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CST/Berger Laser Level

jjapogee | Posted in Tools for Home Building on August 8, 2008 10:01am

Anyone out there own a CST/Berger Lasermark Mini Laser Cross Level self-leveling laser?

Based on a recent FHB article, I purchased a unit from a local Home Depot. On setting it up to test it, I found that that vertical line was distorted, apparently due to a scuff on the clear window on the front of the unit. There was also a ‘ghost’ line present. On conducting the accuracy test specified in the manual (shooting points on to two opposite walls and measuring the difference between them), there was significant difference- between 5/8 – 7/8″, well outside the stated tolerance of the unit.

In contacting them, they instructed me to return the unit to Home Depot, which I did. I picked up another unit from a different HD, and upon testing it, found the exact same problems. I then contacted CST/Berger, and after talking with several representatives that were completely untrained in the use of this unit, finally reached the design engineer. He sent me a third unit, which does not have the distortion/ghost line problem, but still has the variance as the others.

My experience with CST/Berger has not been great- even the design engineer seemed a bit unclear about the accuracy test stated in the manual.

Anybody else have experience with this unit, or CST Berger? Can you recommend a different unit with similar features in a similar price range?

Thanks!

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Replies

  1. JulianTracy | Aug 08, 2008 11:52pm | #1

    At a mid-range price point - between the $100 and some dollar CST #### you have and the premium PLS180 laser at $300+, I've been looking at the new Dewalt cross hair laser level unit.

    I have their Plumb laser and it's solid and comes with a great case and seems well designed.

    The Cross hair unit they have out now looks to be a nice design and I've seen it locally from $175-200.

    Seems to me most of the CST stuff at HD is ####.

    JT

    1. berferdt | Aug 09, 2008 09:41am | #4

      Seems to me most of the CST stuff at HD is ####.

      I don't think you need to limit your statement to the CST stuff . . . .

  2. ronbudgell | Aug 09, 2008 01:05am | #2

    jjapogee

    CST is not the company it was. Most of their product is of Chinese production and rather low on the quality scale.

    I've been deceived myself. I am the unhappy owner of a CST Berger optical autolevel

    Ron

  3. jjapogee | Aug 09, 2008 09:14am | #3

    Since posting this earlier today, I received a call back from CST/berger- they plan on shipping me a FOURTH unit on Monday- this is ridiculous!

    I about ready to give up on this altogether- after all this runaround and misinformation, it's hard to tell if this unit can be trusted. (The unit I am referring to is the ILMXTE)

    I could really use some good suggestions of units that have similar functions: indoor/outdoor use, plumb & horizontal lines, self leveling and added features like the tripod (and magnetic mount), carrying case are especially helpful. The ILMXTE at Home Depot was about $329- staying in that range would be preferable.

     



    Edited 8/9/2008 2:19 am ET by jjapogee

    1. Snort | Aug 09, 2008 03:05pm | #5

      Recently I picked up two CST lasers at Lowe's. They are/were phasing them out. Got a little cross hair for $6, and a rotary for $24. Both are self-leveling, both work just fine. I have an old Gizmo III that I think is a CST... it's been pretty beat, plumb line's not too plumb, but the level line still works... I don't mind CST. Now you see this one-eyed midget

      Shouting the word "NOW"

      And you say, "For what reason?"

      And he says, "How?"

      And you say, "What does this mean?"

      And he screams back, "You're a cow

      Give me some milk

      Or else go home"

      1. JulianTracy | Aug 09, 2008 04:25pm | #6

        I wouldn't mind CST if I got a crosshair laser for $6 and a rotary for $24 either...Lucky you!Julian

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