on the level.... carpentry question

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Jun 2, 2006 | 08:32 AM

rhw

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More Turbo

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From: colorado

on the level... carpentry question

Here's a goofy question for all you carpenters... I bought a used level and it has two bubbles in the center, both are curved inward. How do I read this? Is level when both bubbles are in the middle or split equally?

Jun 2, 2006 | 08:39 AM

Neb86

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From: Illinois

You only read the vial that is curved upward. There are two vials so you can use either side of the level (or either end for plumb) without having to stop and look at it to determine which side to use.

Hope this makes sense!

Jun 2, 2006 | 08:51 AM

seventyseven250

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From: Calgary Canada

Neb has it right. If you play with it for a minute, you'll notice that the bubble on the one that is shaped like a u could slip to either side. You want to use the one shaped like an n. That's going to be the top one, no matter which way you turn your level.

I just read that over, and it's not very clear, but hopefully you get the idea.

Jun 2, 2006 | 09:15 AM

Huntsman

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From: Northwest Fl

Also to test a level for accuracy, read it and note exactly where the bubble is and rotate the level 90 degrees and see if the bubble is still in the same location. It doesn't have to be level to do this. If the bubble is touching the right center line, it should still touch the right center line after the level is rotated.

Jun 2, 2006 | 10:48 AM

Mil1ion

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Quote: I bought a used level and it has two bubbles in the center,
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Shake or tap the glass until it becomes one

Jun 2, 2006 | 04:45 PM

FLgargoyle

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Travelers Rest SC

Huntsman- you need to turn that level 180 degrees to test it. 90 degrees doesn't prove anything. We use ultra-precise levels at work (.0005" over 10"), and we first 'level' something, then turn the level 180 degrees and look at the error. With careful adjustments, we dial it in. Carpentry levels usually don't have any adjustment, but you can get an idea how much it's off, and in which direction. Here's a freebie- checking a square. Draw a line with your square on a really straight board, then flip the square over and check it. The error will be obvious. You can even 'adjust' a flat carpentry square. Lay it flat. If it's less than 90 degrees, hammer on the inside of the corner, If it's greater than 90 degrees, hammer on the outside of the corner. You are basically expanding the metal to force the square one way or the other. It's crude, but it works.