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Unpopular opinion: I started using a cheap magnetic level from Harbor Freight on my rail alignments.
Figured it would be fine for a quick check, but it was off by a full 1/16 over 10 feet compared to my Starrett. Now I'm wondering if anyone has actually found a decent budget level for spot checks, or if it's just a waste of money.
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jackson.wesley5mo ago
Come on, a 1/16 over ten feet is nothing for most jobs! That Harbor Freight level is perfect for the price. For quick spot checks and rough framing, it gets you 95% of the way there. Not every project needs Starrett precision, and that little magnet is so handy. Sometimes good enough is actually good enough.
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danielm155mo ago
My old boss used to say if you're within 1/8 over eight feet, the trim will hide it, so @jackson.wesley is right on the money.
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shanenguyen5mo ago
Yeah that "good enough is actually good enough" line from @jackson.wesley is spot on for rough work. Read a forum post where a guy checked his HF level against a machinist square and it was dead on. For hanging a door or slapping up a wall, that 1/16 drift over ten feet just doesn't matter. The magnet saves so much time when you're working alone.
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