Bubble for Spirit Level

[^woody^]

Arrr, tool nostalgia!

I have some old tools but these are kept for the memories, but not to use - as practically has set in and modern equivalents have replaced them

My old man would pull out a plethora of old fashioned tools - like Stanley hand drills, bit and braces, Yankee drivers, and various block planes from one of those old carpenters suit case boxes. And oddly enough, he would still do a job quicker and with less fuss than me with all my cordless stuff and modern 'gadgets'

The only tool I wish I still had, was a Stabila girder level which I won as an apprentice. But it was used and abused and is long gone.

But it is true that the old quality tools have, and will outlast anything made today

 

[xerxes]

It might be worth trying Leeside Tools to see if they can help you.

 

[tonydiy]

Hi xerxes and seaangler nice to meet you both.

Thanks for the leads you sent but I’ve tried them both and had no luck.

Anyway as I said in my reply to woody I’ve bought a “cheapo” torpedo level and swapped the vial into my proper boat level.

Just shows how high tech we’ve all become in the building (sorry construction) industry because seemingly nobody says “boat level” or “bubble” anymore.

I’ve been pondering that perhaps they are right and also, perhaps the world isn’t flat either.

Thanks again,

Cheers and regards,

Tony.

 

[tonydiy]

Hi again woody if you are reading this.

You remember I said that my Son told me “I was too old to be still laying bricks”.

Well yesterday you should have seen his face when he came to my house and saw me relaying my driveway with 3 X 2 (sorry 900mm X 600mm) flags.

But as I told him, what else is there to do when you’re retired.

Cheers,

Tony.

 

[^woody^]

Go pops!

Did you know that 3x2 slabs are "banned" by many councils on H&S grounds?

Risk assessments require a two man lift with specialist devices, and so the 'preferred' method is for existing 3x2's to be broken into smaller bits rather than lifted - and replacement is with 2x2 and 2x1 slabs

Barmy

And see how many young 'uns today can cut a slab with hammer and bolster and the slab resting on the inside of your leg.

 

[tonydiy]

Hi again woody.

No I wasn’t aware that 3 X2s are banned by many councils on H & S grounds but it doesn’t surprise me one little bit.
I bet it still doesn’t prevent operatives taking the annual “easy 13” (this is what the annual council sick leave allowance is known as in this part of the country).

This also reminds me of an item I saw in a BofQ some years ago, it read (and its absolutely true) “XX Sq m 50mm concrete paving laid crazy.”

Now I know where they obtained all the bit to “lay crazy”

Never mind, just another modern term I expect to give sophistication.

And see how many young 'uns today can cut a slab with hammer and bolster and the slab resting on the inside of your leg.

How else would you cut a slab except with a hammer and bolster.—And I’me a “young un”.

Nice to speak with you again,

Cheers and regards,

Tony

 

[ModernMaterials]

That yankee word brought back memories. My dad still has his brass yankee with its jubilee clip on it to stop it rolling off wagon rooves.

He used it for more than 30 years as a body builder for pickfords and other haulage companies.

 

[ChrisR]

If you're interested in old style tools take a look at the Tool And Trades History Society. It's set up as an educational charity, does a newsletter, trips etc.
I refurbished a few lovely old rosewood, box and ebony levels, when I came across bubbles for sale. They were new so bright yellow, but left out in the sun they soon go clear!