Greetings,
I do mainly finish carpentry but occasionally we take on foundation to finish type projects. I would like some recommendations on which transit level you folks might recommend. Mainly I would use the transit level to set cabinets, build decks, small framing projects, etc. so accuracy and durability are a must. I also need something that would suffice when we are setting our forms and such when we take on larger projects. There seem to be so many options out there and quite a range in price so hence my decision to come to Breaktime. Any tips/advice?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
I don't know that there's the perfect machine for all.
I use a Berger Berger 300 Transit level (with stadia) for setting foundations (and an old K& E machine level for dialing them in perfect), A topcon rotary laser for dirt work and one of my finish guys uses one of those little 4-way lasers for setting cabinets and moldings.
If I was to go to one tool, my old K& E is pretty right on (within .0005 at 100 ft....but that is a little anal....and it doesn't shoot corners or slopes).
The Berger is is nice tool, but requires 2 people (although I've worked it alone but it's a PITA).
The Rotary level is fast and good for about 1/4" in 100'.
The little 4-way my guy uses is great for the indoor stuff.
Some of the more sensitive instruments are not always accurate when set up on a wood deck because of flexing of the surface.
I use an old engineers transit. While it is not as absolutely accurate for level as a dedicated surveyors level, you can depress or elevate the telescope and shoot the lines right on the surface, corners and angles can be laid out accurately. It is plenty accurate enough for anything on a building lot as far as level.
Take a look at the Porter Cable 3-beam laser. It costs about $90 , can be mounted on a tripod and is very versitile.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
What's the budget? You are probably aware there's gimmicky stuff in the box store and there's everything else from there on up. I like the rotary, and pretty much it sees the tasks you describe. Mines a Hilti. Steep $, but dead on, and it works like a champ. The requirement to use outside is going to kick your price up. You need to make sure the one you get can do that - some, they aren't set up for it, sunlight hits it, gets warm on one side, not the other, it throws it off. Or rained on. And you need something that works with a receiver you can mount to a pole. Outside, you aren't going to see that red dot go by any farther than 10 ft away.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Just about any device you buy, whether laser or scope-based, will work. Each one has advantages. I have three lasers and still plan to get a transit some day for certain applications. I could survive with a water level if I had to and achieve the same accuracy.
My employer has a couple of digital Sokkia theodolites that are surveyor-quality. We use those for shooting building outlines, property lines, plumbing high walls and columns, etc etc. They are very versatile and accurate ,but also very expensive - around $2500 incl tripod, but made for the long haul.
I also do some side work. When I have something that needs such an instrument, I rent a theodolite of similar quality from local rental shop, about $50 a day. For simple levelling work such as cabinets I bought an inexpensive laser. Also made a water level for grading patios and slabs.
Wally