Replies

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Nov 19, 2000 07:25pm | #1

   *
   check the threads below here.....

   http://webx.taunton.com/WebX?50@@.ee7d264.eebca46/11

   and in construction techniques.. also a recent thread on the main board..

1. 
   Pro-Dek | Dec 14, 2000 10:15pm | #2

   *LevelLite- self leveling pocket laser- It's about the size of a tape measure and we love it.

1. 
   STEVE_LEONARD | Dec 15, 2000 04:25am | #3

   *b. check out the robo laser!!! cost about $299 I think and its great self leveling and remote control to move laser dot to where ever you want it! all depends on what you want to do with a laser!

1. 
   Andy_Maas | Dec 15, 2000 08:06pm | #4

   *Frankly, there is nothing a laser can do that a snap line and level can't. But lasers do provide some entertainment value chalk can't.

1. 
   Phill_Giles | Dec 18, 2000 07:51am | #5

   *Andy, hypothetical work situation: You are working on a mill that's being converted to a small shopping "mall"; there's a 35' wide mill-race that runs along the west wall of the mill (the foundation forms the east bank of the race); the only way to cross the race is to cross the 175' long dam that forms the mill-pond about 200' up-stream; the only known elevation in the area is a monument directly opposite the centre of the mill, on the west bank; there are a couple of windows on the west wall, but they do not open; the town will be building a new bridge over the race, about 350' down-stream, you know its planned elevation; you're about to pour a concrete pad in front of the east entrance to the mill and it must be at the same elevation (+1/4"/- 0") as the "yet to be built" bridge. The concrete truck will be here in 15 minutes, you have a chalk-line and a level, and you're quite alone - no problem, right ?

2. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Dec 18, 2000 10:10pm | #6

   *I'm talking residential remodelling carpentry...I have found water levels in carpentry to be the only level tool needed besides a level... The beauty of a water level is it's ability to set heights from a blind reference point. I leveled a huge camp or two this way...Set it up and wander from room to room charting all with no need to reset up or transfer readings through walls and around blind corners.More yak....I owned one of the $500 toy lasers once...Junk...Returned the junk. That said and for Mike Smiths sake, I do like the PLS5 and the inexpensive copy of it. If ya have money to burn, buy one...Now a real mans laser and sensible needs...site work, ya just gotta have a Spectra Physics auto leveling with slope capability laser accurate to a diameter of hundreds of feet as needed. Good for tennis courts, ice rinks, foundation layout, pipe sloping...near the stream,ajTry the junk toy stuff and return it with in 30 days if it is slowing you down or not making you money. Strings and measuring off existing surfaces is actually the correct way to do interior carpentry work. Don't try to convince me otherwise.

3. 
   Mike_Smith | Dec 18, 2000 10:47pm | #7

   *aj.. my digger has one of the $3000 lasers.. it's been back to texas 3 times.. they tell him it's too sensitive, picks up aircraft transmissions (?)he's also got an audible ""JobShot"" that he bought for $800 new...the receiver has an audible beep when the grade is right..swears by it...laid 300 ft. of 8 inch sewer last week.. and the last section went right in with no adjustment....me and my $500 Laser level 3 ... damn .. i like that thing....

4. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Dec 19, 2000 04:46am | #8

   *The better receivers do way more than the cheapos...the sound can be on, off or adjusted...the back has a reading so it can be held in front of you...near the lasers needed for laser grading receivers,ajSomeday with loose coin I will get a Smith laser too!

5. 
   Brandon_Cohick | Dec 23, 2000 02:29am | #9

   *Lowe's carries a variety of laser levels. For b-rad a nice laser level is the robo laser it is remote operated and will turn 360 degrees using the remote. It onlt shoots one laser put will go all the way around, great for cabinets. It's also tripod mountable. Another good one is the Gizmo it has a seperate laser vertical and horizontal good for cabinets, paneling, plumbing walls and shooting walls for level, along with many others. Prices range from 200 to 400 dollars.

6. 
   Johnnie_Browne | Dec 29, 2000 04:53am | #10

   *I bougt a spectra physis lazer, couple weeks ago. mainly used for site work. I,m sorry ONLY use for site work. It has been great so far but I can tell you, if your warning stobe on your truck is on, the lazer goes crazy.

7. 
   Carpenter_Ant | Mar 05, 2001 08:10am | #11

   *B.C.,Ditto to your words about the Robo Laser. I've owned one for approx. 2yrs. One of the distinct advantages for me is that, as contrasted with a builders level, I can use it solo. It has served me well, saved me time, and kept me level! I use it for a variety of applications and do not even own a tripod.Other methods of determining level heights can be used (and I do use other methods in certain situations), but this unit has ensured accuracy and efficiency whenever I use it.

8. 
   Jeffrey_DeMeyer | Mar 09, 2001 05:38am | #12

   *I have used my David White Autolaser 900 for about a year now. Great for site work as well as interior finish. It is self leveling and spins 360 degrees constantly, perfect for solo work. I know for a fact that labor costs are down and accuracy and confidence are up appreciably.

9. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Mar 11, 2001 02:32pm | #13

   *Aj, I've always had bad luck with my water levels. I'm not sure why. Have youy ever had a bad experience?I agree about measuring off existing surfaces in remodeling. If I'm working to a ceiling that is out of level by 1/2", I don't suppose I want everything near it to be perfectly level.blue

10. 
    blue_eyed_devil_ | Mar 11, 2001 02:39pm | #14

    *Jeff, how much for the autolaser 900?Does it do vertical?blue

11. 
    The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Mar 12, 2001 11:19pm | #15

    *Blue...I use the water level inside...I have a transit for outside...And Spectra laser for Tennis grading. The water level is easy to use...I have spilled the water...Takes a few minutes to reset up with air bubbler-less line and then use...I make sure it has a lot of drop...It seems to work well that way...Also, I use it by myself when not in a hurry or distracted by others...I always layout and do math solo! Distractions always end in error for me.near the stream,aj

12. 
    GCobarr_ | May 16, 2001 09:31am | #16

    *Does anyone have an opinion about Stabila?

13. 
    Marc_Mazzarella | Jun 05, 2001 06:13am | #17

    *I use a water level for doing siding and over things that need to be dead level. I use a plastic hose that is at least 1/2" inside dia. I mix a little dish soap in the water to make what firemen call wet water. It makes the the water side up and down in the hose easier. Once in a while I will clean the inside of the hose with that chemical that cleans calcium buildup off things. I also measure every mark twice to make sure. I bought a Robo Laser and like that to. But I will keep the water level for back up.

2. 
   b-rad | Jun 05, 2001 06:13am | #18

   *
   I am thinking about buying a laser level. Something small and compact. I do mostly remodeling work. Do any of you have any comments that would help me make an educated purchase.

   thanks from a 1/4 bubble off