I'm going to buy a smart level - probably the M-D SmartTool. I have the
need for rigging my plane, and of course I've wanted one for years. I
considered the Stabila too, but didn't see any advantage other than twice
the warrantee at twice the price. I believe M-D was the first one to
manufacture these, at least 20 years ago.
Once upon a time they were sold with an interchangeable module, so you could
buy the electronics once and move the module from a 2' level to a 4' level,
or just use the bare module. For whatever reason, they aren't
interchangeable any more. You now have to buy a bare module, or a 2' or 4'
level with the module permanently mounted.
I think I should buy the 2' one, which I see as more convenient and the
right size for most of what I do. It will fit directly into many places
where a 4' level is just too long (door headers, window sills and tops,
etc.). The length shouldn't diminish the accuracy any - the modules are all
the same. I figure that if I really need a 4' smart level, I can hold the
2' one on my 4' bubble level, using the shorter one for its accuracy and the
longer one for its length. But I hesitate - because if some is good (a 2'
level), then more is better (a 4' level) ;-)
Seriously, do some of you guys who use this stuff every day have any advice?
Thanks in advance!
Karl
PS - in case anyone ever considers buying the much-less-expensive 24"
electronic level from Sears - don't. It's just not repeatable. I can
measure my granite countertops and get different readings in the same spot
moments apart. Just lift one end and set it back down again, and it may
well read different by a couple of tenths of a degree or more. The joy of a
low sale price was rapidly diminished by the POS nature of the product.
Assault is a behavior, not a device.
64,999,997 firearm owners killed no one yesterday.
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