Levels Articles

Levels attracted me 43 years ago with their exotic woods and fancy cast iron designs.  Machine shops were in a panic just after the Civil War because they had been making armament for the war and now that it was over, many of them started making tools of every description, including levels.  You will find levels made of cherry, due of its availability and stability resulting in less chance of warpage.  This was what most levels were made of, followed by Honduran Mahogany and  Brazilian Rosewood.  Most of the Rosewood levels were top of the line of their respective manufacturers and were of special order.  Sometime in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, this industry was banned from importing Rosewood due to deforestation concerns, so manufacturers switched to American Mahogany, which is a very soft wood. Hence the reason that all of the wooden levels of today being brass bound to protect the edges.

If you don’t have the room to show the longer levels than there are many, many options for small levels.  Machinist’s levels, Pocket levels, Torpedo levels; the list is endless.  Line levels in the box from a multitude of manufacturers are easily located; all you have to do is get out there and look for them.

There are original catalogs, reprints of old catalogs and publications of MidWest Tool Collectors Association (MWTCA) that can help identify what you have found.  There are members within this organization that are willing to help with your growing hobby.  Easiest solution: All you have to do is ask.

Larry Breweur   919-452-0580

Durham, NC 27712