New products

STARRETT PROSITE PROTRACTOR is designed to take error-prone calculations out of the process of miter cuts. The user simply takes an angle reading with the ProSite Protractor and then sets the miter saw to the angle of the reading. The Starrett tool has two scales — the red scale and arrow show the angle for a miter joint, while the black arrow and scale provide the angle to fit a single workpiece to an angle. The Starrett ProSite Protractor is priced between $40 and $60, available from retailers and woodworking supply catalogs. Contact: L.S. Starrett Co., 121 Crescent St., Athol, MA 01331. Tel: 978-249-8495. www.starrett.com

ROCKLER DRILL PRESS MILLING VISE turns your drill press into a milling machine. The vise provides tool positioning without shims, X travel of 8", Y travel of 7" and a jaw opening of 6". The X-Y movement is in both directions. The milling vise holds the workpiece stable, has a cast-iron body, and a reference scale on all four sides. The Rockler Drill Press Milling Vise is priced at $69.99. Contact: Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 4365 Willow Drive, Medina, MN 55340. Tel: 800-279-4441. www.rockler.com

SELF-OPENING HINGE from Danco and Wood Technology Inc. is a reverse-action hinge that enables a wood or an aluminum door to slowly swing open on its own, hands-free. The door is held in the closed position with a touch latch and when gently pushed, the door releases and opens by itself. This hinge eliminates the need to install a knob or pull on the door. The self-opening hinge sells for $1.95. Contact: Wood Technology Inc., P.O. Box 1301, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Tel: 800-231-9522. www.woodtechnology.com

MILLER DOWELS has added six species suited for outdoor projects. The new species are ipe, purpleheart, teak, mahogany, white oak and black locust. Each species is available in two sizes — the 1X for joining wood up to 1-1/8" thick, and the 2X for wood up to 1-5/8" thick. Miller Dowels are stepped, solid- wood structural fasteners that form joints from the outside in. The 1X 100-count bags range from $26.95 for black locust to $133.95 for teak. The 2X 100-count bags are priced from $36.95 for black locust to $174.95 for teak. Contact: Miller Dowel, 164 Northfield Road, Northfield, IL 60093. Tel: 866-966-3734. www.millerdowel.com

LEE VALLEY'S MINI SAW GUIDE SYSTEM is geared for cutting molding or making picture frames. The aluminum guide has 45-degree and 90-degree stops for both crosscuts and miters, a dummy blade insert for accurate positioning, and a sliding guide for use with a clamped straightedge when ripping. The 18-tpi saw has durable teeth suitable for both hardwoods and softwoods, according to Lee Valley. The Mini Saw Guide System sells for $38.50; replacement blades are priced at $8.50 each. Contact: Lee Valley Tools Ltd., P.O. Box 1780, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-6780. Tel: 800-871-8158. www.leevalley.com