Popular Woodworking 2006-08 № 156, страница 74

the Libella

Perhaps you have seen some of these in high-end tool catalogs, and have wondered what they are. The plumb level - also called a libella - was once a standard piece of equipment for the woodworker, carpenter and surveyor. In fact, a basic set of tools would always require this tool that could do so much. It can determine plumb and level, act as a square and even as a ruler if needed. The modern toolbox would need three tools to replace it: a spirit level, a plumb bob and a framing square. While the three modern tools excel in their individual tasks, the libella can still H stand on its own as a jack-of-all-^ trades. It also has a great history

behind it. I It is the year 1280 B.C.E., and

This classic tool built civilizations. Now you can build one for yourself.

I take you to Cairo, Egypt, in the Valley of the Kings. Sennedjem, the architect, looks over the expansive plains and gazes at his crowning achievements. The tombs of Seti I and Ramesses II are well on their way to being completed. In a brief moment of reflection, he wonders in awe at the tools that make this possible. These tools of his trade are so important to him in fact, that he has the royal cubit yard, squares, two plumb levels and myriad other tools buried with him as a trib

ute to what they helped him to accomplish.

The family tomb of Sennedjem lay undisturbed on the west bank of Luxor until the year 1886, when a team of Italian archaeologists discovered what is considered one of the great finds in Egyptology. As they descended the narrow stairway and gazed upon the tomb, it had to amaze them to discover these tools that so resembled their modern-age counterparts.

The plumb level was an important tool in that it was primar

by Samuel L. Peterson

Sam, a regular contributor to the "oldtools" online group, has been fascinated with the history and use of hand tools for more than a decade.

ily used to determine a level of something such as a large pyramid stone. Needless to say, it was a key development in tool history, as it allowed for a greater degree of accuracy in building.

As was the case with many tools, the Greeks and Romans were more than willing to use other's technology to further their own causes. In Greece this tool was known as the staphyle, diabetes or alpharion. Homer, in writing the "Iliad," mentions using this tool to construct Admetus' horses. Another example is of the stylobate of the Parthenon, which is carefully crowned by using this instrument. The Romans give us the term libella, and in their time, plumbers and aqueduct engineers would take advantage of the tool's

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Popular Woodworking August 2006