Levels are essential tools for any woodworking project. They help ensure that the object being built is level and true. Levels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all levels share the same fundamental purpose—to determine if an object is level or not.
Vintage levels were made of either wood or steel. On better quality wood levels, they were usually made of a hardwood and the edges and ends were bound in brass. Some vintage steel levels were very ornate. Longer levels have more bubble vials in order to give more data points for reading how level an object is.
There are two main types of levels: spirit levels and digital levels. Spirit levels are made from glass vials filled with colored liquid and air bubbles. As their name suggests, they rely on using “the spirit” to detect whether something is level or not by watching the position of the bubble within the vial. Digital levels use electronic sensors to measure angles and display them on a screen, making them much more accurate than traditional spirit levels.
No matter which type of level you choose, it’s important to select one that is designed for the task at hand. For example, if you are working on a large project then it is important to get a longer level so that you can measure levels across greater distances. Similarly, digital levels with higher levels of accuracy will be beneficial if your project requires precision measurements.
Whichever type of level you use, make sure to check it before each use and ensure that the readings are accurate. This will help ensure that any woodworking project you undertake is built accurately and safely. With the right levels in hand, woodworking projects become easier and more enjoyable!