OK, so I decided to pop for a rotary laser. Bought the Stabila 05000, or LAPR, as it is variously labeled. $600+, and frankly it’s a complete disappointment, because the beam is barely visible even indoors. Working on the first floor, second floor deck already on, no rock, so it’s pretty dark…. and I can’t see the line unless I position the unit within 10 feet of the wall, and even then it’s sketchy.
It does come with the rose-colored glasses, and those help, but I wear prescription glasses and need to keep them on. Stumbling around a jobsite with dark glasses and blurry vision is out of the question. Using the detector is OK in some circumstances but mainly just a PITA.
There are a couple of other units I’m aware of. The Porter-Cable/RoboLaser, which a friend has, is apparently brighter. Then I noticed that PLS makes a 360 and a 360e, at nearly $700 and $1000+. Then there’s stuff like Topcon at well over a thousand.
Got one you like? Or, should I lower my expectations and use this one? Anyone using the PLS models?
Replies
You need a laser detector, it works in sunlight. Laser output is limited, so none are bright outside.
I'm not talking about outside, I'm inside in normal to dim light. My PLS5 is at least 3 times as bright as the Stabila. As I mentioned above the Stabila comes with a detector. It's so damn loud I'd rather not use it. It may have silent mode, I'm not sure.
Sounds kind of weak then. Most lasers are plenty bright inside. Maybe you have a dud.
I was wondering about that too. Saw the same laser at the JLC show a year ago, worked great inside the convention center, which was a brightly lit place. I thought I could expect great stuff from Stabila.
If I was going to get another laser, one that could be used in daylight, I would get the PLS2e with detector.
Not quite as accurate as one of the thousand-dollar rotating ones, but pretty good all the same.
Stabila-worship can lead to minor disappointments, sometimes.
dave - been finding myself sniffing around the pls 5, do you have a critique of that model . of the + and - 's . would appreciate any advice..... thanks kent.." we judge ourselves by our motives, and others by their actions........."
Absolutely great tool, except it does not rotate unless you walk over to the tripod and do it by hand. If you need to shoot a few points and then get to work, it's perfect. If you need to check level at various points throughout a long task, it's a pain, because you need to either have a helper, or walk over to the tripod and try to aim the dot at where your tape will be. I would get the 5x model, it's brighter, easily used outdoors in overcast, indoors anywhere.
many thanks, i'll be doddling with one before spring ..... thanks again... kent" we judge ourselves by our motives, and others by their actions........."
my $600 Levelite just shid the bed.. and apparently they are out of business,
so i called Matt ( Quartermeg ) and he shipped me a new Stanley FatMax for less than $200
Matt can get you anything you want
the old Levelite had 3 beams , this has 5..... same accuracy , same visibility ( good )Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
5 beams... so not a rotary laser?
I decided to try a PLS 360e. Amazon lists them for over a thousand bucks, but other places have them at about $500.
i 've got a rotary i bought from Matt last year.. also less that $200
rotarys suck , too much d*cking aroung with setup.. i like self-leveling instant on point and shootMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Don't want to hog the thread but I too am looking for a RL, I have a Gizmo which works fine indoors settings cabinets and ect. I need to do some site work and I'm usually alone so a standard level transit won't work. Looked at the David White 3110GR any thoughts in this area?
Did CST Berger buy out David White or ?
Jeff
On my jobsites we use the hilti rotational with a catch to set all benchmarks. It is an exceptional tool though I understand its costly, its far cheaper than having to reset doors, moldings or other high priced millwork etc.
Buy quality you'll never regret it. Best of luck, Cheers.
I decided to try a PLS 360e
excellent choice. excellent. you will not be disappointed.
carpenter in transition
Acetool.com for $380. Never bought from them but it looks like the same kit.
-Norm
Local tool emporium has a rotary laser with a green beam.
Very bright indoors.
About $1600.00
Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007M6BAE/qid=1142094266/sr=1-27/ref=sr_1_27/104-5301807-3881530?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
Edited 3/11/2006 11:26 am ET by danski0224
Hilti and Pls are the choices I see most, used by metal framers and t=bar crews. I hate to use the detectors (beepers) unless absolutely neccesary.I never feel comfortable with the acuracy.
I agree you should be able to see your laser indoors except in the extreme sunlight. Maybe there is a problem with it.
I find myself using our Hilti pmd34 and the pma74 wall mount (magnetic w/ plate for wood). It is a laser bob, but the mount will can be rotated by hand ,and i think it will go on a tripod.
Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.
David,
Try the Dewalt self leveling laser. It's around $1200, I think, but worth it. It comes with a remote control, a grid ceiling mount, a charger, a detector and works off my fleet of Dewalt batteries. The technology that they use was, I think, bought from Spectra Precision who made very nice lasers of which our company has a few of still. The Dewalt's are slowly replacing the old Spectras in our shop.
Nobody's mentioning the mid-level priced options...I had the Dewalt manual leveling unit and was very happy with it - easy to level and very accurate, and built like a tank. They can be had for $200-$350.I've since replaced it with a Porter Cable auto-leveling unit. I think mine is the 5150 or so. They have been replaced with the the 5250 or something. I bought mine for about $250 on Ebay, and the newer ones sell for about $400 new. Not at all like the the cheaper PC/Robotools lasers - which felt very delicate and plasticy. These models are very durable and easy to use.All rotary lasers use the same type of detectors - no need to spend $150 or so on a new one - I've seen them go for as little as $25 on Ebay for David White and PorterCable models.In fact, I have a spare PorterCable detector that I've hesitated selling on Ebay cause it would probably not get much notice and thus not much bid action. Anybody need one contact me.JT