Antique level restoration

[@frelnc]

Because of COVID I've spent months at home, binge-watching all kinds of shows, but until I found all these absolutely stunning restorations it was a lot of the same old stuff. This video left me wishing my grandfather was still alive to see the craftsmanship you put into this simple little level. This was an amazing video. Absolutely first rate.

[@stevethecountrycook1227]

I will put you in the class of "My Mechanics", and that is saying alot, he is a genius!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks Steve!!

[@mannyjr2912]

I don’t understand how can you get thumbs down on this, if you don’t like this type of craftsmanship, what something else. A true test of patience, perseverance and craftsmanship. My God Bless you and all of us. Thanks

[@alepsgonzalez1792]

The alpha men just wants to see and listen all the tools working ... when they wants to list music go to spotify ...

[@theantspants1]

Perhaps he lost a few people when he drilled a hole destroying one of the glass levels.

[@jackstraker402]

@@theantspants1 this is trumps doing........

[@dtom1145]

I would be more impressed if a new level was built from scratch instead of destroying the history and character of the original. I guess cancel culture is everywhere.

[@Magiaimelissa]

@@dtom1145 i didn't dislike but i have to agree that was a piece of history

[@brianball1937]

How one gets to your level of precision is beyond me !! You are an artist and a machinist expert !! I have some old levels and I’ve sold a few. This video literally brought tears to my eyes !! Thank you for sharing a true love for restoring old things.

[@ElierOlivos]

Que bonito quedó,

[@Mikhandmaker]

Muchas gracias Elier! Aprendo con maestros como tu

[@ElierOlivos]

@@Mikhandmaker muchas gracias Maestro.

[@KoolKoru]

Never thought I could fall in love with a level, but I think I just did! I’ve seen old levels around like this during my time and never gave it a second look. My, what tools can look like in the hands of skilled craftsman like yourself. We’ll done!!

[@waynecraig6706]

i would love to have that in my tool kit, I'm a carpenter of 30 years and all i have ever used are metal levels. your level would make me proud every time i used it. what a thing of beauty , first class

[@عبدالمجيد-ث7ع]

I have one like it If you need it I givet to you

[@basstrammel1322]

They are $30 to $50 around where I live, so not too bad. And I assume you, as a carpenter, would be able to fix one up quite nicely.

[@SGIABC]

Pristine level of craftsmanship here. The attention to detail is absolutely impeccable .

[@alonzohollingsworth7712]

Your father will be proud of the life you brought back to this level. After reading all the comments below, there is nothing more I can add except it was pure enjoyment watching the level come back to life for a second chance in providing your father or you many more years of leveling service. I can go on but, I will leave it here as I know there will be many more restoration projects moving forward that will receive great comments.

[@mannycontreras1360]

Wow I take my hat off for that authenticity and your patience in restoring the level back to it's glorious workmanship. But your perfectionism simply you out did yourself. What a beautiful restoration on your part. It came out very nice, to say the least I think it came out nicer than what the original company made before you. Thank you for that nice restoration video.

[@eddynan3849]

His attention to details is magnificently beautiful, relaxing and satisfying! Love your work!

[@MR.B00_]

You are an absolute perfectionist, possibly the most skilled I have yet seen on KZbin restoration videos. Bravo!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment mate!!!!!! ;-))

[@killiancoakley]

This guy and MyMechanics are great!

[@sina.r2390]

Watch awesome restoration

[@BryanBurns-f7x]

Agreed, well said!

[@viorelmarianghilencea9559]

Wonderful job. Was a pleasure watching you working. I have the same model of level from my great-grandfather and you gave me the reason restoring it. Have a nice day!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for your words and for the support!! Happy new year 🎊

[@sirferr8902]

After my sister and I sold the family house, I felt the one of the best ways to honor Dad, Mom and Mom’s first husband, an engineer that passed away a few years before Dad came along, was to restore as many of the tools as possible that they all owned and used at one point or another. The first one I restored was a torpedo level that when done, came out beautifully if I do say so myself haha. Thanks for sparking the memory 🙏🏽👍🏽 and what a fantastic job you did! Bravo 👏

[@maggs131]

Truly stunning. If your goal was to honor a time when people took great pride in their skill to make beautiful things by hand, you nailed it my friend.

[@sascha.mueller]

Wow, so amazing! I really love this, when people care of old things! Bravo!

[@Mrrkoe]

Mate, that's amazing! I am addicted to restoration videos and you've got to be one of the best. Such attention to detail! The only think that bugs me is the music, I like to just hear the tools, but this is obviously a personal preference. Keep doing what you do!

[@stevethecountrycook1227]

I don't need the tunes either!

[@tab7226]

One of the best restoration videos I have ever seen, brilliant skills👍

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks mate 🙏🙏

[@JoseCarlos-yh7ex]

Wow!!! Because of this perfect work, I sincerely would use this restored tool as a decor object !!!

[@williamobrien2759]

Worked in the restoration trades for 40 odd years.... The craftsmanship of this video, and your channel is on par with your content and projects. So well done...refreshing, Thank You.

[@gurubhaikhalsa9337]

Absolutely amazing ❤️ my grandfather was a machinist, and to get a glimpse of what he must have done in his shop was a gift. He would have hired you in a minute! I have several of his old levels, so now I know what they must have looked like before time and work took their toll. Thank you so much for this video, I literally cherish viewing the past come to life.

[@Mikhandmaker]

I'm really glad you enjoy it, thanks for your comment :-)

[@walterengler5709]

What I really love (in addition to watching things like this being so damn relaxing) is what I often learn. Such as using the shavings / dust from the rest of the restore with a little glue to fill in the small imperfections on the wood. Wood is so difficult to restore properly as you can't bend it like metal or simple sand blast it down. But this shows that care, elbow grease, and some careful thought can do fine fine work.

[@ftswarbill]

You see, this is RESTORATION. Unlike so many other channels out there it's this type of hard word that is the real deal. Cheers!

[@yankis.]

Pffff. Look at "my mechanics".

[@ftswarbill]

@@yankis. I do he is one of the very best. BTW women say "Pfff".

[@yankis.]

@@ftswarbill I'm a woman, dude.

[@ftswarbill]

@@yankis. My Bad, rock on!

[@philandeswilliams1975]

May God Bless you for honoring your forefathers through such a display of craftsmanship! Kudos!

[@davidhall8874]

Beautiful!! You had me at the cabinet scrapers. I haven't seen one used in 40 years! Well done restoration!!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment David!

[@rmn82h23]

Amazing. You give us the emotion of re-establishing the value and usefulness of the beautiful things of the past in the present. Thank you.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment mate!

[@AL-il5uw]

I have a level very much like this one, I have it on a shelf for decor because I was afraid to try to restore it. I’ve worked with metal but I love this wood and I don’t have any idea what I’m doing. In other words....I love watching you and I’ll keep mine on the shelf and safe from my mistakes. 😊

[@gonefishing3593]

There are people (myself included) like to keep it in its original state.

[@basstrammel1322]

No shame in leaving it as is! It's part of it's history, I say about lots of things.

[@leokalaitzis]

Perfect restoration my friend well done.Wooden levels are very beautiful when they're in good condition.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment Leonidas!

[@weiqingyuan7159]

China hustle

[@The_Wood]

Really no words to express how good is your work. Brilliant restoration, sir. Simply OUTSTANDING!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment mate!!!!

[@whittysworkshop982]

I smiled the whole way through this video 😁 the care and attention you put into this is plain for all to see. You treated it as if the original maker would one day see it again...... you made it "new"; but still kept the old school flavour to it like it was originally designed. You have skill in your hands Sir!!! I honestly enjoyed every second of this, thank you 😁🤙

[@obelixer9751]

My long gone uncle taught me how to make glass into oval/round shapes, My diving goggle was broken and we took a piece of glass and a bucket of water and cut the glass to size underneath the water. works perfectly!

[@barmolino]

The most satisfied and relaxing video I watch today. Amazing

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment!

[@doliwsef]

I am jealous! DRGM on a level.... Now it is much tooo beautiful to use!

[@rodvickery9169]

That really is an amazing piece of perfect restoration of a classic tool.

[@MrRothchild]

The craftsmanship and attention to detail here are beyond incredible! Inspirational sir!

[@MrRicoh]

An impressive job. I'm impressed.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks mate!

[@cecilgore495]

Awesome job, really enjoyed watching your transformation.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks mate

[@s.o.f.fpatriotsforlife414]

The amount of effort that went into this is absolutely astonishing

[@markbrophy1276]

You have turned an old level into a masterpiece. Well done.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks Mark

[@byOldHand]

Gorgeous restoration Mikel !!! You didn't miss any details. I enjoyed every minute of this work and subs for upcoming works 👏🏻👏🏻🗜️⚒️🐾 Be safe and see you soon.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thank you very much, I am very happy to see your channel found, you are a true master in restoration

[@byOldHand]

@@Mikhandmaker Thank you very much, nice to hear from you 🗜️⚒️

[@konstantinberik9166]

Этот уровень наверное новым так хорошо не выглядел! Отличная работа 👍 Спасибо!

[@na6ludatelb781]

мне бы было жалко работать с таким уровнем)

[@Andrei_Dits]

Только он не антикварный, в 80-ые продавался ещё

[@FeedePallero]

jajaja no se que dice pero tu vieja

[@ОлегХохлов-ы4ч]

Мой с 1974 года. Отец принёс с завода Магаданского МРМЗ. Ничего им не делали, до сих пор как новый, потемнел немного и одно стёклышко сбоку лопнуло, видать уронили. Отца уж 40 лет как нет , храню как память.

[@ВОИНДОБРА-у1о]

@@Andrei_Dits металлические то почему не могли изготавливать?? Не знаешь.

[@Alucia0]

Amazing job. So much love and care put into this one. It's closer to a reproduction than a restoration since most of the original has been replaced but it looks fantastic.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thank you very much for the comment

[@djToxa200]

Я у себя на работе нашел такой уровень, только выпущен в Таганроке в 1930 году. Реставрацию не делал но состояние хорошее. Держу его как антиквариат.

[@FirstnameLastname-uh4rk]

That’s a really nice restoration. So much old stuff gets thrown away. Unfortunately, we live in a cheap, throwaway society, where we can just drive out to the local depot store and buy cheap crap that will do a quick job. It takes time, patience and multiple skills to refurbish a tool to this standard. It’s great. I hope someone gets a lifetime of using it. Thanks for posting.

[@tedburnell5356]

Absolute master class restoration. I love to restore old tools, but leave things like that for the real pros!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks mate. I appreciate your comment!!

[@THEWORKSSHOP]

That turned out beautiful! Nice work!!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks mate!

[@rufasgutz7656]

Incredibly beautiful work from an incredibly talented craftsman amazing transformation. Truly stunning very well done and the eye for detail. Wow

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thank you for you comment!!

[@AnfoFlash]

Oke, you did an amazing job. You really made it as new and even beyond.

[@aximus1626]

Я вот лично считаю, что к таким вещам, а в данном случае к таким инструментам, отвесу, уровню, прослужившие человеку Верой и Правдой многие и многие годы, надо относиться с большой любовью, бережливостью и с большим - ПОЧТЕНИЕМ!!!!! Ведь столько лет они людям помогали созидать и строить!!! Ребята, Спасибо Вам!!!! Вы молодцы!!! Казахстан восторгается и благодарит !!!!👍👍👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🤲🤲🤲

[@jimmyroberts4333]

Wow, what an exceptional restoration. Superb craftsmanship from start to finish. You have taken junk and turned it into treasure..

[@Trimtank]

That was beautiful work and an amazing video!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Many thanks! ;-)

[@Schayzer]

That's some pretty impressive and satisfying work ! It looks great at the end

[@PlasticWheelsCustoms]

Really like this restoration, well done.

[@luisgarciaibanez4023]

Tengo uno exactamente igual de mi abuelo que era tallista, pero esta en buen estado aunque tiene sobre 125 años. Lo guardo con mucho cariño. El murió cuando yo tenía 5 años y ahora tengo 66. He disfrutado mucho con tu restauración exquisita. Eres un genio.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Hola Luis, me imagino que lo conservaras con mucho cariño, espero que se siga guardando por muchísimos años mas, muchas gracias por el comentario! Saludos

[@ankoslitoflower]

I'm just surviving Covid for the second time. This time it was a close call. I say that because I can't even be around my son who've I've been fighting for since birth, and recently got custody for. This video made me happy for the first time in weeks... Thank you. Outstanding work!

[@blacknight1003]

Wow! What a transformation! Needless to say - Ive subbed immediately. Ive seen these levels revitalized before but not quite as expertly as you did. Very well Done.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment, it's a pleasure to hear that.

[@63italic]

officially lost my mind when i saw him making his own replacement brass nails!!

[@Mikhandmaker]

:-)) Thanks Roberto!

[@williamfindspeople4341]

Unbelievable

[@abcsup4580]

I still remember, this thing at my grandmother house... Remarkable memory

[@tonywright8294]

abc sup you had this particular level at your grandparents house ? What a fucking coincidence !

[@JerroldKrenek]

since i am retired Mant Tech, always worked with my hands, these videos are always catching my eye. i have one works for this video, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that belongs in a display case!!! i saw a restore of an old fire axe, he did a complete restore and made a plaque, and gifted it to a local FD. put it at the door rang the bell and left.

[@jessjulian9458]

Now that is how you do it right and above standard. Perfect, thanks for sharing your talents.

[@JasonAguirre]

I've seen others like this dated to early 1900s. It would be interesting to track down the company and see if it still exists or any older employees are around who would appreciate the restoration.

[@ryszardlesko286]

Q1 Yf1y 6÷'q 2

[@kieferngruen]

It says D.R.G.M. on it, which stands for Deutsches Reich Gebrauchsmuster, a kind of patent used in Germany between 1891 and 1945. The number I could read was 109927 which dates it to 1899.

[@VeradonaRestoration]

Wow, very nice restoration ! Thanks

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks mate! ;-)

[@edisont6583]

Otimo trabalho!! Ficou perfeito. O que chamou a atenção foi que eu restaurei um antigo nivel de madeira muito semelhante a este. Era do meu pai e o nivel veio da Italia. Good job. Congratulation.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Muito obrigado pelo comentário, saudações da Espanha

[@taytase]

Wow. That is stunningly beautiful. Excellent work!

[@zenzaleni]

I have several of these old level's I purchased online, and while I do admire this gentle man and his dedication to reclaim the level, for me at least I have neither the patience nor the gear to do justice to the ones I have. Yes I do admire the end result, Thank you.

[@MichaelHenryGomes1]

Holy shit! That was incredible. I hid out from my woman to watch this, and I’m totally satisfied!

[@johng9562]

The restoration is great, down to every minute detail ~ just wondering who can afford a $1,000 level?

[@ruethemaker5069]

This looks amazing, I want it for my desk top, though not as a tool, it's too beautiful!

[@InjunOutdoors]

Beautiful. I swear, when you took out the wading in the never dull can, I could smell it! Used a ton of that stuff in the Navy

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment mate!

[@LCort101]

I subscribed at the point where I realized you were making your own brass nails. I was already impressed by your level of craftsmanship and patience, but that took it over the top. Exceptional work. Be proud of such a small job and a great accomplishment. Wonderful!

[@gforcekaras]

Amazing workmanship, so good on so many levels! Definitely deserves a sub! Hope to see more outstanding videos in the future!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks friend, I hope to surprise you

[@Martin-pb7ts]

"so good on so many levels" ha ha ha ha ha

[@kitzehan]

Wow, absolutely artwork! Awesome ...

[@manud3507]

Love these videos and seeing how you restore some really interesting things. Would love to see maybe a little bit of captions, so I can know what materials you are using and the tools. I have so many questions!. Very inspiring, awesome videos 😊👍

[@jewsjw50]

Good to see some returning these old tools to new life ( Saving History )

[@ChrisTheSparky]

I've been looking for someone that's as skilled as MyMechanics and here you are... Subscribed 👍

[@James_Sovereign]

You've taken this to a whole new level .... I'll show myself out.

[@rust_hunter7867]

Awesome video, those who may want to know it, D.R.G.M means "Deutsches-Reichs-Gebrauchs-Muster" It was just like a metrical standard in Germany back in the 1940s 👍🏻

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thank you very much for the comment and the information!! I looked it up on the internet but I didn't find much about it.

[@harviecz]

If everyone will respect his tools like this guy, we can live on mars in 10 years.

[@Very_Dark_Engineer]

Yes, any who not respect tools must live on mars in 10 years.

[@vishanthgp]

If we respect our earth and fellow beings and other life, we can continue living on earth for at least a 1000 years or more.

[@jcsrst]

Most beautiful level restoration ever! Such nice work😊

[@davidcoats1037]

Amazing! I would love to see you do more restoration videos. 😃👍🏼

[@ncyb_8764]

This guy's on another LEVEL .

[@IthlinnePewPew]

Ok, at first I was thinking "hey, this guy is good", and then you hand made those oval side frames and blew my mind. I subbed immediately!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Ohh, thanks!! Welcome to the channel :-)

[@IR-nq4qv]

@@Mikhandmaker that makes two of us, you sold me on the brass work, kill the music, you don't need it

[@mercurywoodrose]

yeah the side frames got to me to. just the amount of work and patience.

[@badger2313]

Amazing work, love the brass inset work. One thing I noticed is that the nails for the plate were flush in the original, I expect so you could use the level both ways. Any reason why you chose to create rounded head replacements? To be honest, it looks so good that I wouldn't want to use it for fear of marring it.

[@shedmanx3640]

All I can say is amazing. My wife just bought me two similar levels from EBay. I hope I can deliver them the justice you did. 👍🇦🇺

[@carrieriurino]

Man 2 months ago I found one very similar to that one, and I wanted to restore it, ofc I never done such thing before and youtube just popped up with your video as suggestions and I never had googled for how to do it or about it. Btw the result was AMAZING! Congrats!

[@florivaldopereirajunior5389]

maravilhoso trabalho de restauração....parabéns.... ficou linda, única!!!!

[@TheColinChapman]

I am deeply impressed. This is like ‚mymechanics“ with the soundtrack of a Cameron-Crowe-Movie! ;)

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks my friend! It's a compliment to hear that

[@joseignaciotillard6186]

Maravilloso. Un ejemplo de paciencia, imaginación, prolijidad, etc. Vale más eso que comprar un nuevo. Gracias.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Gracias Jose soy de tu opinion! Un saludo

[@randyschock7374]

Dude. I just got my dad the same level for fathers day. Awesome video!

[@chronicdoll4334]

I never thought I'd find a spirit level beautiful!

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks mate!

[@tomhollis2685]

Incredibly beautiful restoration! And I liked the music, too!😊

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks Tom! ;-)

[@luizabdo5397]

Very goodl!!! Trabalho delicado e preciso. Parabéns!

[@jamesjines9501]

I’m sure the guy who probably used this level for many years would be blown away by this video.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment James! ;-)

[@makeandfixathome]

*Excellent job! I have very similar (old level) from my father, Thank You for an idea of how to restore mine.*

[@C_S_funhouse]

There's just something so peaceful about guitar like this that just lets you relax while watching. Good job Mikhandmaker

[@edwinbaboomian]

You are an incredible master. This was therapeutic! Thank you.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thank you for your words Edwin!!

[@dr.haroldweinstein5157]

Great video, subbed. But can you turn the music down a bit? I dig the sound of the work. The music is decent just too loud

[@Mikhandmaker]

Welcome to the channel, I take note of your advices!

[@gokyaytekfidan9388]

@@Mikhandmaker 9

[@IthlinnePewPew]

I agree! The music is way too loud!

[@TheCoomer]

@@Mikhandmaker I think the music level is perfect

[@hahagagagaga4710]

The sounds of the tools are our music bro

[@jimmymimsy8751]

Argh, almost perfect! Gotta say the fact that you mill your own brass bits and bobs is fantastic. Good workmanship over all, very nice to see. Only thing is, and I see it often in restoration vids, is aesthetics over function. The original had flush nails holding the top plate of the level which meant any side could be used for checking true. Your custom nails, as beautiful as they are, kill that function, which is so disappointing considering how good the rest of the job is.

[@Bathygnostic]

Tools of this age are are extremely rarely used in a magnitude that would put food on the table. Usually reserved for specialty, not time constrained, restoration projects. The class and respect involved in the degree of the hand restoration completely dissolves the disability of one insignificant feature of the original manufacturers list of functions. 40 years of tools, of every trade, in hand. Some of which were my Great Grandfather's, not to mention the the growing collection I've amassed over the years including several Disston rip and crosscut saws that predate President Lincoln's run for office. That I still use regularly. This man honors those of us that remember what being a man is.

[@jimmymimsy8751]

@@Bathygnostic I understand where you are coming from but must respectfully disagree. I have 100+ year old chisels i've inherited from my grandad that have travelled the world to end up where they are today. I use them all the time and they do put food on the table. I keep them in good condition and would never consider restoring them in a way that sacrifices their function for aesthetics. Fair enough, however, different strokes for different folks. I was highly impressed with the restoration, but how can you say the meticulousness "dissolves the disability of an insignificant feature"? The level of craftsmanship and the choice to go with nails that are proud, are two different things, one does not negate the other.

[@Inmyopinion10101]

Absolutely superb. Love to have the time to do things like this. Guess I need to retire.

[@Mikhandmaker]

Thanks for the comment Peter!