I’m looking to buy a 5 beam self leveling laser. Does anyone have any experience with the Keson 5 beam self leveling laser? Thanks for any feedback you might be able to provide.
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That's a new one. PLS 5? Seen those for years. Think PC bought RoboToolz.
What accuracy do you want? 1/8 in 100', 1/4 in 100'? For Xmas I got a Craftsman 4 in 1 laser with an astouding +- 1/2 in 30' Will exchange that for something useful.
Check it out first when you get it home. Does it really throw 90 dgs in all direction?
My B&D laser claims to throw a perfect 90. Said so on the box. Yah, right. I am thinking that for around $500 you get 1/8 in 100, and for $50 you get a perfect 90.
Checked it out on a 20' right triangle on the warehouse floor. It's 89.86 dgs or open it up 1/4 in 9' to be on. However, according to my Stabila, the auto level function is right on and it's been handy in kitchen layout, etc.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Thanks ToolBear,
The literature I've seen claims that the Keson is accurate to plus/minus 1/4 inch in 100 feet. (It is available thorugh Duluth Trading Company - makers of "Bucket Boss" products and such). They have the unit on sale and I was wondering if anyone actually had any first hand experience using this unit. Wondering if it has shown to be a reliable tool? Thanks
Don't know a thing about Keson. I use a PLS5x and am quite happy with it. Bought it at the JLC Live event at Prov for $470, or something near there.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/pls/pls5x.html
Accuate 1/8" in 100'. All 5 beams are not centered, however, the 2 side beams are set back from the other three by 1".
I have the same laser and love it. This last summer, one of our guys (used to be the lead framer, now one of 2) was starting a new house and our trim guy (who has also framed) was working with him. Both guys in their 40's who have framed and trimmed a lot over the years. Danny (trim guy) wanted to try the laser. We were next door doing some pickup framing. He calls me over and I see that they have lines snapped on their foundationwalls that look 1" apart (you know where this is going). They tell me very seriously that the laser is off and that if I've been using it, my house is out of square and I should go in and check it.
I asked them if their lines are 1" apart. They measure and said "yes how did you know?". I told the that the 2 side beams are set back 1" from the front beam. Then I told them if they knew how to read, they could really do a lot better for themselves in this industry. I asked them how they didn't notice that when it's written right on top and in order to use the laser, you really can't miss it. I get to still raz them about that.
I built a free-standing deck last spring using nothing but the PLS5x to locate and square it up. Okay, I checked the diagonals with a tape, but I needn't have bothered. Also used to build in place interior partitions, bath alcoves, etc. Great tool and a time saver. Had it out on the Stabila adjustable tripod and got plenty of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from all the homeowners that paid regular visits. Gonna buy the PLS2 this year, should complement the 5x well, I think.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
I've been drooling over the PLS 5x for some time, but the price is hard for this tightwad to get over. I've been shopping around for a less expensive alternative for my first laser purchase. Here is some of the Keson info that has me interested: Projects a vertical laser line, horizontal laser dots, as well as upward and downward laser dots that can be used as a laser plumb bob. Five individual laser diodes (not just one beam split five ways) provides a brighter, sharper and tighter beam.
I'll have to check out the tripod. I've thought about trying that but so far we haven't needed it.
I do love this laser. We have a couple of plans that have walls framed up to the rafters and for transferring layout from the floor to the ceiling is so fast and accurate with the laser
The Stabila was the only one that I could find that allowed height adjustment, just turn the crank. You need an adapter to fit the PLS laser to it, but PLS sells one, or at least I think I bought it from them. The laser then can move up and down as well as in a full circle, which makes interior work easier as well. I have a rotary level, manually leveled, but haven't used it since teaming the PLS with the Stabila. The tripod was about $150 from Amazon, but can be had for cheaper at trade shows like JLC.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
those are the 2 I have ...
the PLS 5 and the PLS 2 ...
use the 2 alot more .. but the 5 is nice to have on hand ....
last big remodel ... used both thru out the whole gig ...
always made sure to leave one on if I heard the customer nosing around ...
at one point, he says to the kitchen designer who pulled out a level ...
"Oh ... U don't need that ... Jeff framed this whole place with a lazer level ..... it's as perfect as it gets ....."
That alone is with the price of admission!
if ya can't baffel them with brilliance .....
Jeff
I'll have to check out the Stabila tripod ... been holding off looking for the right one ... Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Before I got the Stabila tripod, I had jury-rigged an auto scissor jack for the laser during a kitchen remodel. I just wished they made a smaller version of the same tripod. I bought a laser mount from Fast Cap that fastens to their Third Hand which I plan to use for interior work when the tripod is too tall, but haven't run into an opportunity where it was needed yet.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
You will like the thirdhand laser bracket and the pole. On a recent kitchen gut, rough and finish as soon as the cabs are delivered I used the set up layout the base levels for blocking, the electric box locations, the overall level (whoa! you should see what I have to work with) and misc. On the last kitchen, the poles were already up for visqueen protection from the great room, the pls 2 found a home on one pole pretty much throughout layout, furring and cab mtg. A good addition to the arsenal. If they would only add a dial up/down fine tuning mechanism.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Jeff, I think you're right. I might just buy a laser to set up on the jobsite for looks.
If the homeowners think a laser job is better, it is better...even if you never actually use it!
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!