Level Measurement

[Conman]

I hope someone can assist with this question.

I'm installing equipment that has a level requirement of +/- 2 degrees of Zero. The company I work for has supply a 2 ft construction type level. I don't believe this is accurate enough.

I know most levels are calibrated in arc seconds. How can I convince ny company that a better level is needed?

[OlDave]

Conman

Sorry to be unable to help you get a new toy to play with. But a standard 24 inch carpenters level is more than adequate for assuring level to within ±2°.

You can prove that the level is working by reversing ends on a mostly level surface and see if the bubble returns to the same point. And you can see if it is sensitive enough to measure 2° by putting a 1 inch piece of lumber (like a 1 x 3 or a 1 x 2) under one end and seeing how far the bubble moves.

On a 2° angle with a hypotenuse of 24 inches (your level) the opposite side will be 0.84 inches (the 1 x 3).

[Conman]

thanks. Guess this time I'm wrong. Darn hate that!!! 

[jimmyc]

isn't 1x3 lumber (the size before drying) really only 3/4 x 2 1/2.  easy site for figuring angle if you forgot how to do trig.

http://www.easycalculation.com/trigonometry/triangle-angles.php

at 3/4 inch, the angle will be 1.79 deg.

[OlDave]

Yes, it is. And I wasn't really trying to be precise and "calibrate" the level. Just using that as an easy to describe example of getting close with materials easily available.

But if you were to put the "back" edge of the 1x3 flush with the end of the level you would have an angle of almost exactly 2°. Then you would only have a hypotenuse of ~21.4985 inches and an opposite side of 0.75 inches for an angle of 1° 59' 57".