I am looking at various models, trying to choose. While I have a basic knowledge of how to go about the very basics of shooting elevations, I am pretty uneducated about the auto level itself. A few answers will help me evaluate how to choose the most appropriate model.
The models seem to have a common element, a magnetic wire hung dampered compensator. What IS a compensator? If one model says its compensator range is plus/minus 10’… and another says its range is plus/minus 15′ what does this mean? How do I evaluate those specs?
Depending on the model, the lens comes in varying powers… 22x, 26x, 28x, 32x. Is there any disadvantage (other than expense) to simply buying the most powerful lens? I’m wondering if it’s more difficult to use a more powerful lens for shorter distances?
Tripods can be had in either wood or aluminum. Are there any factors that go into this decision? For instance, is one material more stable in terms of heat/cold expansion and less likely to throw off a reading? Thanks in advance!
Replies
yersmay
The more magnification in the lens, the smaller your field of view and the harder it is to find a close object. 18x or 20x is fine for the distances you need such a tool for in house construction. I have a 26x tool. It's way too much telescope for the work I need it for. Wastes time.
Wood tripods are usually not needed for a light tool like an autolevel. Wood tripods are used with heavier tools. Aluminum is fine.
A dome head tripod is nice with an autolevel because you can often level the tool roughly by moving it over the dome before tightening it down and not have to touch the levelling screws at all.
Don't buy chinese. You'll regret it if you do. That includes most recent CST/Berger tools, by the way. The optics might be acceptable, but the guts won't be.
Thank you for your reply. I've wondered if the models I've been considering are made in China and if that signals a real downside. I've been looking at Northwest and David White.
Tool King is blowing out all their Robotoolz products (Robotoolz was bought by Bosch) including 26x autolevel (scroll down):
http://www.toolking.com/robotoolz-blowout-pricing.aspx?email=1
yersmay,
I sure don't know everything. There might be Chinese made tools that are well made of good materials. My CST/Berger isn't one of them though. The technician I had fixing it was telling me what goes wrong with them and why.
The clutch plates that contol the friction of the swing are plastic and not adjustable. They are frequently too stiff for the fine swing adjustment to work. The annular gear is plastic. It breaks easily. The seals that keep grease out of the compensator are not very good and the least little leakage of grease will cause the compensator to stick.
I also have an ancient Dietzgen transit to feed the tool freak in me. I love using that tool. Hauling it out gives me the same sort of pleasure as when I pick up a brace and bits or a slide rule or a jack plane or a drawknife. I just don't get to do it much any more.
for what it's worth ... it fairly easy to level a builders level and/or transit.
just spin the nuts ... twirl the level 180deg ... spin the nuts again ...
then twirl back to recheck and slowly turn to check the whole ring.
once you do it a coupla times ... takes no time at all.
If the price is an issue I'd look at a better quality manual vs a cheaper auto.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa