Some woodworkers scoff at owning a level because it is regarded as mostly a carpenter’s tool. Furniture doesn’t have to be level and plumb, does it?
A small level – about 12″ long – is a great thing to have in the workshop. You can use it to level your workbench. And then you can learn a lot of things about the chairs, stools and boxes you build there.
For me, a 12″ level is indispensable when leveling the legs of any piece of furniture – including a chest, table or chair. You can buy a cheap aluminum or plastic level from the home center. Or you can spend a little more and buy a vintage Starrett machinist’s level for $20 to $40. (Yes, there will be a temporary shortage and price spike because of this blog entry. But it will go away because Starrett made tons of these.)
These cast-iron Starrett levels are gorgeous. The three vials are replaceable. The tool’s underside is relieved so it sits nicely on a round surface, such as a chair stick. This level will remind you of how things used to be made for people in the trades.
There are fancier levels out there (Davis Tool and Level for starters). And there are some modern makers out there who do stunning work that is worth supporting, too. So get a level. And get one that makes you want to take care of it.
One more thing: If you want to get fancy, buy an inclinometer, too. These can help you precisely dial in the pitch of a chair seat, for example.
— Christopher Schwarz
Read other entries from The Anarchist’s Gift Guide here.
I do like the cast-in knurling. I was just yesterday cleaning an old Stanley metal spokeshave that had the same cast in texture on the handles.
Have found an App for my cell phone that serves me well for measuring inclines. Made a little wooden box with rare earth magnets recessed on the corners to allow use on my table saw blade. Endorse the use of levels. Lucky enough to have inherited 2 Starretts that are older that me, which is really old
The Starrett machinist’s levels used by the tool-and-jig makers at the places I’ve worked were much, much more precise than a carpenter’s level. They were always kept in fitted wood boxes, hidden away where mere welders, assemblers, engineers, and other barbarians couldn’t find them and use them for hammers.
As I have gotten older I am really liking the newer LED lit levels like the Empire ultra view ones. Klein also makes one but I find the empire easier on my eyes.
I’m fortunate that I still have excellent distance vision. Up close, not so much. About a year ago I broke down and got a 14″ and 24″ Stabila lighted digital levels. It’s not as satisfying as an old cast iron tool, but my eyes insisted.
I strongly endorse the acknowledgement of the Schwarz effect on rec’d (I almost wrote “endorsed” and i’m sorry…) tools. Very meta.
I have my Grandad’s Stanley rule and level #36, which is also a fine old cast iron level. You can still find replacement vials for them.
My grandfather was a carpenter, and they say a good one. I recently checked out his levels. My dad had scribbled/scratched notes on them because none of them were accurate. How my grandfather did his work still leaves me scratching my head…..
I’ve got several levels, none particularly fancy. None bespoke. But this hits home:
“ And get one that makes you want to take care of it.”
For me, that’s my late grandfather’s no name aluminum body 18” level. It’s my go to, but boy do I take care of it. It’s been checked for level at a friend’s machinist shop where he really cares about those things. It was damn near there and more than good enough for anything I’d need it for. Love it every time I use it. Prettiest? Nope? Good enough? More than.
Great list, keep it coming!
Thank you for this post – a great inspiration for a gift for my husband.
“And there are some modern makers out there who do stunning work that is worth supporting, too.”
I have a recent 12” one with all the features of the Starrett except for a rotating degree wheel, beautifully machined and stylishly pleasing to the eye. It is magnetic which comes in handy for some things I do – try clamping a steel rule to something when you want a precise degree of measurement if you want to repeat the angle on otherl pieces. This one is enameled bright red so you can find it easily. 🤪
I have two antique inclinometers that I have used.
I have an odd 24” one with a floating ball level and right angle groove that can be used when setting a post absolutely vertical – not much use in woodworking but great in building construction, which I do a lot.