Watts Precisian level

[Ian Owen NZParticipant @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

 

[Pete RimmerParticipant @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.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

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

[Peter Cook 6Participant @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!!!

[Michael GilliganParticipant @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.

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[Pete RimmerParticipant @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.

 

 

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