Starrett 8 or 12

[fat tony]

When getting a machinist level, I would advise to check that the V-shaped groove on the bottom is not too wide (if the level has one). If it is too wide and you are using the machinist level on top of a carpenter's level, the machinist level will most likely not sit accurately on top of the longer level because the V-shaped groove's edges go past the edges of the carpenter's level. And it will not give an accurate reading. The machinist level will wobble sideways and if you are pounding the slate wedges in, the machinist level almost surely will drop to the slate.

I don't have a Starrett (I use a 0.02mm/m level that has no markings as to make or model) but from what I have seem in pictures, those Starrets that have a V-groove don't have the problem detailed above.

 

[buckshotshoey]

When getting a machinist level, I would advise to check that the V-shaped groove on the bottom is not too wide (if the level has one). If it is too wide and you are using the machinist level on top of a carpenter's level, the machinist level will most likely not sit accurately on top of the longer level because the V-shaped groove's edges go past the edges of the carpenter's level. And it will not give an accurate reading. The machinist level will wobble sideways and if you are pounding the slate wedges in, the machinist level almost surely will drop to the slate.

I don't have a Starrett (I use a 0.02mm/m level that has no markings as to make or model) but from what I have seem in pictures, those Starrets that have a V-groove don't have the problem detailed above.

I'll measure mine to see what it is.

 

[Das Cue-Boot]

Good advice from Fat Tony. For a long level, I use a Home Depot quality generic with a machinists level on top.

I’ve found that if you get one that is too accurate, you spend too much time chasing your tail, and it doesn’t appreciably improve anything. The Moore and Wrights that I use are 0.3 mm/m which for my skill is right about the sweet spot. If I can get everything within a mark or so on those, they are right on with a 0.5mm/m level (I use a Stanley 34 that I picked up for $25 on eBay) to check. I’m sure there are pool players who can tell at that accuracy, but for my home table and the non-profits I take care of, it is plenty good enough.

 

[buckshotshoey]

When getting a machinist level, I would advise to check that the V-shaped groove on the bottom is not too wide (if the level has one). If it is too wide and you are using the machinist level on top of a carpenter's level, the machinist level will most likely not sit accurately on top of the longer level because the V-shaped groove's edges go past the edges of the carpenter's level. And it will not give an accurate reading. The machinist level will wobble sideways and if you are pounding the slate wedges in, the machinist level almost surely will drop to the slate.

I don't have a Starrett (I use a 0.02mm/m level that has no markings as to make or model) but from what I have seem in pictures, those Starrets that have a V-groove don't have the problem detailed above.

I'll measure mine to see what it is.

The groove on mine is 15/16".

 

[GoldCrown]

There is absolutely no need for high dollar levels used for precision machining work.

Starrett. No need but preferred and recommended for pool tables. Doesn’t that say a lot?

 

[buckshotshoey]

Starrett. No need but preferred and recommended for pool tables. Doesn’t that say a lot?

If you have the money, go for it. Buy its not even close to necessary to spend that much when the cheaper one does the job just as well. It's about economics.

 

[rexus31]

If you have the money, go for it. Buy its not even close to necessary to spend that much when the cheaper one does the job just as well. It's about economics.

So Harbor Freight tools/power tools are just as good as the popular name brands?

 

[GoldCrown]

So Harbor Freight tools/power tools are just as good as the popular name brands?

Maybe they are Starrett's inside out. Or seconds. Or for those that can carve a decoy with a toothpick.

 

[GoldCrown]

I realize this is social media and drifts.... The question is which Starrett? 8 or 12? And thanks for the reasoning or either

 

[buckshotshoey]

So Harbor Freight tools/power tools are just as good as the popular name brands?

Don't be foolish. We are talking about leveling pool table slates. Not machining a rocket part. The $80 one I have works flawless for that purpose. It is absolutely not necessary to spend 3 times that for leveling pool tables.

Like I said... if you have the extra money and want a Starrett, go for it.

 

[realkingcobra]

Don't be foolish. We are talking about leveling pool table slates. Not machining a rocket part. The $80 one I have works flawless for that purpose. It is absolutely not necessary to spend 3 times that for leveling pool tables.

Like I said... if you have the extra money and want a Starrett, go for it.

I would never level a pool table with anything less than the qualify of a Starrett 98-8 machinist level, but then again, I'm a professional and not an amateur, so I don't do amateur level work.

 

[GoldCrown]

I would never level a pool table with anything less than the qualify of a Starrett 98-8 machinist level, but then again, I'm a professional and not an amateur, so I don't do amateur level work.

Case closed. There is a difference.

 

[fat tony]

If you have the money, go for it. Buy its not even close to necessary to spend that much when the cheaper one does the job just as well. It's about economics.

Does the cheaper one do the work just as well, though? I for one would actually want to know.
Anyone here have many different make levels that can chime in? How would we test their accuracy against each other?

 

[GoldCrown]

Does the cheaper one do the work just as well, though? I for one would actually want to know.
Anyone here have many different make levels that can chime in? How would we test their accuracy against each other?

There's a few ways to do this.
Try whatever level the mech seems appropriate. See how it goes. You like it. Getting results. Stop here.
Buy a Starrett to begin with. (Buy once Cry once)
Take RKC's word and the other professional mechanics here.

 

[buckshotshoey]

Does the cheaper one do the work just as well, though? I for one would actually want to know.
Anyone here have many different make levels that can chime in? How would we test their accuracy against each other?

It is VERY accurate. Our table is still perfectly level.

 

[buckshotshoey]

I would never level a pool table with anything less than the qualify of a Starrett 98-8 machinist level, but then again, I'm a professional and not an amateur, so I don't do amateur level work.

You could do the exact same quality of work with the level I use. Don't talk shit about the level I use unless you've tried it first.

 

[realkingcobra]

You could do the exact same quality of work with the level I use. Don't talk shit about the level I use unless you've tried it first.

Don't talk shit about YOUR level until you use it to assemble and level a 9ft, 3 piece slate professional!! When you've done that, then come back and report your results!!!!

 

[buckshotshoey]

Don't talk shit about YOUR level until you use it to assemble and level a 9ft, 3 piece slate professional!! When you've done that, then come back and report your results!!!!

9 foot Gold Crown will have to be close enough.

Talking shit is all you know. Nothing has changed.

 

[realkingcobra]

You could do the exact same quality of work with the level I use. Don't talk shit about the level I use unless you've tried it first.

Not ALL of us work on cheap pool tables, some require more precision tools!!

 

[realkingcobra]

9 foot Gold Crown will have to be close enough.

Talking shit is all you know. Nothing has changed.

Your problem is you don't like being proven wrong! I'd be willing to bet your idea of level on a GC don't match my minimum requirements for level for that matter!!!