Dots and Lines –choices for lasers?
The FHB article on lasers helped me some, but I do not yet own a laser but I am trying hard to buy one to start, realizing that lasers are probably like routers — one is never enough.
If I understand this correctly,for laying flooring, a visible line helps in alignment. Other indoor tasks such as installing cabinets, hanging anything on the wall that needs a level line and other finish work tasks can benefit from a laser that projects a visible line rather than just a dot — so something like a PLS2E or PLS90E would work.
Outside, if I need to layout a deck,a foundation for a new shop, or a retaining wall, then maybe a rotary is ideal because it has the power to project a visible line? However, it sounds as if a dot laser will work with a detector. So, something such as a PL5 or PLS2e/90e with a dector would be helpful?
I have to layout some flooring, build a retaining wall, build a new deck, build a new shop, and I need a dot or a line and maybe both. What would be your advice to start: PLS5, PLS90e or PLS2e?
Replies
For a first laser, I'd go with the lines. They're more versatile than dots. You can use line units like the 2E outside with the detector. In morning and evening twilight, you can even see them outside.
-- J.S.
Don't assume that even an expensive rotary laser can be seen outside. That is usually not the case. I own five lasers and the only one that I can see outside all the time is the robo laser, which projects a dot.
Is there any generalization you can make about the value of dots over a visible line, or is that the wrong feature to focus on?
Well...the dots are not as well defined as the lines.
I think you need an indoor laser and an outdoor laser. The PLS 2e without the detector is a good all around indoor laser and for outdoors, I would get a David White or one of the other good quality rotary construction lasers and use it with a detector.
If you can't afford a good rotary laser, a simple one like the robo laser will handle the outdoor work, it just won't be as convenient as the higher priced rotary models.
I think a PLS2e with a detector is a waste of money. For everyday outdoor construction work, you need a good rotary laser with a detector. Anyway, that's my opinion FWIW.
I got the PLS 2e without the detector recently.
Indoors it is great. Outdoor, well, midday forget it.
But if not in bright sunlight, it will do if the distance
isnt huge.
Inside though, I cannot imagine how I lived
without it.
Do you see a difference in the 2E and the newer 90e-- the way I understand it, the 90e has a visible line, the 2e does not?
thanks,
John
The 2e makes visible lines. It's just that they're not bright enough to compete with the sun. Indoors and twilight you can see them. Day exterior, you have to use the detector.
-- J.S.
Man, I got a Stabila rotary just for a big attic redo, and there literally aren't enough keys on the keyboard for me to sing its praises. Under $300 from Amazon.
Forrest - seeing green spots
I've used rotating lasers at work, but find my robo 5-beam and my PLS2 are all I really need when working alone. I really use both a lot, with new uses coming up regularly.
Some cool ways to do a better job with the PLS2, in addition to normal uses:
project a line onto drywall to line screws up in the center of the studs.
project a line onto carpet to make a straight cut. A standard camera tripod is very useful with this laser.
determine height variations in a crooked house be measuring at each proposed stud location from beam to ceiling and then from beam to floor.
Great tips. Thanks.New knowledge is priceless.
Used knowledge is even more valuable.