CP505E-12 12" Aluminum Electronic Combination Protractor

Like a treasure hunt to find it

Well made accurate peice of kit. Loads of information included on the protractor. Good investment for the tool kit.

Great service,Great product thanks

I recently purchased and just received the Starrett CP505A-12 protractor. I heard poor reviews (online and from coworkers) about the less expensive models (505A-12 & 505A-7) regarding accuracy (mainly that they weren't accurate due to the gauge decals being out of alignment from the factory). I spent extra for the CP version because it has good reviews and is claimed to be laser etched/engraved. Looking at the gauges it appears that, although maybe engraved, they're still simply decals stuck onto the aluminum body, unless the aluminum underneath the decal is engraved, but I'm not going to peel back the decal and ruin the $85 tool just to find out. I guess my point is that I feel a little disappointed after paying a premium and then finding that it appears the metal is not engraved, just the decal, which could peel or become misaligned. Are my concerns warranted? I probably wouldn't have bought it if only the decals were etched and not the body itself. Otherwise, it appears to be well built and the graduations do line up.

A good tool that's solid, useful, and works as advertised. I would note that the description shown on Amazon is not entirely accurate, at least regarding the tool I received. As some other reviewers have noted the markings are not laser engraved on the aluminum but rather printed on a heavy plastic decal bonded to the tool. As long as it stays in place it should be fine. Also, the tool is not machined as stated. It's actually made from precision die-cast aluminum with no exposed surface showing any sign of machining (I'm a retired tool and die maker). The only thing that would qualify as machining might be at the pivot point, which is not exposed so I can't be sure. Not really a problem, but considering these two points the tool does seem to be priced a little high in my estimation, even with the Starrett name. A more modest price would have netted a 5 star rating from me.

I owned the previous Starrett version of the protractor, and while an excellent product, it was not dead accurate. The angular marks on the dial were engraved on a decal which, unfortunately, was not applied with precision. The angular marks on this tool, however, are applied by laser and are dead nuts on. This tool will save you time, material (i.e., money) and , most importantly, aggravation. It is a very cool tool with roof pitch info and a crown molding table. All index marks on this tool are applied with a laser. The reason I give it a 4 of 5 is, unlike its predecessor, it does not come with a leather carrying case (must buy it as an accessory). If I could give it 4 1/2 stars, I would. Otherwise this tool is a thing of beauty.

Received tool quickly (Amazon Prime). Exactly as described. Made cutting hardy board siding for dormers a breeze. I love the different math-free features on the tool, especially the dual miter cutting indicator.A few concerns.1. This tool comes with a few unique built in guides, but there is no instructions or guides on how to use them so you need to figure them out on your own.2. I think the tool is very valuable for my daily tasks, but I don't know that it was worth $85.3. I wish there was a thumb screw to "clamp" the tool down for repeat cuts so I don't have to keep checking the dial. A built in level bubble would be nice, too (or at least an available add on).

I've installed about 500 feet of 5 inch crown in the past year and most of that on 100 year old plaster walls. That said, you realize I'm talking about walls that are rarely square. I've been using an antique protractor I got from my father - brass, old & really beautiful, but far from accurate. I splurged on this unit and couldn't be happier.I won't insult you by trying to tell you how to use it - if you don't know that, you wouldn't be reading this. But what I will tell you is that this thing is a work of art as well as accurate & insanely easy to read. Sarrett makes a couple of less expensive models that I'm sure 99% of us will be happy with - I wouldn't have sprung for this expensive model if Amazon didn't have it for a daily special for about $75.