Starrett Machinists' Level with Ground and Graduated Main Vial - Ideal for Machine Shop and Tool Room Use - 6" Length, Cross Test Vial, Without Case - 98-6

The Starrett Machinists' Level is an exceptional tool for precision work in the machine shop. Its ground and graduated main vial provides unparalleled accuracy, ensuring perfect surface alignment every time. The build quality is top-notch, with a durable finish that withstands the rigors of daily use. The level's ergonomic design and precise adjustments make it easy to use, even for complex tasks. Whether you're working on intricate projects or routine maintenance, this level is a reliable and indispensable tool. Highly recommend it to anyone in need of a high-quality machinist level.

If you thought a good hardware store level was precise, think again. I needed this to level out the platen on my wide format printer, we’re talking about fractions of a mm tolerance that were causing the print carriage to rub. After using steel thickness gauges to level everything out, we were still getting a slight bit of blur across the travel.Bring in a $300 level I never knew I needed. First, you have to calibrate this yourself. Look up some videos and find a VERY stable table or just go straight to the concrete like I did, just make sure the floor is clean and there is no lose debris. Place some tape marks and take your time alternating directions. Once calibrated, you’ll be able to capture the slightest inaccuracies. 0.0002” per foot tolerance is no joke.We were able to plum up the platen in no time and fix the detail issue with the printer. Life saver! Would have never been able to achieve the same results using an ordinary level, not even close.It’s expensive for what it is, but everything about it is precision machined and the glass vial is insanely sensitive. The 12” version I purchased actually comes with 3 total levels. I knew it had an extra one on the front for a second axis, but it also has another for a 3rd axis located in the middle where the finger holes are.At this price and sensitivity, I wish it came with a case. It’s pretty robust and the main vial has a cover, but I’d like to give it some extra protection anyway.

I was amazed of the accuracy of a machinists type of level vs a good carpenters level. No comparison, and Starrett, as anyone knows has a reputation that is second to none.When I borrowed my brother's Starrett 8" machinist level, and used it to level my pool table, it truly did the job so well, that it's almost like magic, seeing how straight the balls could actually roll, and even when hit slow, they continue on their straight path with no variation at all of getting off course. I had been trying to get one of these for over a year on e-bay, but gosh, the prices were always over $100.00 even for those that could have been taken better care of. I finally decided to pay a little more and just get a new one. It will easily hold its value by taking care of it, and in 30 years time, will be worth more if not abused.Next project will be a plane, and needed something I could truly rely on to level the table with. It already made a believer out of me with how well it leveled my pool table. I use digital levelers on occasion, but trust this one more. And 100 years down the road to whomever inherits and still has this level, if they had taken care of it, it'll still be as good as the day I bought it. One can't say as much for electronic levels and will probably be lucky to get ten years use out of them. Their displays have a tendency to go out, and they are a bit finicky. It's nice when old fashioned technology trumps some of this new stuff. This is one such case.

I know the need for a level of this level and beyond are rare for most. However if you’re someone who owns your own machines, these are worth the investment over and over. Not only peace of mind but wear and tear over time on cutters. Also narrow tolerances equal more time on a work piece and the more precise the better. Cannot go wrong with these.

Works great at a good price

The Starrett 98-6 is an exceptional instrument to use for leveling a tripod head. The more accurate the level the less the astronomical instrument needs to be moved during observations. The Starrett 98-6 provides the accuracy. The instrument is well made and fully adjustable to calibrate this level. The cast iron machined base with the vial post provides a stable foot print for the six inch base. The vial is clearly marked to provide accurate reading once calibrated. The vial protective cover is excellent. Every company has some faults in their manufacturing but Starrett still provides the best quality equipment for setting up machines and providing a level base for a large diameter astronomical instruments. This is the perfect mix of quality and money spent. Thank You Starrett. The astrophotography images will be better.

I was a bit torn between this level and one made/sold by Accusize. I've used Accusize products before and have been very happy with their quality and price. The Accusize was a little different style but likely would work just fine for my uses. Ultimately I decided to go with the Starrett solely based on the fact that it is American made and it's quality is undisputed.Out of the box I had to make some adjustments to dial it in perfectly. I'm assuming if I'd have spent the big money for a "certified" model this would not have been necessary. The adjustment took a little time only because this instrument is so accurate. A tiny amount of adjustment results in a large movement of the bubble. This isn't a bad thing but it just makes things take a bit of time to get perfect. I little finer thread may make things easier.Other than the adjusting this is one awesome quality item. If you need precision leveling this is a great tool to have. I only knocked off a star because of the adjusting. The need to adjust isn't an issue but an ultra fine thread on the adjusting nut I believe would make things a little easier.

Very accurate