Hi All,
Would anyone have some advice on a brand of rotating laser level? I’m looking for something that has a variable rate of rotation, a plumb vertical line, and is NOT self-leveling, as I can only afford around $300.00. (I’ve seen some auto leveling types priced at $1,200 and beyond!)
Thanks so much,
Dan
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Replies
Dan,
Do you need the full rotation? PLS offers one that does plumb/level lines that with a bit of moving can carry the line fully around a room.
I have the 180 and even with the less spanning PLS2 have done several drop ceilings and perimeter moldings. W/O the exterior add on I think you would find it reasonable. EDIT: I see at this supplier that the 180 w/ detector is not bad: http://www.acetoolonline.com/PLS-Pacific-Laser-Systems-s/24.htm
What's your intended use?
rotating laser level
Hi Calvin,
Thank you for your reply. I'm intending to use the level to create a bench mark for leveling out several floors in an old row home. After leveling out both ends of the floor, I'll string lines with blocking in order to align all of the other joists.
I'll check out your link....
Thanks,
Dan
I would do it with my PLS 180
Because that's what I"ve got.
However, I would stay away from the string lines-they work, and work well...............
but are inconvenient-you'll be snagging them, cussing them out and then complimenting them on the finish.
With a laser you'll be able to use a gauge block, sighting the beam on it's edge with no entaglement whatsoever. The simple lasers will burn all day on a set of batteries (rechargable the way to go).
Best of luck.
That's awesome, thanks Calvin
These floors...............
will they house a kitchen?
The 180 makes for a useful too on kitchen installs. Both level and plumb for setting the cabs/soffits/trim.
PLS, a good company. Good products. Human beings. Great customer service. They've been generous supporters of the Breaktime Fests. Easy to talk to.
Stand by their tools..
laser level
I just happen to see one in action today
the installer had a Dewalt
FWIW, picked up a 'Titan' for $5 cheap.
Only took an hour and a half re-machining everthing on a lathe and mill to make it accurate <>G<
Assume 'titan' chinese, $29 new on ebay, $97 on Amazon.
aka - steer clear unless you got a lathe and mill and willing to spend an hour on rework.....
BTW, the 'out of box' accuracy and repeatability of the one I got was a poor 1 inch at 50 feet due to the slop in the bearing surfaces, play in the tripod, etc. After re-machining, it was within the laser beam diameter.. $5 was about all it was worth as 'out o the box'
As I found out a month or so ago, when I pulled my laser level out for a room remodel I'm doing, these things can be a real pain when they stay in any one place for any length of time. I screwed up and left the batteries in one of mine and they leaked onto the "board". It was DOA. I did some work on the internet and found a new Bosch model which I got for $225. It can pulse or not pulse. It is VERY substantial, and for the dollars, works terrific. Bosch GLL2-80 is the model number, and I can't say enough good about it. It must be new as it was just reviewed in one of my trade magazines.
look into bosch
I just got the Bosch rotating level, and so far it seems to be a great model. The also have several other lasers that are not technically "rotating" lasers, but will put out enough of a line for 90% of the uses.
bout NON-self levelling lasers......
If it ain't self levelling, you gotta rely on bubbles. and in this day and age, the sensitivity of the bubbles is somewhat variable. Some are precise, some are less so, and a lot of em really don't even qualify for consideration.
If price is a consideration, thinking a bubble adjusted rotating laser will be precise is misdirected thinking.
At twenty or thirty feet, yer possibly gonna be off a whack, but you got know way of knowing....
One alternative old-school conomic solution is to pick up an`950 or 60'sl builders level and use it to set your heights, variances etc.
Simple levels with bubbles that are precise might set you back 100 to 150 bucks on the 'bay, but dollars to donuts that they are more precise than any plastic enclosed offshore level.
OTOH, Lee Valley has a digital level on special right now for under thirty bucks that measures in hundredths of degrees, with a laser, and by proving it by back-sighting, you'd be in the low end of the economics of precision, but alas it ain't rotating. I think the mfgr is Igage and they apparently have a website.
And I'll eat my words, it is mfgrd off shore, but does have a US made sensor in it!
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=66776&cat=1,43513,66776
Gotta go to the LV website. They is so cheap I just bought three of em. (for xmas gifts!!!)
just my perspective
Eric
Of course a water level's another option.