Thread: Any Machinists Our There ? Gotta Question

As noted in another thread, for some sick reason I've got PBAD (plumb bob acquisition disorder). This is strictly with Starrett mercury filled #87 models. So this guy puts this up and it is in a model 87 box, but it ain't a plumb bob. What in the world is it ?

Vintage Starrett Mercury Plumb Bob 5 1 2 in No 87 with Box | eBay

Looks like some kind of level. I had one sort of like that you could sight through and watch the bubble through the sight, but it was nothing like that one.

I agree, it is not a plumb bob. Doesn't look like anything Starret would ever put their name on either. There is some stamping on one pic of it laying in the box but I can't make out what it says.

What's the advantage of a mercury filled plumb bob? They look neat.

Edit. Never mind. I looked it up, makes it heavier than a steel one of the same size. Brown & Sharp made them too.

I have L.S. Starrett catalogs going all the way back to the 1930's and there is nothing in them that looks like this tool. It looks like something an excavator would sight through to check grade.

Originally Posted by Wullie

Looks like some kind of level. I had one sort of like that you could sight through and watch the bubble through the sight, but it was nothing like that one.

I agree, it is not a plumb bob. Doesn't look like anything Starret would ever put their name on either. There is some stamping on one pic of it laying in the box but I can't make out what it says.

What's the advantage of a mercury filled plumb bob? They look neat.

Edit. Never mind. I looked it up, makes it heavier than a steel one of the same size. Brown & Sharp made them too.

I'm looking for a Brown & Sharpe, and there are a couple on the bay, but I want one like new in the box. Just have to wait. I had a Starratt mercury filled when I was an ironworker. Got stolen out of my truck with a box of tools in NYC in the 1980s. Broke my heart because there were tools in there that were irreplaceable because of sentimental value.

I can damn sure relate to stolen tools with sentimental value. I'll keep my eyes open for ya.

You looking for the 87, 87A, 87B, or 87D?

Looks to be a hand held sight level.
http://plusmodels.com/store/img-larg...1956687490.jpg
I have a Stanley that is round that I still use to get rough grade doing dirt work.

V/R
Tim

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Broke my heart because there were tools in there that were irreplaceable because of sentimental value.

I know the feeling Jimmy. I'm a third generation machinist and some of my Grandfather's machinist tools were stolen from my Dad after he inherited them. The thieves not only stole my heritage but they took Dad's and my way of making a living. In other words they took some of the "bread and butter" from our family's table. Over the years I've gradually replaced most of the stolen tools but it's not the same as Grampa's.

Originally Posted by Wullie

I can damn sure relate to stolen tools with sentimental value. I'll keep my eyes open for ya.

You looking for the 87, 87A, 87B, or 87D?

Thanks Wullie, I've got all those now. I am only looking for the Brown & Sharpe # 790. There are some around but I'm waiting for a nice one with a decent original box.

If I see one around here, I'll let you know.