how to level a long chalkline?

[David Nebenzahl]

On 6/16/2009 8:19 AM Doug Miller spake thus:

Amen. This ain't the Hubble Telescope.

Yep. I second that emotion.

[David Nebenzahl]

On 6/16/2009 10:12 AM DerbyDad03 spake thus:

Yes.

27 feet feet?

Sorry, couldn't resist. Always amuses me when I see constructs like "$27 million dollars".

Brought to you by your Department of Redundancy Department.

[DerbyDad03]

It was a typo, not a "construct".

I'll try to live up to your standards next time.

[David Nebenzahl]

On 6/16/2009 10:34 AM DerbyDad03 spake thus:

OK.

Then what will we do for amusement?

[Doug Miller]

Over any distance at all, the line level weighs enough to sag the line substantially -- which means that it won't give an accurate reading unless you have it in the *exact center* of the line.

[DerbyDad03]

Your posts?

[Frank]

You're probably right. I've never used it. The plastic tubing or hose method would be the best to use.

[DerbyDad03]

That's what's always bothered me about the design of some laser levels.

It's not that they aren't usable due to the small bubble that bothers me the most (yes, that sucks) but it's more the fact that the manufacturers actually produce them like that.

Who were the test users? Anybody who has actually used a level would have picked up on the problem the first time they tried to use the device. Sure, it shoots a nice straight line, but if the user has to guess as to whether the unit itself is level or not, what good is it?

The few times I've used mine, other than to have fun with the cat, I've laid it on top of a torpedo level with a decent sized bubble.

[Oren]

That's dang close! "Looks good from my house!"

[iwdplz]

If he uses the chalk line to make sure he's parallel with ALL of the dashed lines, including lines near the end which are vertically aligned using the top of the panel as a measuring reference, why wouldn't it be close at the end?

[ben]

what about a self-leveling laser level like the Stanley CL2 cross- line? reviewers say it works ok outdoors as long as it's in shade.

[Doug Miller]

Any small error in marking is magnified as the number of marks increases. So is any small error in the level itself.

A water level is dirt cheap to make and dirt simple to use, and its accuracy rivals that of professional surveying equipment. Why use anything else?

[Oren]

Saw this the other day. Made with aviation materials.

Short video:

"Stop squinting at the bubble"

[benick]

Get a 6 foot level and a pencil...It's not rocket science...Gesh....

[DerbyDad03]

re: "Made with aviation materials."

Really? Where did you get that from?

[Oren]

From the link. Aviation technology is mentioned.

Might be something from war planes and instruments panels

Maybe even NASA, but I looked. Take a gander.

[Brandon McCombs]

Recommending a product that you've never used? Genius.

[DerbyDad03]

re: "Take a gander"

I did. That's why I asked "Where did you that from?"

Go back, take another gander yourself and then come back and tell us what he *really* said.

[SteveB]

Water level or laser. Laser is simple. Water level will get it close as a gnat's whisker. Water level is cheaper, and you will use it on a lot of more projects. Easy to master, simple in principle. A good laser is also good, but you have to spend $$$ for a good one.

Steve

[SteveB]

Six foot level on a 20 foot run?

Gesh (sic)