There are many professions that require a machinist level, including aerospace engineering, automotive manufacturing, manufacturing, and machining.
Machinists work in a wide variety of industries including machining, robotics, and aerospace and are responsible for creating and modifying various tools, parts, and products.
A machinist level or precision level is a tool to orient, align, and level your machine or work surface while machining, cutting, and other tasks. Unlike the other spirit levels, the machinist level provides greater accuracy.
For woodworkers, builders, carpenters, etc, should have this model to check the accuracy of their spirit levels.
From the digital to analog machinist/precision levels, we have covered them here. The digital model even lets you single handed operation while adjusting the leg height of your working surface.
Here are our picks for the best machinist levels in 2023.
Top 8 Best Machinist Levels in 2023
1. Digi-Pas DWL1500XY 2-Axis Smart Master Precision Level [Best Overall]
- Connectivity: Wireless and direct reading
- Resolution: 0.0002”/ft
- Accuracy: ±0.0004″/ft
- Batteries: 2 AA batteries 1.5 Volt
The Digi-Pas DWL1500XY is a digital machinist level for greater accuracy, simplicity, and professional use.
It’s great to use for manufacturing industries, CNC machines, vision measurement, engine building, etc.
It measures the levelness of both X and Y axis at the same time, making your work faster than the traditional precision level that still use bubble.
Setting up the working surface can be done by yourself because the reading can be seen through your smartphone. In other words, it connects to your smartphone to read the levelness of your machine all the time as long as the Digi-pas is on. Even, you can use a power bank to extend its operation.
For accuracy, it’s no doubt. The model that we show here (Digi-Pas DWL1500XY) comes with NIST Certificate of Traceability. So, in terms of accuracy, you can expect how fine it is.
Pros:
- Read the levelness in the X and Y axis
- Continuous reading
- Read the levelness in your smartphone while the precision level is on the machine
- Accurate
- Great for professional use
Cons:
- Maybe expensive
2. Digi-Pas DWL1300XY 2-Axis Smart Machinist Digital Level
- Connectivity: Wireless and direct reading
- Resolution: 0.002”/ft
- Accuracy: ±0.004″/ft
- Batteries: 2 AA batteries 1.5 Volt
Basically, Digi-Pas DWL1500XY and Digi-Pas DWL1300XY are the same unless these parameters: resolution, measuring range, measuring speed, accuracy, and repeatability.
If you are eager to have the advantage of wireless connectivity of this device in your machine shop but on a budget, you can consider this one. Despite lower accuracy, resolution, and repeatability, it is acceptable due to the price.
Pros:
- 2-Axis reading
- Bluetooth connection
- Single man operation
- Accurate; traceable to NIST
Cons:
- May be expensive
3. Starrett 98-6 Machinist Level 6″ Precision Level
- Length: 6 inches long
- Sensitivity: 0.42 mm/m, or 80-90 seconds
- Base: Cast Iron
Looking for the 2 axis precision level that is not digital? Starrett 98-6 is what you want. It can read in 2 axis which helps you check the entire levelness of your working surface. The bottom surface of this level is also V-grooved which can be used to check levelness in piping.
Starrett 98-6 has a length of 6″, if you need the 12″, you can choose Starrett 98-12 model.
Pros:
- 2 axis reading
- no battery needed
- accurate; made by Starrett
Cons:
- manual operation
4. Starrett 98-4 Precision Machinist Level: Best 4″ Model with Single Axis Reading
- Length: 4″
- Sensitivity: 0.42 mm/m
This 4″ machinist level can serve you as the best compact level you can carry easily. It has a resolution of 0.42 mm/m. However, it only checks levelness on a single axis only. Tubular surface such as pipes can be measured its levelness with this model.
Pros:
- 4″ model
- accurate
Cons:
- pretty expensive
5. Accusize Industrial Tools S908-C685 Precision Level
- Material: Cast Iron
- Operation Mode: Manual
- Resolution: 0.0002”/10″
An affordable choice of machinist level for your project. Each division shows a change of 0.0002” per 10″ surface (.0002″/10″ resolution). There are two bubbles. The two bubble lets you know the levelness of a surface more entirely.
Pros:
- no battery is needed for its operation
- Comes in a wooden case
Cons:
- It needs to be calibrated every single time you need to use it.
6. Accusize Industrial Tools S908-C612 12” Precision Level
- Resolution: 0.0002”/10”
- Length: 8″
Another affordable choice. The 6″ and 8″ models are also issued to the market. Having a V-grooved base for piping application.
Pros:
- no battery needed
- Nice resolution
Cons:
- Can be Expensive for some users
7. Shars 303-9501 Precision Level
- Length: 8″
- Resolution: .0005″/10″
Another affordable choice but with lower resolution. Recommended choice and price for hobby machinist.
Pros:
- no battery is required to operate
Cons:
- Does not come with long term warranty
8. Mitutoyo 950-317 Digital Protractor (Alternative)
Conclusion
There are many kinds of machining levels available in the market and it is not easy to choose the best one. That is why we came up with this list.
Overall the best machinist level is Digi-Pas DWL1500XY if you don’t matter about the price. However, it should be for professional uses.
For home shops, Accusize Industrial Tools S908-C685 is the best. It charges you reasonably and provides good resolution.
Another solution is Mitutoyo 950-317 which is actually a digital inclinometer. But, its application for piping is not suitable due to lack of V groove base.
