Watts Precisian level

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Watts Precisian level

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  • #801998
    Ian Owen NZ
    Participant
      @ianowennz

      A few months ago I won an auction for a Watts Precision level, thinking I got a bargain.

      Well today I tried using it and found out it is not “true” if you level the lathe with the level placed in one direction then turn the level 180deg it’s no longer level.

      I’ve attached some photos to demonstrate how far out it is and also showing some of the adjustment screws.

      Does anyone know how to adjust the vial, ie which screw does what.

      Thanks

      Ian

      IMG_8450

      IMG_8448

      IMG_8449

       

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      #802003
      Pete Rimmer
      Participant
        @peterimmer30576

        I have one of those, very similar if not identical (I’d have to go and check). i haven’t had to make any adjustments to mine but if I did i would start by removing the top plate and looking to see if there is any clue.

        Be aware that these levels are so sensitive that mine would move if you put it on the floor then walked around to the other side. Double-check that there is no burr or debris that it might be resting on and that there are no dings in the bottom edges from poor handling. You can take a hard stone and gently stone the bottom face a few strokes then carefully check for shiny spots. These will affect the reading of the level.

        #802069
        noel shelley
        Participant
          @noelshelley55608

          Was it once owned by NAPIER of Sabre and Deltic fame ? Noel.

          #802073
          Peter Cook 6
          Participant
            @petercook6

            Noel, could well be. Netherton was the location of he WW2 shadow factory set up to produce Sabre engines, and later (under English Electric’s control) built Deltics. My father worked there as an inspection engineer from its wartime setup (1942/43 ?) until about 1970/72.

            Wonder if he ever handled that particular level!!!

            #802110
            Michael Gilligan
            Participant
              @michaelgilligan61133

              This doesn’t help regarding the specifics of that  Watts level … but I thought it worth posting for the benefit of any newcomers.

              https://youtu.be/SdtolQ6acak?feature=shared

              MichaelG.

              .

              #802115
              Pete Rimmer
              Participant
                @peterimmer30576

                Right, having inspected the one I have here at home I would say that on the side of the level in pic 3 you have a slotted screw with a hex set screw underneath. I think that the slotted screw is a pinch screw for the vial to hold it firm once adjusted. The hex socket screw underneath is the adjuster, it’s probably conical and screwing it inwards lifts that end of the vial. Turn the level over and on the underside you should find a small screw in line with the socket head adjuster screw. I think that this is a locking screw to stop the adjuster screw from moving once it’s been set.

                Your adjuster screw looks to be a lot more proud than the one on mine. Perhaps it’s been fiddled with or perhaps the little pinch screw underneath is missing and it’s managed to fall out of adjustment.

                 

                 

                #802170
                Ian Owen NZ
                Participant
                  @ianowennz
                  On Peter Cook 6 Said:

                  Noel, could well be. Netherton was the location of he WW2 shadow factory set up to produce Sabre engines, and later (under English Electric’s control) built Deltics. My father worked there as an inspection engineer from its wartime setup (1942/43 ?) until about 1970/72.

                  Wonder if he ever handled that particular level!!!

                  I have no idea if it was or not, but i did win it from a UK seller.

                  I removed the top bezel and found someone has had it off before, the flat screw head should be like the screw at the other end, there is a nut on the other end of each screw that is accessed on the bottom of the level.

                  After studying the vial I see there are two black socket head screws at the end with the cross vial, screwing these in will raise that end of the vial.

                  The screw with the lock nut around it toward the top at the other end of the vial prevents the vial moving sideways at that end, and the lower screw is for adjusting the rise and fall of the vial at that end of the level. This adjusting screw has a lock screw coming in from the bottom. Just as Peter said.

                  I will use my other precision level, which I know is accurate, to get the lathe level then adjust the Watts level.

                  When I got the Hilger Watts level it even came in it’s black fitted box which has serial #5 Napier Netherton on it so It is the original box.

                   

                  Peter how far out is your adjusting screw?

                  Thanks Ian

                  #802172
                  Nicholas Farr
                  Participant
                    @nicholasfarr14254

                    Hi, adjusting this type of level is not that easy, but the surface you do it on doesn’t have to be dead level, but it must be flat. Both the surface you use and the level should be in the same room at a constant temperature for at least a couple of hours or more, to stabilise, and you shouldn’t handle the level anymore than needed, and of course the whole affair should be very solid, as even moving your body can affect the readings. Adjustments should be in small stages, and when rotating it to check, it needs to be on the exact same spot as much as possible, as even a few microns can make a difference. I’ve got a level that is 0.0002″/10″ which is a waste of time having really, and is really difficult to calibrate, and even a small change in temperature will alter its reading.

                    Regards Nick.

                    #802280
                    John Hinkley
                    Participant
                      @johnhinkley26699

                      And a quick reminder culled from previous, similar threads – don’t try any of these adjustments if you on board a ship or other floating vessel!

                      John

                       

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