Tool Talk

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: HeelSpur on November 21, 2015, 12:39:26 PM

Title: 8' Level
Post by: HeelSpur on November 21, 2015, 12:39:26 PM

Znamien's thread got me wondering about this 8 footer, what was it used for?
Been in the rafters for years,

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/716/23182934115_d419a6bf71_m.jpg)(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5734/22814941039_6166b1559a_m.jpg)(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5816/23182857905_223d95d1f5_m.jpg)(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5807/22554335454_c6e5ca9b51_m.jpg)

Title: Re: 8' Level
Post by: Aunt Phil on November 21, 2015, 08:05:37 PM

Before the laser, long levels and piano wire were the favored method of establishing a long plane.
The 8 foot bubble stick could get a lot of work done before somebody could set up an optical level and or plumbbob.

Title: Re: 8' Level
Post by: turnnut on November 21, 2015, 08:13:12 PM

piano wire was also used to check I-beams for any sagging.

Title: Re: 8' Level
Post by: HeelSpur on November 22, 2015, 07:46:19 AM

I had balloon framing stuck in my mind but I reckon it would have worked in lots of different ways, thanks.

Title: Re: 8' Level
Post by: Aunt Phil on November 22, 2015, 12:12:23 PM

Quote from: turnnut on November 21, 2015, 08:13:12 PM

piano wire was also used to check I-beams for any sagging.

Along that same line, I know of 4 overhead cranes built in 1942 in a war plant that had stressed piano wire on the main beam for deflection indicators till the wire rotted.   Story was a few men beeded to change their underwear when the weight landed.

Title: Re: 8' Level
Post by: mvwcnews on November 22, 2015, 01:07:40 PM

Long levels for masonry & concrete flat work -- I have a 72" long level designed  for flat work -- the top edge is highest in the center, with a hand hold cut in -- the vial is centered below the hand hold & only viewable from the sides.