[HTFreak]

I was just thinking of using a 96" box level like this or whatever the appropriate
length Box Level to span the distance between each equa-distant sonotube foundation.

Thoughts?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Empire-96-in-Box-Level-E75-96/207024932

 

[Nealtw]

If you are putting posts on top level is not that important.

That long level is nice to have but you could use a shorter one with a straight 2x4

 

[Rough Rooster]

Take a look at a "water level".
I have used them with excellent results.
Have one in my shop for 'next time'.

RR :smile::smile:

 

[HTFreak]

take a look at a "water level".
I have used them with excellent results.
Have one in my shop for 'next time'.

Rr :smile::smile:

thanks!

 

[HTFreak]

if you are putting posts on top level is not that important.

That long level is nice to have but you could use a shorter one with a straight 2x4

thanks!

 

[HTFreak]

I was just going to lay some 4 x 4s horizontal onto some galvanized post caps attached to the concrete in the sonotube.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson...st-Cap-for-4x-Nominal-Lumber-BC4Z-R/206059722

 

[Nealtw]

I was just going to lay some 4 x 4s horizontal onto some galvanized post caps attached to the concrete in the sonotube.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson...st-Cap-for-4x-Nominal-Lumber-BC4Z-R/206059722

Nail them to the post ahead of time so you can set it in wet concrete check for level and check your measurements and check for square :wink2:
Unless you are just mixing a bag at a time. that might not work.

 

[joed]

As long as you get it reasonably close you can shim on top of the low ones to bring everything into level.

 

[Chris616]

I doubt that many of the folks on this board have an 8’ level. You won’t use it much after this one job. Neal’s idea is a good one if you want to use a spirit level, but Rough Rooster’s water level suggestion will be more accurate. There are a few issues with the water level. It can take a while for the water level to settle down so that you can take a measurement and you’ll need to move the level to each sonotube and repeat the process, so it will be time consuming. If you’re like me, you’ll also squirt water over yourself while you get the hang of how to use it.

For the price of that 8’ spirit level you can buy an inexpensive laser level which can be used for all sorts of other projects inside your house, where you won’t want to use a water level. Laser levels aren’t perfectly accurate, but it you locate it in the centre of your shed it will (probably?) be a short distance to each of the sonotubes. The accuracy will be fine for that kind of distance and you can mark all the tubes at once. A non-professional use laser level used outside will require you to do the marking at dusk, once it has got dark enough to be able to see the red line properly.

You will have a hard time precisely locating brackets by setting them directly into concrete. This is the preferred thing to use. You just need to get a threaded rod set into the concrete, then there is a bit of adjustment available when you install the bracket. It also stands the wood off the concrete, which will prevent it from rotting.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson...-Base-for-4x4-Nominal-Lumber-ABA44Z/100374999

Chris

 

[de-nagorg]

Water level is fun and accurate, if you want to take your time, second is the laser level, third is a surveyors transit, and helper, but that takes experience.

Only you know your abilities and patience, but you have been offered three solutions to pick from.


ED

 

[stadry]

wtr level's the least $ + you can attach it to your hookah when finished no 1 ever got high on a 9' level or transit :biggrin2:

 

[magicone2572]

Rental places should have a laser transit. You set it up somewhere visible to all your tunes. There is a handheld target with a stick. You touch the first tube with the stick and set the target so it beeps solid. Then you go to each other spot and adjust the tube till it beeps the same. Some are accurate to 16th of an inch.