removing old joist how can I maintain level???

[fuel123]

I am currently working on a 3 story row I have had to remove 1/2 of all of the floor joist due to damage. I am wondering if anyone can tell me of an easier way to maintain level on the joist across the floor span? They are 2 x 10's spaced every 16 inches on center, they are set in the walls 4 inches on each side when I start I usually level the first joist then use 1 2foot level and one 4 foot level on each side and level them as we go. ( there is a worker, with a 2ft level and a 4ft level, on the other side leveling along with me) this is very time consuming. I have tried the string method and have used a laser level but I seem to always have a problem. Any suggestions would be of help.

thanks,
Ray

[Tom R]

Ray,

Get your first joist on either end 'level'. Then 'chalk' a level line at any convenient height on your two 'endwalls' (the walls at each end of your joists), measuring up from this joist. Whatever your measurement is from your new line to your first joist (the one you already installed), will keep the same exact measurement to all the rest of your joists. If you want you can cut a scrapboard to that length and use it as a gauge.

[fuel123]

Ray,

Get your first joist on either end 'level'. Then 'chalk' a level line at any convenient height on your two 'endwalls' (the walls at each end of your joists), measuring up from this joist. Whatever your measurement is from your new line to your first joist (the one you already installed), will keep the same exact measurement to all the rest of your joists. If you want you can cut a scrapboard to that length and use it as a gauge.

Sounds good if the floor was there but most of the time the floor below is not level or I am working off of ladders above a floor full of debris but I like your idea of a scape gauge

thanks

[Tom R]

It doesn't matter if your floor below is out of level, your 'level' chalkline will be your new reference point. You're going to need to clean up all that debris at some point, why not clean it up now? A safer, more 'efficient' work environment lessens the 'pitfall ratio'. Then maybe set up some 'scaffold' planks along each 'endwall'.

No matter whether I'm doing a kitchen, a deck, a door, a floor, - - or whatever, the first thing I always do is establish a 'level' reference line (at any height - - as long as it's level you can measure your whole job from it).