A colleague has been using these jobbies…

http://www.oldtooluser.com/TypeStudy/stanNo41PocketLevelTypeStudy.htm

- set up on framing squares, to set out his datums. And though I will probably continue to rely on a planer relationship between winding sticks to line out timbers, I have been playing at this method also, and have become intrigued with the things enough that I recently purchased one – yup, ebay.

Part of my interest lies not just in how I might use them, to describe planes of reference from a square, but also in how they were used by the folks who purchased them new.

I’m finding very little information about them, but most all references discuss their use with squares. I’m wondering, who used them and how…

Did a google book search, thinking Hodgson et al ; might have spoken to them – came up blank – Though that might have to do with my using their current name as a search criteria – Pocket level – Was that their 19th century name ?

Anybody out there have a reprinted Stanley catalog ?

Anybody else using them ?

Will, could be a simple way too bring along a level, less tools or at least a smaller tool. How accurate are they? Can it be adjusted if need be? Did you pick up two, one for each end of the timber? It wouldn't be a hands free device when checking length for level but would be for wind. I will have to check in at Hulls Cove in Bar Harbor next time I'm in the area. Tim

It had occurred to me that it might be as simple as that, that one of these in your box meant you always had a level, and what is the most likely strait edge a carpenter might have to clamp it to, his square.

I just have the one. It’s un-winding I’m talking here. The one gets it done.

They are accurate despite the seemingly short registration. No adjustability – The screw heads you see in some of the decorated brass tops are not real but just part of the design.

Lee Valley have a new version with rare earth magnets.
I was given one early in my apprenticeship and it's found many uses over the last ten years.:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32606&cat=1,42936,42945
That said,, I should use it more!

The Lee Valley level also has a second ruler holder. This seems similar to the device Jim Roger has put together. I have been using small G-R4 vice grips to hold the combo square to the framing square for marking housings on those wayne edges. They could of add, housed pockets on the non reference faces of timbers, in thier description.

Tim