Guys,
Can someone recommend a fairly cheap (under fifty bucks) laser level?
I went to HD and they have some, but as a first time user, I will heed the advice of someone on this board.
I need it for all kinds of stuff on my layout. Boulders, bridges, etc.
Thanxs,
jb
JB-did you loose your seaman’s eye?
I have 2 spirit levels with lasers in them. One has a grating and draws a line across the level, though I haven’t found how you’re supposed to check that it’s level across the bubble.
A spirit level isn’t a very precice instrument, and when the laser is shooting 25 ft away, an unnoticable difference in the bubble can be a foot at the far end.
I got 1 at Wal*Mart for $12 and the other from a clearance bin at ACE for $5. I couldn’t pass the second one up, and it’s the nicer of the two.
Steve Featherkile said:MadWolf, Did you fergit I was a snipe? :) :) What kinda sea eye would I have? All I did between sleeping was stare at gauges all the time. Oh, yeah, and polish 'em constantly. Our main engine control had all the old indicators and gauges off of one of the decommissioned battle wagons. (I can't remember her name--I'll look it up in my records) They were solid brass with her name engraved in them--Not the barge's name I was on. :) :) jb
JB-did you loose your seaman's eye?
I have one I got for Christmas few years back from Sears but I wouldn’t recomend it. Works great in the dark, but in daylight you can’t see the beam. It was an “under $50” affair…
Get the little one from Ryobi it is usually abotu $29 at Home Despot (couldn’t resist the pun).
Regards, Greg
Greg Elmassian said:
Get the little one from Ryobi it is usually abotu $29 at Home Despot (couldn't resist the pun).Regards, Greg
How well does it work in daylight, let’s say at a 45ft distance?
Thinking about it, it’s a lot more accurate than a foot in 25… More like a couple inches in 25 ft. I used one to set the height of each corner in the shop. The floor was sloped to drain.
Have a slightly more expensive level from Zircon, looks like a regular level with laser too. The laser spot starts to get larger after about 25 feet. If you want 45 or so feet, I think you need to start thinking about spending money for quality, not trying to get one cheap.
If I get a chance to check the Ryobi out this weekend at Home Despot, I’ll report back.
Of course, you might have to translate my words to German!! ha ha…
Regards, Greg
< If you want 45 or so feet, I think you need to start thinking about spending money for quality, not trying to get one cheap.>
Greg, I doubt I’ll ever use it again after this project. That’s why I wanted a cheap one. I went to HD yesterday, and nobody wanted to help me, so I walked out. I even put back the 6’ and 3’ stick levels I picked out.
So today it’s downtown to a huge tool store.
If you have to go further than 45 feet, can’t you go in stages? I think about fifty feet is the furthest I need to shoot.
I also have a string level I can stretch, and a water level I have never used. I guess I’ll dig that out.
jb
John ,
My laser level was a medium price range one , it works out to 30 feet with no problems . Beyond that I take stage measurements of 30 feet .
The accuracy of the device can be checked by back shooting . Take a fixed height reference and fire the laser at a fixable point such as a marker pole dug in , say 30 feet away . Take the laser to it and self level etc., and fire back at the original point from the height marked on your marker pole … If they coincide , very good . If they are wildly out , try again a bit more carefully . You may find better accuracy with practise , but don’t be too surprised if there is a bit of error . If you use maths to work out the angle from the error , you may wonder why the fuss .
And , I leave this to the last . .It is most important .
When you take your first shot , note the direction in which your base is pointing .
When you go to the target , make sure that the base is pointing back to where you started . .
So , if your laser head has a down tilt , the two datum will never align . It will fire down to the target on the marker pole , then down again from the target , so doubling the error . Similar to checking an L square .
If you already know how to back check measuring instruments , others reading this may not , so this is for everyone’s benefit .
We always did this type of check with the datum compasses for navigation systems . Never assume , check .
If your Laser Level is not like I describe , the principle may be applied .
If you are really brave , try firing to and from three points , except that here , you fire at two points and mark , then back shoot . Three times over .
This exercise is best not attempted
a) drunk
b) with someone else present to argue .
c) if assistance is required , gag her .
d) if you have a tendency to sob loudly when frustrated .
REMEMBER!!!LASERS IS DODGEROUS !!!DON’T FIRE IT INTO YOUR EYE !!!
Mike
If you want long range, try it on a cloudy day or in the evening.
Of course, a laser is fun on a foggy day!