laser levels-any thoughts?
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From: New Mexico
laser levels-any thoughts?
There is now a dizzying array of laser levels on the market. The Great Pyramids and the Empire State building were all built without them, but there is still something to be said using them. Has anyone seen a logical and sane comparison test of the affordable ones? I'd use it for landscaping, truck frame leveling and interior remodeling, but geez, there's a caboodle of them out there.............
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Other than landscaping, any laser level will do. The problem you wil run into with landscaping is using a laser in the sunlight it is VERY hard to find the line. You may need to use one that has a laser sensor. Greg
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From: Southern New England
The self-leveling type are more expensive, but worth the money. Dewalt, David White, and Porter-Cable all make nice ones.
I own a David White Mark2 mini laser like this: http://www.mytoolstore.com/dwhite/48m2lc.html It is very compact and comes in very handy for most of my interior work.
Rotary lasers are much more expensive and are designed for larger projects and outside work.
I own a David White Mark2 mini laser like this: http://www.mytoolstore.com/dwhite/48m2lc.html It is very compact and comes in very handy for most of my interior work.
Rotary lasers are much more expensive and are designed for larger projects and outside work.
Last edited by 2Fords1Jeep; Dec 18, 2005 at 08:56 PM.
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From: New Mexico
My search tends toward the self leveling type. And, the most accurate at the greatest distance seems to be the best gauge. Any success in the ones that are embedded in the 24-inch level instead of the freestanding type?
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For outdoor work in the middle of the day, you WILL need an electronic laser target. You can't see the beam at all. The better models all come with a target. Get a grade rod designed for laser levels; the red paint makes the beam show up better in the early morning and late evening (where you can sometimes get by without the target).
I have learned the hard way that many laser levels shut down the laser if they reach an internal temperature greater than 40 centigrade (104 (F)). This can easily happen in bright sunshine on an 85 degree day. I ended up using an old-fashioned water level to finish putting in my septic system, working in August. For dirtwork and setting forms, a home-made water level is just as accurate (and in some ways better) than the laser levels.
The self-leveling mechanism limits the ultimate accuracy to roughly 1/4 inch in 50 feet. A good tripod with leveling screws used with a non-leveling unit can beat the accuracy of the self leveling units.
The cheap lasers embedded in an ordinary level are useful for rough interior work only.
I have learned the hard way that many laser levels shut down the laser if they reach an internal temperature greater than 40 centigrade (104 (F)). This can easily happen in bright sunshine on an 85 degree day. I ended up using an old-fashioned water level to finish putting in my septic system, working in August. For dirtwork and setting forms, a home-made water level is just as accurate (and in some ways better) than the laser levels.
The self-leveling mechanism limits the ultimate accuracy to roughly 1/4 inch in 50 feet. A good tripod with leveling screws used with a non-leveling unit can beat the accuracy of the self leveling units.
The cheap lasers embedded in an ordinary level are useful for rough interior work only.
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Originally Posted by fefarms
The self-leveling mechanism limits the ultimate accuracy to roughly 1/4 inch in 50 feet.
It is a Porter Cable RoboToolz RT-7210-1 Rotary Laser Level
I've used this model extensively and it's a quality unit. The three speed rotation remote control is especially handy.
Last edited by farmtwuck; Dec 19, 2005 at 02:10 PM.
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From: north central illinois
for working inside i found that the Stanley Fat Max CL2 Cross Line Level works great. I use it for setting cans and outlets and switches. it throws a horizonal and/ or vertical line most of the way around the room. used it in a commercial building 60 foot wide to set rows of lights on the 16' ceiling and it worked great. and it's only about $100. but when the sun comes out bring the line goes bye bye.
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