Rising to a new Level

[mklotz]

Now how do you calibrate it? What do you have that is certified level to begin with.

It is interesting that machinist levels are "adjustable" so that you can set your lathe "level" to it's stand not that it is certified level.

Levels are self-calibrating.

Set the level on any flat (not necessarily level) surface. Mark around its base. Note the position of the bubble.

Now turn the level 180 degrees and place it on the marks made previously. If the bubble returns to the same position as in the first orientation, the level is calibrated. If not, make adjustment and iterate procedure until it is.

Rather than marking around the base, I prefer to make a corner pocket into which to fit the level. Clamping a machinist's square or similar to a mill table works well.