Hobbies And Interests
Levels
Construction trades and machinists have used levels since recorded time. They are useful for building construction, railroad beds, bridges and other projects that require a non-sloping environment. The most common level is a "bubble level." It has an air bubble suspended in water or thin oil inside a glass tube sealed at both ends, which is encased by metal or wood. Early levels were made from durable mahogany and had brass trim. A rare level from the 1700s, made from cast iron and called a "Brandford Union," has been appraised at $15,000. Ancient Egyptians had a complex series of leveling tools that worked with each other to determine a level point to build upon.The pyramids were built using this primitive system of levels.
Rulers
Rulers can be very small or extremely large, depending on the size of the structure being measured. Early rulers helped determine the volume in a cask, yield of timber from a log and other data for many trades including woodworking and bridge and ship building. Antique rulers were often made from mahogany, oak and other durable hardwood. Ancient examples of silver, brass and ivory rulers appear in many cultures around the globe.
Planes
These tools make surfaces smooth and flat by shaving off minimal amounts of material to reduce its thickness or height. Primitive planes were made from pieces of stone. Eventually planes used metal with edges that the user could sharpen. These were easier and quicker to use. Ancient Japanese invented the "yarri kanna" plane many thousands of years ago, and it is still in use today.