I am cutting (3) 4x4 support posts for beams supporting the joists of
a deck. One corner post is at the height I need. The posts are 10'
apart. Can I set a straight 2x10 on edge on the correct corner post
and use a level at the next post to determine the correct height so
that the post is level with the corner post? How accurate is a level
used at the end of a 10' board?
Once the second post is level with the corner post I was going to use
the same technique until all the posts were level? Is there a better
way to make sure the posts are level over 30'?
thanks tom

Easy to make and more accurate than a laser level, can even level
around blind corners.

http://www.buildeazy.com/fp_waterlevel.html

"RayV" wrote in message
ups.com...
Easy to make and more accurate than a laser level, can even level
around blind corners.

http://www.buildeazy.com/fp_waterlevel.html


You can have the most expensive level made. But $10 off clear hose a
little tap water can't be beat especially for what your doing.

wrote:
I am cutting (3) 4x4 support posts for beams supporting the joists of
a deck. One corner post is at the height I need. The posts are 10'
apart. Can I set a straight 2x10 on edge on the correct corner post
and use a level at the next post to determine the correct height so
that the post is level with the corner post? How accurate is a level
used at the end of a 10' board?
Once the second post is level with the corner post I was going to use
the same technique until all the posts were level? Is there a better
way to make sure the posts are level over 30'?
thanks tom

It is just as accurate as you can read it. If you continue around back
to the starting point I will put money on it that your marks won't line
up.

As others have said - Water Level.

Harry K

wrote:

I am cutting (3) 4x4 support posts for beams supporting the joists of
a deck. One corner post is at the height I need. The posts are 10'
apart. Can I set a straight 2x10 on edge on the correct corner post
and use a level at the next post to determine the correct height so
that the post is level with the corner post? How accurate is a level
used at the end of a 10' board?

For this job you definately want to use the water level that Ray
points you to-
http://www.buildeazy.com/fp_waterlevel.html

Well worth the time and infinately more accurate than what you were
going to try.

If you just had one spot where you needed to 'extend' your 2 foot
level-- use the straightest board you can find-- then turn it over and
see if it reads the same.

Once the second post is level with the corner post I was going to use
the same technique until all the posts were level? Is there a better
way to make sure the posts are level over 30'?

It sounds like you are going to try to level post #2 from post #1.
No matter what method or tool you use don't make that [common]
mistake. Pick a point and make all your measurements from that
point. As long as you get the bubbles out you can use a 50' piece of
tubing in that bucket & tubing level. [from the sounds you can
probably do your deck with a 20' piece.]

Jim

Get you some clear plastic tubing put some water in it and you have
your level that is absolutely correct (water seeks its level). Get the
picture?.
Besure the ends of your tube are open and the water in one end will be
perfectly level with the water in the other end.

Just use a garden hose.
Fix one end at the known height and put the other end a little bit
higher and fill with water.
Lower the unknown end until water added just crowns the top of both
ends.
Or get real fancy and add a foot of clear to each end.

wrote:
I am cutting (3) 4x4 support posts for beams supporting the joists of
a deck. One corner post is at the height I need. The posts are 10'
apart. Can I set a straight 2x10 on edge on the correct corner post
and use a level at the next post to determine the correct height so
that the post is level with the corner post? How accurate is a level
used at the end of a 10' board?
Once the second post is level with the corner post I was going to use
the same technique until all the posts were level? Is there a better
way to make sure the posts are level over 30'?
thanks tom

Yea - Water levels are good for this, as others have said.

Other options
-Transit

- String level (Sag is a problem over a long distance and not a great
choice)

- laser level - This is what I would use (I have one already) B&D ones
are cheap and will do the trick
http://www.blackanddecker.com/Produc...Path=1496.1513
Make sure you get an auto leveling type. I have this one
http://www.blackanddecker.com/Produc...ProductID=7859

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On Mon, 24 Apr 2006 09:48:22 -0400, Jim Elbrecht
wrote:

wrote:

I am cutting (3) 4x4 support posts for beams supporting the joists of
a deck. One corner post is at the height I need. The posts are 10'
apart. Can I set a straight 2x10 on edge on the correct corner post
and use a level at the next post to determine the correct height so
that the post is level with the corner post? How accurate is a level
used at the end of a 10' board?

For this job you definately want to use the water level that Ray
points you to-
http://www.buildeazy.com/fp_waterlevel.html

Well worth the time and infinately more accurate than what you were
going to try.

If you just had one spot where you needed to 'extend' your 2 foot
level-- use the straightest board you can find-- then turn it over and
see if it reads the same.


For what it's worth, if you do that, and then split
the difference, you generally end up pretty damn close.

But a water level is still a better idea.