: I'm building a 16' version of Tom Yost's strongback, and the shop
: floor I'm building it on does not appear to be totally level.
: After bolting the 2x4's, together, I set the 1x6's on top and
: checked the level across every couple feet. Looks pretty
: dead-on, perhaps room for a very thin shim in a spot or two, but
: that's it.

: On the other hand, running lengthwise I'm not so sure, and not sure
: how much it matters.

: 2 Q's

: 1. Can I screw in the 1x6's prior to attaching legs/stands to the
: 2x4 assembly, or should it wait until that's been added first?
: 2. Does lengthwise-level matter? I read past threads indicating
: varying amounts of importance.

: Thanks! Hopefully my series of noob questions will provide a
: search-able how-to among other not-so-handy first time builders
: :)

With Rob's leveling method of using a string for the base that everything is leveled against, the strongback only has to hold the string straight. That said, the closer to level it is the easier the whole process is, but it doesn't have to be perfect. One problem of having the strongback off level is your eyes can cause problems, you'll see something being not quite right, and not be able to figure out what it is that's wrong, what you're seeing is something not level, but it'll bug you that you can't fix it.

Bill H.

Bill H.