HI to everyone.
I’m a newby at posting but have been reading for some time. Always impressed by the amount of knowledge available here. I’m a dedicated woodworker (furniture and cabinets) and have done some remodeling of my own home.
I am going to finish a basement rec room, bathroom, bedroom using steel studs. I would like to purchase a laser level &/or alignment guide to help in getting studs and plates aligned straight and square.
I am confused by the differences in models out there and why you would need to spend 450 plus dollars or maybe only 75, to do the job.
Would those of you with experience using these devices please give me a quick education on how/why these are used properly and the best bang for the buck.
thanks in advance for the info.
Replies
I have a PLS5x laser level. It shoots two level lines at 90 degrees to each other, so you can square things up, and it shoots a plumb line at the same time. It's handy for a lot of things and cost about $500. I use it on a heavy duty photo tripod with a cranking center column for fine adjustment.
Before I had that unit I had access to a Robo-Laser rotary laser. It revolved via remote control and shot a level line. It was perfect for going around a room and getting a level reference everywhere, such as for setting cabinets, leveling a foundation form, etc. Those are about $300.
However, for straight-lining anything I still use string. I have the same spool of thin, strong line I got ten years ago and it's the only way to go. For plumbing up studs, door jambs, windows, walls, etc., I use a 4' or 6' level. Also the only way to go. A laser would not help me with any of that--maybe it's because I'm approaching old-timer status.
I think Robo Toolz was sucked up by Porter Cable. They have a unit that gives you three horizontal lines 90 degree to each other and a plumb line for 5 points in all. Self leveling, and about $300. Well worth it!Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
Unless you think you would need a laser for the future I would not bother purchasing one. A good level and straight edge or a plumb bob will suffice for plumb. Triangulation using 3-4-5 method will square things up.You only have to plumb first stud, accurate measuring after that will keep the remainder of studs plumb.A water level is accurate enough for remodeling jobs. I prefer water levels with 1/2" ID clear tubing over the one man water levels. They are less prone to have air bubbles and they level out slightly faster. A piece of tubing 25-0 long and a couple of corks or some kind of cap is all you need.I believe in your situation that it would be faster to use the above described methods than setting up and using a laser.
I have a transit and a torpedo laser but still use the simple methods for most renovations.
mike
Caution do not look at laser with remaining eye..
iggy. I've got the pls 2. Self leveling with level line, plumb line, both at the same time, and a locked cross hair set of lines that can be projected up, down or straight out. I got it b/4 a basement job and have since used it for many other things-ceilings, cabinet setting, door / window head alignment, wall layout, straight line transition, aligning tables in a pool hall......... Great indoors, not out. Can be mounted to project a level line around almost the entire perimeter of a large room for ceiling wall mould. Paid 259 bout a yr ago. It is quick. I fomerly used a transit to shoot reference marks that I would work off of. This is easier and quicker and for one man, a good tool. I'm glad I made the purchase. But do look closely, there's a bunch of lasers on the market that have one more feature than the last one. If you do go the laser route, find one that does everything you need and still makes sense moneywise.
I liked you in the band with the stooges.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Let me start by saying that laser levels are cool and fun to use. So if you can afford $225-$300 and may have other projects in the future go ahead and buy one.
Now if you don't want to spend that money, it sounds to me like you could probably get away with a good 4' or 6' bubble level for this project. Finishing a basement with metal studs, you'll wind up building to existing dimensions anyway so the only place you'll have to insist on plumb and level is doorways and partition walls, which even then you may have to split the difference between perfectly plumb and same length/width measurements at both plate lines.
A level laser line can be extremely helpful when setting cabinets, but one that will help you acccomplish this should be avialable for around $75-$100
Good Luck,
Bubba
I bought the Robo 7210 at Sears for about $250. It's self-leveling and remote controlled. It produces a spot which you can rotate around - perfect for working alone. I am rebuilding a porch, and it's been incredibly useful for setting posts etc.. Takes no time to set up (literally open the case and throw it on something solid). I calibrated it when I got it - it did need a minor tweak right out of the box. I panicked a little this week because I noticed the gap between my deck and the siding wasn't uniform - I just went over and re-calibrated (took all of 5 minutes) - no adjustment required - it's right on (less than a 1/16" over 70'), which means my deck is perfect and the siding on the house is off a little.
All in all, I'm very happy with it ... I used up the first set of batteries quickly because, well, I was playing with it. Since then, haven't had to replace batteries in a couple months. The beam is visible outdoors in all but the brightest sunshine (and for that, you get goofy goggles that make the beam easier to see). It has over 100 ft range, so I'll be using it next to make a topo map of my lot.
I do agree with earlier posts though - I've finished 3 basements with nothing more than a 4 ft level, plumb bob, and string. But use any excuse you get to buy a new toy!
Good luck ... Bill.
To add a few things...read the accuracy statements carefully. Some are more exact than others. It does appear the feature that spins the line is a pricey addition. Mt Robo Toolz unit is bright enough for outside work, but it's better on a dreary day!
Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
I bought a Robo-Toolz unit (RT 7610-5), with 5 beams and self-leveling, at Home Depot a year ago for about $180. I'm very satisfied with it. I used it outdoors to layout a 110 ft long fence that was 9 ft high; it was very accurate and bright enough to work with outdoors with very little beam spread at 100 feet. The main feature I love is it's ability to quickly self-level: that's the only way to go if you want absolute accuracy. I have also used it indoors for a lot of applications. Once you start using it, you'll keep finding new uses. With any of these lasers, you shouldn't stare into them, and you may want to get some laser safety glasses if you're a little nervous. But I did a little research and found that mine is a "Class II" laser which means very low energy that won't damage your eye in an instant. Here is what I read online: "Lasers categorized as Class II cannot harm the retina because the human blink reflex is sufficient to provide protection." After getting zapped with it momentarily when I first started using it, I learned to be a little more cautious. There was no damage, but it was certainly startling!