having a really hard time sorting out the laser situation
I needed something fast, so stopped in HD and picked the Johnson 40-6660. it worked great for the reno job ceiling I had to deal with. and it has some great features that i can’t seem to find in any other unit. or at least combined in any other unit.
The mini tripod is sweet. ( can set on full tripod as well) you can set up the unit over your reverence mark and fine tune the position of the unit, using the shifting plate that it sits on, then lock it in. you then can rotate it , ( it has a degree scale) like any builders level. the amount of lines it shoots is incredible. looks like a laser security vault outta mission impossible when all lines are turned on. I suppose something like the PLS5 has the same, but if i’m not mistaken it only shoots dots. I’ve worked with dots before ( a hilti hand held unit) and there is nothing great about them IMO. you still have to plumb down from them with a level.
the Johnson unit casts its lines on the floor as well for easy squaring up. as well as the ceiling for over the head applications. I’m totally in love with the look and feel of this unit…..
where I start feel a reality check that this tool is to good to be true is in a couple of things….1st the accuracy: 3/8″ over 100′ – that’s huge in my books.most homes I work on are within 50′ and being out an combined affect of 3/8″ at 50′ is not something that I would tolerate.
the second is the fact that it can’t get wet. outdoor use is fine ( comes with receiver) but here in BC, outdoors is wet half the year.
So for the $900 CND and 1 year to pay with no interest. do I keep this unit and rely on my optical level for most of the outside leveling. using the Johnson for inside work and floor squaring on dry days.
should I accept the fact that If I want a laser for all the large scale stuff as well as room by room work and squaring, I might need 2 lasers.
I’ve searched the archives, and have ransacked the net. I can’t seem to find anything quite like the Johnson but with improved accuracy and accepting of harsh weather. is there something out there I don’t know about.
Edited 1/25/2007 12:34 am ET by alrightythen
Edited 1/25/2007 9:28 am ET by alrightythen
Replies
Don't know what it would be Canadian cash but you might be interested in the CST/Berger Lasermark LMH.
1/16" @ 100 feet, 2000 ft range. Uses detector.
As a kit it comes with everthing you need - Package # 57-LMHPKG $799.95 from http://www.mytoolstore.com Look over their site at the other Lasermark stuff. Some more $$, some less $$.
That's the best price I've been able to find, so far.
I use a transit and use an extra tripod to make my grade rod self supporting so I don't have to find a warm body but it is extra work. I keep promising myself I'm going to get out of the dark ages and buy this tool but... that's 3 tanks of diesel fuel for my bus.
Thanks for the link. I'm sorta thinking I'm going to end up with 2 lasers.