Least expensive way to shoot a grade???

[inveresk]

I'd say that pretty much sums up the downside of using a water level, Spiffy.

Advantages are:
components can be bought at any hardware store;
no batteries or moving parts;
spot on accurate;
weather proof;
will accept a high measure of rough service;
easily packed and transported;
dead cheap.

As a standby, it's a pretty useful piece of kit to have in a toolbox but like other simple devices, they've given way to technology.

Another useful item that I'd like to see resurrected is the starting handle that used to be standard issue in old cars. They got me out of a fix on a good few occasions . . . .

 

[Egon]

Think I'd go with the water level. That way its very easy for one person to move around marking the stakes.

Hand levels [ Pea shooters ] are okay for short distance work but do have accuracy limitations. I have set many a slope stake on road work with one.

Another option would be a string level but may be limited in distance.

Another option that will work on a slope that has at least 10 or so feet of elevation change is a mug/glass filled with a hydrating fluid. There must be a horizontal ring on the mug for this to work. Fill mug to the level of ring, hold steady with the fluid level even with the ring and sight over the top of it. If some fluid is spilt/drained it must be replaced! Clear water is hard to see.

I had to use this method out at the farm once as I had no normal spirit levels available. On the next trip checked the area in question with a carpenters level on a long board and found I'd gotten things level. This was for a trailer parking space at the bottom of a hill.

Note: There was a little dificulty maintaing the proper level in the mug and frequent filling was required. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Lazers I know naught about as they are well past my time.

Setting up a grid work of stakes and using a surveyors level would be the most accurate method be the instrument optical or lazer.

And make sure you leave youself some reference stakes that will not be disturbed.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BobReeves]

Thanks for all the tips gang, looks like I have lots of choices.

 

[Spiffy]

Thanks for the comparison Inveresk!

Starting handle? Is that what we call a "crank" down this way? Have been bailed out by it several times on tractors and even an old truck [also wore myself tired a few times /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif]. Haven't owned a car with one, but had a bike who's kick-start was much more reliable than the electric! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[EddieWalker]

Lots of great ideas and methods listed here, but in the end a lazer is the easiest and most accurate way to go. They are also expansive, and if you only need it once, not very practical.

Most rental stores will rent you one for the day or weekend that you can use during the day. Get all your measurements done accurately and quickly.

Eddie