Hi all, My (robo tools) laser level died and I need one urgently for the work I am doing right now. I don’t have time to do my usual pre purchase research, so I am seeking recommendations. Any one using one that they particularly like? Many thanks, Daniel
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You probably should rent till you can make an informed decision.
Here's what a simple search here netted.
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A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
You need to be more specific, I believe Robo-tools makes several. What do you want to accomplish with it? If you are just shooting a line for cabinets you could do it with a $10 toy and research for your ultimate solution later. Borrow or rent would be a solution as previously said.
I hate to do it but you could buy and if it did not live up to your expectations return and upgrade.
Check the archives, someone posted about a PC Robotoolz level on sale for $99 at one of the web sites - I think it might be Toolking.com.
It was the PC 3650 or something like that - they retail for $200-$229 at other sites.
JT
Hi,
FYI: amazon.com is having a major tool sale right now. You can probably get one in your hands in 2 days.
Dude,
A long length of clear tubing, a yard stick upside down (remark the ft marks so "0" is at the 2ft mark)(it works upside down if you think about it) a little food coloring(I like green)
and a couple capfuls of jetdry in a bucket of water. Syphon into the tube, clear bubbles and use... never needs batteries and works around corners, in separate rooms, etc...
Dad showed me how to use it and to this day, I get some "Carps" ask wht the hell it is...I'm not that old yet. Then again the guy asking is holding a plastic level and a ryobi drill.
Jet dry in the water...thanks for the tip. Lasers.........We don't need no steenking lasers.
It breaks the surface tension so your waterline is flat instead of slightly curved up the insides of the tube.Land of the boring 4/12 hip roofs...
I use a little RV anti-freeze in mine. Helps it flatten, easier to see because of the color, and the water doesn't freeze in the gallon jug I keep it in...Buic
Ha Ha, don't have to worry about freezing here, but I like it. Color, no freeze and flat line all in one. Nice trick, I will remember it. Also built the first rotary laser level from my dads idea back when the only lasers were in laser pointers. Set a round tuperware bowl on a stool/ladder. cut a piece of ridgid foam slightly smaller than the bowl, cedar staple to stick the pointer to the foam, tape the button on and fill bowl with water till the beam hits your mark. About 1/8" off across a living room for setting chair rail, wainscot. Not bad.I coulda been a trillionaire!!!!!!( nah, probably some genius was building a real one while I was dinking with foam and tuperware...)Land of the boring 4/12 hip roofs...
good tip, thanks.
Hello, LJ
That clear tube water level works fine. I have used it to lay out various projectrs. I have seen it used in submarine construction. But I have discovered one important problem, "Sun Light"! It heats the water, there by expanding it, and although, water always equalizes its self when used in this fashion, it can throw you dimension off as much .250 of an inch. Always check you referance, before you make your mark. Your water level, could be that .250 off at your referance, as well. I think, self leveling laser levels are great, cheap, and lets not forget, vulnerable.......................Pop
I like my PLS 2e. It makes both horizontal and vertical lines.
-- J.S.
While laser levels are pretty neat, are they necessary?
The Empire State Building was built without one....
Hello Daniel,
Which one is it?
I have 1 of the robotoolz that shoots the line of dots or single dot, The original to the PC model now. see url for description.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=43432&R=43432
I'm not using this anymore and has had very little use. Works great and I would be willing to ship this you for $125.00 (thats for UPS ground) as I was getting ready to put it in the classifieds here so someone could get a deal here, before putting it on ebay. Check my profile for email and let me know if your interested. If so, I can get this shipped within a day or so.
Mike K
Edited 1/18/2006 4:05 pm by MiKro
Thanks for the responses everyone, I will probably rent one Calvin. I am doing some major structural remediation on an existing building, including installing a structural ridge (3-1 3/4" X 14" LVL's 36 ' long), and this is the sort of thing I use the laser for frequently. Thanks, Daniel
I've had pretty good luck with the Dewalt manually leveled rotary lasers. The basic one (d batts) costs $199 at Lowes for just the level itself.Depending on how much you plan on paying for renting, might be worth a look.JT