Replies

1. 
   JDRHI | Jun 06, 2002 04:54pm | #1

   Tedd,

   IMHO unless remodeling or building is something you do for a living I`d advise against "laser levels" and the like. Stick with the basic tried and true tools that you`ll be able to use for various projects in a variety of applications. 2',4', even 6' levels, plumb bobs, framing squares, layout squares, water levels, etc. are all tools I use on a daily basis on every job I do. I consider my laser levels to job specific and only use them occasionally.

   Good luck with the house!

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

   "DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"

1. 
   Piffin | Jun 07, 2002 03:26am | #4

   JD, It sounds like you just haven't learned to make use of your laserlevel. There are few tools that I have that are so able to save time and agravation while making a two man job into a one man job. Squaring up is hard for an amature to do but not with the right laser unit. Plumb bobs don't work in the wind but I've never seen wind run my laser beam off.

   A worthwhile investment.

   I check the bubbles on a plumb stick when I buy a new one in the store. Generally, they are off about fifty percent of the time - more with the cheepo ones. How many DIY homeowners even know how to check for a good one?

   Excellence is its own reward!

   Edited 6/6/2002 8:30:03 PM ET by piffin

1. 
   KenHill3 | Jun 07, 2002 03:56am | #5

   I see that Porter Cable has come out with a self-leveler that looks VERY similar to the Robolaser, altho it apears that this one also has a 'rotating' mode. Anybody see it?

   Ken Hill

2. 
   JDRHI | Jun 07, 2002 05:29am | #6

    I was just offering my humble opinion. If he were asking about miter saws, I would have suggested a simple inexpensive chopsaw. Were he looking for a circular saw, I might have suggested a sidewinder. As a professional I see too many weekend warriors run out and purchase tools they have little or no need for simply because they saw Norm had one in his shop. I suggest perhaps he spend less per tool and end up with more tools. Again...just my humble opinion.J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

   "DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"

3. 
   JeffBuck | Jun 07, 2002 06:39am | #7

   Hey Piff...there's a cure for those bubbles........Stabila! Jeff                             "That's like hypnotizing chickens........."

                                                     

1. 
   SingingRiver | Jun 07, 2002 07:51am | #8

   I'm not exactly a pro but have had a bit of experience in construction. I am comfortable with plumb bobs, squares, 3-4-5 rule, and 6' levels. I was wondering if there are any advantages to adding a laser to the inventory.

   It seems to me that what's happening in laser tools might justify a couple of the devices to help ensure straight, square, level, and perpendicular.

   thanks for the review sites...

   Tedd

1. 
   Piffin | Jun 08, 2002 11:42pm | #9

   Well, considering JD's aproach to keeping costs down for weekenders, look at the robolaser. It's cheaper and less accurate than the 600-1000 dollar ones but serviceable.

   JD, I didn't mean to put you one the humble defensive. I read and appreciate most of your posts. You've got a good professional approach. I was just responding to the comment about you not using yours much without intent to criticize. Sometimes, I will buiy a new tool and it sits around for a year or so before I get the right approach to using it. Then all of a sudden, we're going steady.

   Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   fireball | Jun 09, 2002 04:05am | #10

   Hey Tedd,

    Have you checked out E-bay? I bought a brand new David White automatic level there for a third of what the suppliers ask.There seems to be at least some people that buy expensive tools to build their houses, then sell them on E-Bay to get some of their money back.Good Luck as well.

   Barry

3. 
   toast953 | Jun 09, 2002 09:04am | #11

   Tedd, just a thought , here is list  of things to ensure  square ,  level, and square. A couple of  rolls of masons line, a clip on line level, and a good foundation man. Best of  Journeys to you , Jim Jensen

2. 
   tjcarcht | Jun 06, 2002 08:57pm | #2

   Tedd - If it is only level (not plumb, square, etc.) that you are concerned about and you have landscape work too (drainage, elevations, etc.) get yourself a Robolaser for $250 or so.  While not quite a 'professional' grade tool it should suit your purposes just fine.

   T. Jeffery Clarke

   Quidvis Recte Factum Quamvis Humile Praeclarum

1. 
   caseyr | Jun 06, 2002 10:55pm | #3

   There are a couple of reviews of laser levels on-line at Tools of the Trade and at JLC on-line this month:

   http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/content/tools/2001/mayjun/laser_level/default.asp

   http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront