This is not a difficult project, but it can take longer than expected if the only shop time you've been getting is somewhere between "none" and "if you blink, you'll miss it."
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fAimozOiHk8/TWrwxM0pm8I/AAAAAAAAFRc/UrJ0bb4cRBA/s200/Level.Pt2.1.jpg)
(I know that all my brothers and sisters in wood can relate.)
I squared up one edge of the wood blank with a handplane. Referencing off this edge, I marked the layout lines for the mortise that would house the vial. The antique levels I bought came in handy for determining the proper depth and length of the mortise.
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f_Iv5EQ_hVs/TWrwyspfHRI/AAAAAAAAFRg/qT7-tbhVAZA/s200/Level.Pt2.2.jpg)
The brass top plate became the template for the wood blank which I rough-shaped at the bandsaw. You can also use a fret, coping, or scroll saw to make the same cuts.
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-77WAYlBafG8/TWr4bIdbS6I/AAAAAAAAFRk/_p3IK_tWrZM/s200/Level.Pt2.3.jpg)
If you haven't tried shaping wood before, this project is a nice introduction to what many of us find to be a meditative experience.