and  64  are flush with the bottom surface of leg  18 . Inserts  62  and  64  are entirely contained between the bottom and top surfaces of leg  18 . Inserts  62  and  64  house locating holes  60  and  66  for reasons that will be apparent below. Inserts  62  and  64  may be similarly placed in leg  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In the preferred embodiment inserts  62  and  64  are steel, either magnetized or not magnetized. It should be understood that inserts  62  and  64  provide holes  60  and  66  that are perpendicular to the bottom surface of leg  18  and/or the top surface of leg  14 . Inserts  62  and  64  pass through either or both legs  14  and  18  such that the function of inserts  62  and  64  and holes  60  and  66  is identical from either the top or bottom surfaces of leg  18  and/or leg  14 . It should be further understood that inserts  62  and  64  might be made of materials other than steel. It should be further understood that inserts  62  and  64  can be substituted for by holes  60  and  66  passing directly through the material of leg  18  and/or leg  14 . It should be further understood that inserts  62  and  64  and holes  60  and  66  may not necessarily pass entirely through leg  18  and/or leg  14  and thus it is possible to place inserts  62  and  64  and likewise holes  60  and  66  on either or both of the top and bottom surfaces of either or both of legs  14  and  18 . Holes  60  and  66  may be of the same shape as each other or they may be unique shapes.  FIGS. 14A, 14B ,  14 C,  14 D and  15  illustrate laser device  80  for projecting diametrically opposed laser beams  84  and  86  in diametrically opposite directions from each other. Laser device  80  is fitted with two pegs  68  and  70  that precisely match the shape or shapes of holes  60  and  66 . Pegs  68  and  70  may be of the same shape as each other or they may be unique shapes. Pegs  68  and  70  are fit perpendicular to the bottom surface  88  of laser device  80 . Bottom surface  88  is in a single plane. Bottom surface  88  is parallel with laser beams  84  and  86 . The distance between the center of pegs  68  and  70  is exactly the same distance that is between the center of holes  60  and  66 . Laser beams  84  and  86  are in a line parallel to the line passing through the center of pegs  68  and  70  where pegs  68  and  70  penetrate bottom surface  88 . In the preferred embodiment pegs  68  and  70  are circular and made of steel, either magnetized or not magnetized. It should be understood that other shapes and materials are contemplated for pegs  68  and  70 . It should also be understood that magnetic attachment is one of many means contemplated for attaching laser device  80  to leg  18  and/or leg  14 . Battery compartment  82  is provided to contain batteries for energizing laser beams  84  and  86 . Laser beams  84  and  86  may be generated from a single source and redirected on diametrically opposite paths. Laser beams  84  and  86  may also be generated separately. Laser beams  84  and  86  may be generated not only as single lines, but might also be projected as planes or any number of planes. In operation laser device  80  is affixed to tool  10  by placing pegs  68  and  70  in holes  60  and  66 . It should be recognized by those practiced in the art that various other means of attaching laser device  80  to tool  10  are possible and those ways are contemplated by the inventor. Laser beams  84  and  86  are employed to project an angle. In the preferred embodiment, the union of tool  10  and laser device  80  projects laser beams  84  and  86  along one side of the angle made by the legs  14  and  18 . The other side of the angle made by the legs  14  and  18  represents the base line from which the particular angle is being calculated and projected. Whichever of the legs  14  and  18  that does not have the laser device  80  mounted on it is the leg that is set parallel to the base line. Either laser beam  84  or laser beam  86  point in the direction of, or parallel to, the axis of legs  14  and  18 . Laser beams  84  and  86  are by design always parallel to one side of the angle being measured and projected. Laser beams  84  or  86  may pass over, across or beside the axis of legs  14  and  18 . Laser beam  84  or  86  is aimed at the spring point of the angle that is to be projected. The opposite laser beam (either  84  or  86 ), the one not aimed at the spring point of the angle, projects the chosen angle along and beyond the angle made by the legs  14  and  18 . It should be understood by those practiced in the art that there are alternative embodiments for a laser, or lasers, in which the laser function(s) are an integral part of tool  10  in addition to laser device  80 , or in place of laser device  80 . All such alternative embodiments are contemplated by the inventor. It should be understood that sighting scopes may be substituted for, or mounted in unison with, the laser beam in laser device  80 .  
         [0037]      FIGS. 16A, 16B ,  16 C and  17  illustrate a mounting plate  90  which is provided for employing the laser device  80  independently from tool  10 . Mounting plate  90  has coplanar top  94  and bottom  92  surfaces. Mounting plate  90  includes inserts  62  and  64  with holes  60  and  66  placed in the exact same relation as they are on leg  18  and/or leg  14 . It should be further understood that inserts  62  and  64  can be substituted for by holes  60  and  66  passing directly through the material of mounting plate  90 . In operation mounting plate  90  provides a smooth and flat surface  92  beneath bottom surface  88 . Mounting plate  90  is sufficiently thick to house pegs  68  and  70  such that they do not interfere with the use of laser device  80  on any flat surface. Referring to  FIG. 1D  it can be seen that the bottom surface of leg  14  is also provided with a permanently affixed (or etched, printed, engraved, etc.) indicia  58  radiating throughout 360 degrees from the center of the circle of which ends  22  are a part. In the preferred embodiment indicia  58  is circular in shape and has a diameter equal to the width of legs  14  and  18  as shown in the drawings. It should be understood that indicia  58  could have a diameter less than the width of legs  14  and  18  within the circle described by end  22 , and further, does not have to be in the shape of a circle in order for tool  10  to operate in the fashion described. As can be seen in  FIGS. 2A, 2B ,  2 C,  2 D and  5  leg  18  is provided with opening  50  through which indicia  58  can be viewed. Opening  50  can be any shape (notches, holes, bevels, etc.) that permits viewing any portion of indicia  58 . Multiple openings similar to  50  may be employed simultaneously. In the preferred embodiment pointer/arrow  52  is provided in opening  50 . In the preferred embodiment, indicia  58  is arranged to indicate the actual angle created between the two legs  14  and  18  at any moment throughout a three hundred sixty degree revolution relative to each other. For example, in the preferred embodiment, either of the two scales on indicia  58  will indicate ninety degrees when legs  14  and  18  are rotated to a position in which they are at a right angle to each other. For further example, in the preferred embodiment legs  14  and  18  will indicate the actual angle on indicia  58  on the two scales originating at zero degrees and one hundred eighty degrees, respectively, when tool  10  is in the closed position, wherein legs  14  and  18  are perfectly mated face to face. One of the scales on indicia  58  will thus range from zero degrees through to one hundred eighty degrees and back to zero degrees as it travels through a full three hundred sixty degree revolution. The other scale on indicia  58  will range, conversely, from one hundred eighty degrees through to zero degrees and back to one hundred eighty degrees as it travels through a full three hundred sixty degree revolution. In this embodiment of indicia  58  the two scales provide indication of the actual angle in both of the two possible interpretations of the actual angles created by the interrelation of legs  14  and  18 . In the preferred embodiment indicia  58  provides two scales that simultaneously indicate the actual angle and its supplement throughout both halves of a full three hundred sixty degree revolution of legs  14  and  18  in relation to each other. In operation this feature provides additional means on tool  10  for the reading of angles. The layout of indicia  58  can be altered to employ any interpretation of the angles created by the movement of legs  14  and  18  in relation to each other, and the inventor contemplates each alternative layout of indicia  58 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 18  illustrates the table  110  that is used to convert the miter joint reading, indicated on projected axis spindle/dial  26  or  27  by arrow  13 A or  13 B, into the miter and bevel cuts required to execute a compound cut. This is accomplished simply by reading the miter cut table  110  horizontally across from the indicated miter joint reading in the miter cut column  112  to ascertain the appropriate miter and bevel cuts required for either of the three standard crown moulding pitch angles as shown in column  114 , column  115  and column  116 . Additional embodiments of the table should be obvious to those skilled in the art. The inventor contemplates all such additional embodiments of the table. Multiple tables may also be employed. Table  110 , as well as those additional tables contemplated, is/are to be placed anywhere on the surfaces of leg  14  and/or leg  18  that will suitably accommodate them.  
         [0039]     Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described it should be recognized that additional modification and other alternative embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art.