I bought the PLS 180 about two weeks ago, and I really can’t believe how nice it is to use.
I am constantly finding new ways to use this tool, really paying for itself fast.
Framing basement walls, I set any stud plumb to the laser line and off I go with layout.
Wall angle for suspended ceilings is another great use. No more snapping chalklines. Set it up and hang the wall angle to your laser line.
I used it to set a french door the other day. Set the jamb to the plumb line and shim it to it, then set the other jamb with it. I went back and put the doors on the hinges and it was dead on.
I am building a kitchen island now and it has two newel post to hold up the corners of a large granite top, once again I set the laser up. I set it so it hit the top of the island cabinets, I went and marked the laser lines on the newels and once again it was right dead on.
All in all I give it two purple thumbs up. Made my life very easy as of late, and I am enjoying that. The fact that I can use something the size of a pack of cigarettes to replace alot of things my levels did is also very nice. This is the second PLS laser I have bought and both have not disappointed.
Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
Replies
Matt, can you use it to plumb from a point on the floor to make point on the ceiling? Like a reverse plumb bob?
We also use a line laser to figure how much to cut off door legs on out of level floors.
I'd love to consolidate to one laser.
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
I can make a mark on the floor and it will cast a line to the ceiling.
It shoots lines not points like the 5x I bought earlier this year.
There is really an endless list of things this laser can do.
I used it last week to align new vertical oak siding on a bulkhead that I built with the old siding above it. Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
Sorry I'm being so thick, but, could I use it like my DeWalt plumb bob laser?I've got an old Gizmo cross hair laser, a Stablia manual leveling rotary, and a plumb bob laser... be nice to roll them into one, then I'd have something to trade<G>Oh, how's it work in bright sunlight? Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
I haven't tried it in sunlight yet, but there is a button on the back that seems to adjust the brightness of the laser lines.
I haven't used any of the tools you mentioned before so I couldn't tell you to get rid of them for what I think is a great tool. By the sounds of it, with some of them being maual leveling and gizmo lasers it's time to upgrade to something you can just turn on and work with.
I'll try to take some pictures this week of it in action. Maybe that will help you decide.
Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
The button turns on/off the pulse feature so it works with a detector.
It also turns the beams intensity up. I got a receiver with my 5x so I didn't buy another for the 180.
Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
Not really. When the beam is pulsed, it appears dimmer... mine has only two settings when the button is pushed (pulsed/not pulsed).
I imagine one of the settings will eat up batteries faster... don't know which, though.
It is a handy little tool :)
In my admittedly limited use so far, I don't know why you couldn't use it as a plumb, reverse oriented or otherwise. There are 4 settings -- horizontal, vertical, crosshair, and then crosshair with what appears to be the autolevel turned off.Here's a photo I just shot. No light, but the flash was on. Small room (5' x 8') http://www.fatroman.com/FHB/pls180_on.jpgHaven't used it outside, but I haven't had any issues with not being able to see it inside in the middle of the day.
I have used mine in the middle of the day as well and haven't had a problem seeing the beam.
The other button on the back seems to turn the beams intensity up and down. I messed with that the other day when I was shooting newel post heights.
Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
Yeah, I played with that button when I first got it, but didn't notice anything different. After your remark earlier I went to check it out again, and it sure does make it more intense. Thanks for mentioning that.
And as with the modified 2, PLS180 can be had with the outdoor receiver.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
hey cal, I've got a receiver with the stabila, it's not as accurate as I'd like, how's the pls'? As you can see, I'm still on the quest for the do it all for me laser... think I'll watch the Holy Grail again <G> Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
When I reviewed the PLS2 with rcver I was impressed at the distance and accuracy. I don't have any first hand knowledge of the 180 w/rcvr. but I would assume it would be as accurate. There is an accuracy stat shown at PLS's site, might take a look. What was stabilla's accuracy range?A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
The stabila gets worse the closer the receiver gets to the laser... but it's accurate enough for a blind bat like me... Doesn't sound like I'll be replacing my trio just yet. Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
Snort, don't know if it has been answered already but here goes, the 180 won't transfer a point the way a laser bob will, you would have to hit it one way, turn the laser and hit it again to get a point. It will however line up on two points on the floor or wall and give you a plumb line in that plane. It can also be locked off self leveling and be used for creating 90 degrees off of non level/plumb marks. It is a fun toy. Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.
It sounds like a good laser, but one of mine's gonna have to break before I'll be playing with it<G> Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.
It is cool, isn't it. I got mine last month and keep finding new uses for it.
Just walked upstairs after using it to set the blocking for wainscoting. Make a mark at 2' and 4', turn it on and run around the room with a square to mark the rest of the studs. Easy as pie.
I really debated at whether it would be worth buying. Now I'm scratching my head and wondering how I got along with out it. LOL
It really is a versatile tool.
Its only limits are your imagination.
It does what a level and a chalkline does in one push of a button.
I wish they made an adjustable stand for it, like a tripod. Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
Matt,
If you have a third hand, the bracket will stick good to it. If you want security, add a pinch clamp.
or guy the laser bracket attmt for the 3rd hand.
or a camera tripod.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Whats a 3rd hand? Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
Here's the poles.
View Image
and the laser mount.
View Image
FastCap 3HLASERMNT Lasermount for 3rd Hand
Buy new:
$60.00$59.992 Used & new from $48.95
Get it by Tuesday, Dec 11 if you order in the next 22 hours and choose one-day shipping.
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.
It clamps on the poles. The poles hold things up, spread things apart (glueup) and can be used for a dust barrier.
Or, they have a 3rd hand that's set up as a laser mount pole-a little more dedicated and less fussing around than the separate part and pole.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Here you go.
View ImageA Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Thats it, great solution there.
I might buy one of those.
Like Roman said a 12' pole would be great for ceiling work. Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
3rd hand-54'' to 12'
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Good deal. Thanks for looking into that.
I had no idea that this issue had been addressed.
I had this hair brained idea of lazy susan cabinet hardware and a pole in the works. Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
I'll second the camera tripod suggestion from Calvin. I have one from my dad that has to be 20 years old or more. I put the laser on there and it works perfectly. Nice spikes in the bottom to bite into plywood, and rubber feet if you need them instead. The self leveling feature comes in really handy with the tripod as well.Might see if you can dig one up on ebay or craigslist.
I was going to use an old tripod for halogen lights. I broke the lights a long time ago and thought it might work, I just haven't got to it yet.
I made a stand up out of steel stud scraps, not that proffessional looking but it gets the job done. I use the magnetic 90 degree bracket that came with the laser to stick it to my frankensteined base. Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
I'll say that the camera tripod had 2 nice features. One, it swivels, so you can really get all 360 degrees of the room without moving anything. Two, you can use the geared height adjustment and sneak up on a line pretty quickly.The only limitation I've found so far is that the top height is only 6' or so. If you had a tripod that went to 12' with those other features, you'd really be in business for most scenarios.
It does what a level and a chalkline does in one push of a button. I wish they made an adjustable stand for it, like a tripod. @@@@Does it come with the magnetic arm, like my PLS2?I was thinking I could attach one to my HF third hand and have a cheap version of the levolution - at least inside. Worse case, tape or velcro it.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Laserjam makes a great system. They have a video on web. I love mine.
http://www.laserjamb.com/You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
Thanks for the link Marv, looks like a great setup.
Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
I have been emailed by Mike at PLS, he states that the detector for my 5x cannot be used for my 180. So I am out of luck, at least I thought I was.
He really suprised me with a reply through my profile here. He took the time to answer my questions and point me in the right directions.
He then asks me what my address is and he is going to ship me a detector free. How freakin cool is that. My salesman misinformed me and PLS steps up and makes it right. It don't get any better than that.
Great tools and great service, it means alot when a rep from a company takes time out of their day to answer questions I have. These are the companies I like to deal with and will continue to do so.
Thanks PLS, your tools made me a happy customer, your service made me a customer for life.
Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
Edited 12/11/2007 7:52 pm ET by MattSwanger
Several years ago when I bought the PLS2 from my local drywall supply I brought it home and wasn't sure, but didn't think it worked. I called and talked to Mike, because I think he works harder than many of us and was still there. He shipped me out a new one that day, I had it the next morning (the beauty of 3 hr time change). There was no-send in the bogus, and we'll return it with a new one. Just put the bogus one in the box the replacement comes in and send it back. He responded to my time line (bought it to use tomorrow, needed it tomorrow).
Since then we've corresponded, bull #### -ed and hey, they donated the new ('O5) PLS2X for a give away at our Fest here. Like you say Matt, a real Peoples Company with human beings that think. I have no qualms about recommending them to anyone who asks. When you get it, how bout you give a report on the accuracy of the detector for Holly.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I plan on getting a small photo thread going for Holly. I'll post it in this thread.
I redesigned a kitchen island for a customer to look like a piece of furniture from one side and a kitchen on the other and the 180 made this alot easier.
I set it up and marked my newel posts to the correct height without a tape or straightedge to mark them. Really nice tool to own.
I have to wait for the new marble tile to come in before I go back so it might be Tuesday of next week. Then I'll get pictures of the setup I used to get the newels and sliding dovetailed stiles marked.
I'm going back out to the kitchen with a cathedral ceiling tommorrow to get started setting bases so I can get the granite templated. I'll get some photos of that as well.
Mike at PLS caught me off guard, I wasn't expecting a response like I got. I hope he and PLS know they are doing the right things to keep carpenters/customers happy. Just a human responding these days is enough to get me on their boat.
Your story also lets me know that they are really dedicated to the people that buy their product. Nice to know that there are a few good companies still out there. Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
Mikes the man. And when you're the boss it's easy to take some pride in your company. Well, not easy..........but you get the idea.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I have a similar Mike story. I have a PLS2e and called to ask if the detector for the PLS90 would work with the 2E. Mike was helpful and then I asked about the bracket to hold the detector, since one does not come with the PLS90. Anyway, to make a long story short, Mike shipped me a complimentary bracket. I have showed a number of folks the advantages of using the line laser with the bracket .. makes it a very useful tool. The customer service from Mike at PLS is amazing and an expression of above and beyond values that I hope will pay off for him and PLS.
Interesting that you mention a bracket for the PLS90. When last using mine I found it difficult to position it where I wanted it, directly over a layout mark in a sloping excavation. I dreamed up a bracket with an articulated arm that would allow one to cantilever the unit a foot or two off of the tripod, and then position it directly over layout... but I never made it... yet. As it is the beam needs to shoot down thru the tripod and sometimes it's hard to make that happen.
Mike, if you're listening, I'll send you a sketch, you can have the guys in the prototype shop fab it up, and then I'll field test it for you.
David:
I'm listening and would be interested to learn more about your application and to see a sketch of your idea.
Call me when you get a chance 800 601 4500 or e mail me direct at [email protected]
Regards,
Mike
PLS
I got the receiver today, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
Today was the first time I got to use the detector for the PLS 180.
Very easy and accurate to use. Small enough to fit in a pouch of my tool bag.
Great read out that also beeps as you zero in on the target line.
I had the laser setup about 48' away from where I was needing a level line and the detector made this very easy to find.
Thanks Mike Woods favorite carpenter
Today was the first time I got to use the detector for the PLS 180.
What are ya shooting???
Snow elevations?<g>
Merry ChristmasLive in the solution, not the problem.
I was shooting for level on sloped lot for a deck ledger.
Sloped probably 7 ft over close to 50'.
I had to have the finished decking come in level with the cement stairs.
It worked very nice, the detector made finding the line quik and easy.
All our snow melted last night, we hit close to 50 degrees and rain.
12 hours later it's snowing again. Woods favorite carpenter
Sounds like we've got your weather--minus the snow.
Supposed to be nice tomorrow--mid50's & sunny.
Guess I'll enjoy it until about 2, then have Christmas with DF and her son.
Live in the solution, not the problem.
Enjoy the holidays David.
Sure wish I was back in your region, I can remember spending winter vacations in Greenville, South Carolina with my aunt and uncle. Winters there were a dream to us northeners. Woods favorite carpenter
If you ever get back this way, you've always got a crash-pad in Statesville.Live in the solution, not the problem.
Appreciate the offer, you have the same invite here. Woods favorite carpenter
Matt,
don't carry your pls in your nailbags. I have a pls2 and carried it in by bags nearly everyday.
Now when I use it, the slightest bump and it turns itself off. got a new 180 on order, should be here friday- that one will stay in the case.
See thread about broken PLS2's, and what PLS will offer to compensate for the lack of repair parts.
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=98753.1"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
David,
The Pls 90 and the issue of the laser passing through the tripod screw hole is a whole other issue. After spending more hours than I wish to count trying to do this and eventually getting it to work through trial and error, I KNOW someone with a clever mind can come up with a cantilever solution ... it seems the obvious answer the the PLS 90 problem ... hope to see your solution. The one things ... PLS listens, so good news for us and I hope for them. I have been VERY happy with my PLS 90 and how it works WITH the Pls 2e I have. For me, I cannot imagine being without both of these fine tools.
I wish they made an adjustable stand for it, like a tripod.
Matt, my PLS2 has one of those threaded nuts on the bottom that lets me attach it to my camera tripod. That lets me elevate it up to about 6'7" with just the tripod, or higher if I put the tripod on a stool. jt8
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair
Mine came with the threaded base, I have been looking into a laserjamb system for it.
I need to find a little extra money to dive into that. Woods favorite carpenter
Shoot, I'm waiting to see what other ideas crop up. I like Calvin's. Want to see what David comes up with. And as I'm thinking of it, you'd think there would be some kind of microphone stand that would work too. Let you crank it up to 6' or more and have the offset...
I always like to see/hear how folks are using their PLS (so I can steal their ideas).
jt8
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair
I'd like to see other ideas as well.
I was going to use one of those extendable paint poles with a pivoting drywall sander for my tripod idea.
All I would have to do is make up a mounting bracket. Woods favorite carpenter
I have this thing on order, expected later this week:
http://www.mytoolstore.com/lasrjamb/lj3pro.html
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Calvin showed me that.
Looks like a great setup.
Woods favorite carpenter
I needed it this past week, but had to make due with stacks of books and a hydraulic jack. Went home that night and ordered the LaserJamb kit.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
The laserjamb idea is very nice. However, be forewarned that it is a pressure clamping system relying on the floor and ceiling.
DO NOT Jack up the ceiling while in use.
or look at the red light neither.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
The laser has caught me by suprise a few times.
Usually while I am setting it up. Turn it on and it punches me in the eye.
Happy New Year Calvin, I am going to email you later today. I have to go shovel snow now. Woods favorite carpenter