Replies

1. 
   JTC1 | Oct 08, 2007 02:30am | #1

   I suspect JC's book, Measuring, Marking and Layout, also by Taunton Press.

   I'll check and confirm.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

   
   

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   Edited 10/7/2007 7:41 pm ET by JTC1

1. 
   mick182 | Oct 08, 2007 02:45am | #2

   Sounds like it could be it Jim.

   I'll wait to hear from you.

   Mickey

2. 
   JTC1 | Oct 08, 2007 03:10am | #3

   Working Alone devotes all of chapter 7 to decks - posts, layout, ledger placement, squaring, etc. Lots of brackets and the like.

   Measuring, Marking and Layout does not go nearly as deep into decks or laser use for that matter.

   >>for housing the laser throughout the entire process for quick reference.<<  Could not find any reference to that one.

   I'm not exactly sure what you expect the laser to do for you - I expect mine only to define a level plane; others expect theirs to define a level plane, plumb plane and / or a square corner.

   I don't know - maybe he has a new book out?

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

    

1. 
   mick182 | Oct 08, 2007 03:48am | #4

   Jim,

   A fella on a job was telling me about a book (I thought by Carroll) that had some interesting ideas for using your laser to lay out a deck, he mentioned something about the set up remaining in place throughout the job to check levels. it was a while ago and I wish iIcould remember exactly what we talked about.

   Anyway, I don't expect anything from my laser other than getting levels lines for my ledger and  posts.

   My deck will only be a couple of feet off the ground, so I was just thinking about the best way to set up the laser. My tripod doesn't go that low, and was also concerned how to get the laser back to ledger level to shoot posts for level being that these will be done on seperate occasions. Thats why I had mentioned what I had heard about a temporary set up that remained throughout the job for checking levels.

   I was trying to think of a way to set up my laser off the ledger to get my line for cutting the posts for the support beam.  kind of how you would use the laser bracket for wall mount when doing a drop ceiling.

   Mickey

    

    

1. 
   JTC1 | Oct 08, 2007 04:30am | #5

   >>...was also concerned how to get the laser back to ledger level to shoot posts for level being that these will be done on seperate occasions.<<

   I employ a technique which surveyors use, called "back shooting".  The technique is very simple - you make a mark somewhere which will not be hidden or move during the course of the project. Whenever you reset the laser, you shoot back to the original mark and you will be "on".

   In your case, I would make a mark somewhere along the siding or foundation which is at the level of the ledger.  Mark can be small - you know where it is - a simple dot from a Sharpie will suffice. Whenever you wish to reset the laser, you simply set up the laser so it hits the dot - physical laser position can change but as long as you hit the dot - you are at the same elevation - good to go.

   I think the reference dot method is better than trying to "rehit" your ledger - avoids cumulative errors.

   >>My tripod will not go low enough...... Consider making a laser support - could be as simple as a 2x4 set vertically in a bucket of concrete left over from pouring the piers or even a 2x4 set in a bucket and surrounded by gravel, sand or dirt.  An L shaped bracket of short 2x4's could be clamped to the bucket mounted 2x4 with the laser sitting on the horizontal 2x4, vertical 2x4 gets clamped to the 2x4 which is set in the crete.  Allows fine adjustment for the back shots by moving the L bracket up or down and reclamping.  It is a Rube Goldberg version of a laser pole.

    Secure your laser to the bracket with a screw into the laser base - look closely - I'll bet there are 2 threaded holes in the base of your laser - big hole is 5/8" x 11 for standard surveyors tripod and a smaller hole, 1/4" x 20 which fits a standard US photographic tripod.  An appropriate length 1/4" bolt will secure your laser to your home built bracket - avoid the oops!

   You could build a more permanent wooden tripod, staked into the ground, at appropriate height a distance away from your work area and accomplish the same goal.  Just so you hit your back shot reference mark every time - you are good.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.  

    

1. 
   mick182 | Oct 08, 2007 05:56am | #6

   Very nice, Jim

   You have given me some good "food for thought"

   Much appreciated.

   Mickey