Anybody ever use this level?

[dan-fox]

I keep bidding on and losing auctions for old Starrett 98-12's, so I thought I'd look around. I found this from Grizzly Tools:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Master-Machinist-s-Level-12-x-0005-Per-10-/H2683

'Grizzly H2683 - Master Machinist's Level - 12" x .0005" Per 10" '

$108 + $19 flat rate shipping = chump change more than I've been risking on old used machinist's levels. I thought I'd ask before I plunked down the hard-earned, though. I have an old table that I bought for a couple hundred bucks that's ready to reassemble (I've finished the cosmetic cleanup stuff) so I need something better than my Craftsman 4' carpenter's level (which will still see use as a straightedge).

-Dan Fox

 

[fastone371]

I can not say I am familiar with those Grizzly levels. Having spent well north of $100k in tools so far I am personally hesitant to buy off brand tools that I am not familiar with. I am not saying Grizzly levels are bad, its just that I am not familiar with them. The specs say it should be OK, but I have bought tools that were supposed to be good that were anything but. If it was a Starrett or other name brand I would say no problem. Hopefully someone on here is familiar with them good or bad just so you have some info. If you can go and put your hands on it that would give me the confidence to buy it but if my only option was mail order I would be concerned. Most of the time just being able to hold and inspect something is good enough to give you an idea if it will meet your expectations. Good luck, let us know if you decide to buy it please.

 

[dan-fox]

If you can go and put your hands on it that would give me the confidence to buy it but if my only option was mail order I would be concerned. Most of the time just being able to hold and inspect something is good enough to give you an idea if it will meet your expectations.

That would have been a good idea, but I just looked and found out that Grizzly closed up shop in their East Coast site a little over a year ago. Driving more than 2 hours each way to examine a $100 tool would have added significantly to the cost, also.

 

[KC7MRQ]

import level

I have one of those levels and mine is as accurate and repeatable as my 98. The Starrett bubble and graduations are easier to see at an angle compared to the this level. You have to be directly above the import level to see the bubble and graduations.

It can be purchased on ebay for $88.


Corey

 

[dan-fox]

I have one of those levels and mine is as accurate and repeatable as my 98. The Starrett bubble and graduations are easier to see at an angle compared to the this level. You have to be directly above the import level to see the bubble and graduations.

It can be purchased on ebay for $88.

Thanks! I'll check that out. The limitation on view angle doesn't sound like a showstopper (says he who has never done this before ).

 

[ROB.M]

Level

.0005 is to sinsitive for a common pool slate, you'll not have much fun leveling pool table slates with a level that is .0005 sensitive.
I service and sell the Starrett style level that is .005 sensitive with ground and graduated vial.
I have a 98-8 style level I'm currently selling for $88.00 shipped.
I'll post a pic when back to the shop. Other than that I have starett 12 inch levels that come up for sale often.<~ keep your eyes open in the for sale section. More soon.


Rob.M

 

[The ProRailbird]

.0005 is to sinsitive for a common pool slate, you'll not have much fun leveling pool table slates with a level that is .0005 sensitive.
I service and sell the Starrett style level that is .005 sensitive with ground and graduated vial.

You are correct!

My brother is a Machinist and I borrowed his German made .0005 level to try and set up my Gold Crown. He told me it would most likely be too sensitive, but we tried it anyway.

It took about 30 seconds to confirm that it was too sensitive.
If you have it sitting level and you a hair under one end, you almost loose sight of the bubble.

 

[app4dstn]

Thanks! I'll check that out. The limitation on view angle doesn't sound like a showstopper (says he who has never done this before ).

Mine is an 8 foot 3 piece slate and I used one starrett. There's no way I could have made readings inward from the perimeter if I had to be directly over the level without touching the table.

I would've thought they all would be as visibly accessible. Glad that I ended up with starrett. Fwiw I hunted eBay almost 2 months and got mine when about 10 levels got listed in a week span.

I'd go to dontlitethat in a heartbeat if I needed another or mine needed repair. What he does is amazing.