Starrett 98-8

[bluedog225]

Does anyone have information about this machinist’s level? It looks like a Starrett 98-8 but the vial seems shorter.

I’m looking for a replacement vial. I can’t find vial lengths when looking at replacement vials. They are organized by model number.

Thanks

 

[four.cycle]

Starrett 97 98 level 1905 Whiton Hardware Co. catalog pp 158

 

[nadogail]

Those two levels look like they are similar but not identical products. The level in the Original Posting may have been built to a specification to allow it to be sold to the government at a lower price point than the Starrett..

 

[senlow]

Does anyone have information about this machinist’s level? It looks like a Starrett 98-8 but the vial seems shorter.

I’m looking for a replacement vial. I can’t find vial lengths when looking at replacement vials. They are organized by model number.

Thanks

I'm pretty sure this is not a Starrett level. The basic design looks similar, but the details just don't match.
The body of this level is much more crude than anything that I've seen from Starrett.
The tabs on the ends of the vial are much thicker that the tabs on a Starrett.
This level uses Philips head screws where Starrett uses slot head screws.
This level uses separate machined bosses to stand the vial above the body, where the Starrett bosses are part of the body.
The proportions of vial length and body length are drastically different between the two.
The knurling on the protective sleeve is different.

Unfortunately, I don't have a clue who manufactured this level. I suggest that you clean it up a bit more and look closely for a manufacturer's mark. By the way, what is wrong with the vial. You didn't show it.

 

[bluedog225]

The vial is mia.

 

[Zeke]

The vial seems shorter. What? By half a mile?

 

[senlow]

The vial is mia.

Well, that explains the need for replacement.

It seems to me that one should be able to take the vial assembly apart and install a new vial. I have no experience with this. So, I can't provide any guidance.

 

[Zeke]

Nice little unit but today's levels in the mid price range are as good as that was. I'm talking about a 12" level or even a decent torpedo level. That's now just a display item.

 

[BillK]

What is the center to center dimension on the screws ????? I have a couple of shorter Starrett levels I can measure. Leke Zeke said though its probably not worth fixing ? I just bought a 3" Starrett vial for my cylinder head machine and just the vial was over $100.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Are you sure it's a Starrett? The name should be marked on it someplace.

 

[bluedog225]

Thanks all. I’ll check it when I get back to the shop. I enjoy bringing these old tools back.

 

[MadeByMiller]

I'd like to propose that this is is indeed the Starrett level @four.cycle posted the image of, but it's been modified. You can still see the cast in round bosses where the vial would have originally mounted, but my guess is that they've been ground off, new bosses made for a different, shorter vial and fastened to the body. They then recoated the level (paint?) which explains why the ground side surfaces are covered as well.

That's my guess, and that would still not help you track down a new vial - sorry.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you determine it is in fact a Starrett level, try calling them - I've found the people who answer to be very helpful in the past, they may be able to match you up with the right vial.

 

[claymont]

It doesn't look like any Starrett level I've owned and still own. 98's have Starrett clearly stamped on the rotating sleeve. Starrett 98-8

 

[JMQ4]

I believe that's its an Exact model 96-8. I have one that is very similar to yours and am trying to replace the plumb level - the main level in mine is intact. Guessing that they were a cheaper alternative to a Starrett. Earlier Starrett models were 94- and then 96- (I think), so the Exact levels were named in a similar fashion. I can say that the Starrett plumb level part is the same dimensions as the one I am trying to replace in the 96-8 (5/16), so you might have luck with a replacement Starrett main vial from a 98-6. The vials themselves aren't that expensive, like $15, but the whole assembly is a lot more. Starrett's website has exploded parts diagrams and I was able to find dimensions there.

Joe

 

[cvairwerks]

The Starrett 97/98 series evolved over the years and there were changes made to the castings. You'd have to dive into the catalogs going back from the 40's to the earliest models to see all the changes.

 

[bb29510]

vials- amazon

 

[BillK]

The vials themselves aren't that expensive, like $15, but the whole assembly is a lot more.

Joe

What are you calling the "vial" and where did you see one for $15 ???

 

[JMQ4]

I am calling the glass tube & bubble the 'vial' - that's how Starrett refers to them. Here's the part for the 98-6 and it has dimensions too - I don't know if this is the same dimensions as the Exact 96-8:

15026-0 VIAL, 2-1/2 X 12mm (FACTORY USE ONLY - PURCHASE PT15026)

15026-0 Is Non-Orderable, Customer Must Purchase PT15026 <br/><br/>Starrett Part and Repair Information<br/> Parts may be purchased directly from Authorized Starrett Distributors. Use our Distributor finder on starrett.com<br/> Parts may be purchased directly from the Starrett Company using a...

www.starrett.com

Lists as factory only, but this is the part it references as for sale ($16.50):

PT15026 LEVEL VIAL ONLY FOR 98-6

LEVEL VIAL ONLY FOR 98-6

www.starrett.com

Joe

 

[JMQ4]

If you search eBay with 'Exact 96-8', there is a new one in the wooden box.

I should have added - the vial in my 96-8 Exact level is marked 0.005 inches/foot, which is the same for the Starrett 98-6 vials. I have seen other Exact levels, but 12 inch models with the same Phillips screws, that were 0.035 inches/foot. My level has threaded posts and nuts that are used for adjustment - takes a while to dial it in.