DIY Level

This instructable explains how to build a simple level based of the design of T levels that were used in construction work. Unlike conventional levels this level does not require a spirt and instead relies on a plumb bob making it easier to construct. Due to its simple design the level can be constructed in under an hour, the design is easy to modify and is scalable allowing for easy customisation.

Tools:

1. Safety gloves.
2. Impact resistant safety glasses.
3. Dust mask.
4. Steel ruler.
5. Pencil and rubber.
6. Waterproof pen.
7. Cutting knife (Stanley knife, large Excel knife or similar ).
8. Cutting matt.
9. Stapple gun.
10. Protractor.
11. Paintbrush (optional).

Materials:

1. Plywood,16.5X12(cm), 3ply, 4mm thick.
2. String 35(cm) long.
3. Plumb Bob (Can be bought or made from: Bolts, Fishing weights, scrap metal or other suitable material).
4. Stapples.
5. White paint (optional).
6. Tracing paper (optional).
7. Transparent varnish (Optional).

Carefully mark out your design using pencil on the plywood, either mark it out using a ruler and protractor or trace the plans using tracing paper.

Carefully cut out the shape from the plywood using the cutting knife, cut along the line marking the exterior using a ruler to ensure a straight edge is cut. Gently cut multiple shallow cuts along the edge using the knife, until the level has been cut out. This will ensure that the level does not have any ragged edges. Cut a small notch (rectangular or v shaped) at the top of the level, as indicated on the plans. Wear impact resistant safety glasses and safety gloves to protect against injury at this stage.

Painting the face white (or another colour) will help increase the contrast of the markings making the level easier to read. However this step is optional as the level will still work without it.

Using a waterproof pen and ruler carefully mark out the scales on the level as indicated in the plan, carefully darkening the faint pencil lines with the pen. At this stage you can optionally varnish the level with transparent waterproof varnish if you want to increase its lifespan. When varnishing wear safety glasses, gloves and a dust mask.

Securely attach one end of the string to the plumb bob, then feed the string through the notch at the top of the level, secure the string in a position where the base of the plumb bob sits just above the base of the level. Securely stapple the string to the back of the level.

Thank you for reading this Instructable. I hope you enjoy reading and building this Instructable, as well as using the level. When using the level simply place on the surface that you wish to measure, when the string and plumb bob have settled look to see where they sit on the scale, the surface is level if the string runs vertically through the centre scale or inclined if it runs through the scales to the side, as shown in the photograph.

Feel free to experiment with different materials and design modifications when building this level.