How to Set a Simple Sine Plate, Bar or Vise
To set an angle on any sine device — a sine bar, sine plate, or sine vise — you find the center distance of the device (C), pick the angle you want (A), and stack gage blocks (G) under the gage-block roll. Suburban Tool builds precision sine plates, bars, and vises in the USA — use the calculator below to find your exact stack.
The Setup
What the letters mean
- C
- Center distance of your sine device (stamped on it, e.g. 5″)
- A
- The angle you want to set
- G
- Height of the gage-block stack you build
The Math
Calculator
Gage-block stack
G = C × Sine(A)
Sine Plate / Bar Calculator
Enter the center distance and the angle you want. You get the gage-block stack height — in the same units as the center distance.
°Deg′Min″Sec
Enter a numeric center distance and an angle between 0° and 90°.
Build a gage-block stack of
- Enter the center distance (C) and the angle you want (A), then press Calculate.
- Build a stack of gage blocks equal to the stack height (G) it returns.
- Slide the gage blocks under the gage-block roll of the sine device.
- Tighten the lock (if the device has one) — your angle is set.
Need a precision sine plate, bar, or vise?Shop Sine Tools →
Setting two angles at once? See How to Set a Compound Sine Plate →