Replies

1. 
   dotto | Sep 02, 2003 04:50pm | #1

   I have the RoboLaser and RoboVector.  The robolaser has proved invaluable for suspended ceilings, chairrail, and a frame and panel job I did in a basement.  The local Habitat for Humanity supervisor and I used it to check the level of the first floor deck on a house they just started, and he also borrowed it when setting the block foundation.  The retire mason doing the block work even liked it. 

   I find it easier to use by marking the dot and chalking lines than working off the laser when leveling ceilings, trim, etc.  A laser pole is highly recommended. 

   The robovector is a bit more tricky and two people make it easier.  It requires so little movement to move the dot when it is 20' away.  I used it in my own basement to lay out wall locations, but at times I thought I could have layed them out with just a tape faster.  I did a suspended ceiling that had no 90 deg. corners (odd shaped building), and the vector was great for squaring the grid.  It is good for transferring measurements from the floor to the ceiling (ex. light locations). 

   The new robolaser that has two spinning lasers looks good.  I would like to see it before ordering, plus it is $550.  But that "line" may eliminate the need for chalking lines, and when doing ceramic floors, I wouldn't have to worry about covering the line with mortar.

   Dave

   Dave Otto -- Otto Construction -- PA

1. 
   tgalin | Sep 04, 2003 03:47am | #4

   Thanks Dave, i went to go check out that double spinner today, but they didn't have any batteries to make it go. I like the fact that it bears the Porter-cable name,I have had fairly decent luck with my other P-C tools.Any hint on where to purchase? the place I went to today wanted $600. and fifty bucks would cover the cost of my stick.T

1. 
   dotto | Sep 05, 2003 04:30am | #8

   Check out Tool Crib

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006RGOF/qid=1062725130/sr=1-6/ref=sr_1_6/102-0980893-4339334?v=glance&s=hi

   Looks like they're throwing in the tripod.  This model doesn't have the Porter Cable label, but it may not matter.  You can also check out the combo pack -- the dot laser and Robovector.Dave Otto -- Otto Construction -- PA

2. 
   JohnCA07 | Sep 08, 2003 10:06pm | #12

   You can get the RT-7690-2 for $519.00

   Here is the link http://www.toolking.com/robotoolz/view.asp?id=2837

   -John

2. 
   RichMast | Sep 09, 2003 03:44am | #13

   Ditto the use for transferring points from floor to ceiling.  I have the RoboVector also and have used it that way, kind of like those upside-down laser plumb bob thingys.   Works great to find foof leaks by plumbing up from the wet spot.  Self leveling is the way to go for speed and simplicity.

   Hope this helps.  Rich.

2. 
   JohnCA07 | Sep 03, 2003 09:53pm | #2

   I have two, a dewalt and a Robotoolz.

   I am getting ready to sell the Dewalt because it requires manual leveling while my new Robotoolz is self-leveling. If you decide to get a laser I strongly suggest you go with a self-leveling model. I have found that I lost too much time leveling and just continuously rechecking that my Dewalt was still level.

   Spend a little more money now for the self-leveling unit and you will literally save hours of lost time due to setup, leveling and re-leveling.

   Good luck.

1. 
   tgalin | Sep 04, 2003 03:38am | #3

   Thanks for the tip John, how is that robo working out for you?

1. 
   JohnCA07 | Sep 08, 2003 10:03pm | #11

   Working great.

   I find the tool invaluable.

   The only issue I have is that the "Engineers" designed the adjustment caps from plastic and included a metal allen wrench to remove them. When metal and plastic meet the metal usually wins. This makes it difficult to remove the caps if any adjustment to the laser is necessary. I called Porter Cable (rototoolz) and asked their tech support about the problem and was told they were redesigning the plastic port covers. They did offer to send me lots of plastic port covers so I can replace them as they strip out.

   The actual laser itself has been great, I have the RoboToolz RT-7690-2 Self-Leveling Remote Controlled Horizontal & Vertical Rotational Laser Level.  

3. 
   Piffin | Sep 04, 2003 05:14am | #5

   Interior trim carps tend to prefer the spinning paint a line type units for hanging cabs and wainscoting or dropping ceiling siffits etc.

   Lauout guys framing and such tend to prefer a right angle spliter beam. both can shoot you plumb.

   Personally I have the levellite unit and use it both ways but there are times I really wish I had a spinner.

   Definitely go for self leveling

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   DougU | Sep 04, 2003 06:10am | #6

   Piffin

   Just curious, why go for the self leveling, is it more accurate or is it just a matter of convienence? Considering one myself and was wondering about that feature.

   Thanks

   Doug

1. 
   Piffin | Sep 04, 2003 07:28am | #7

   major time saver and probably more accurate.

   Just plunk it down and scratch your nose for two seconds while it levels itself, instead of going through the "proceedure"

   Assume accuracy for the times when it gets jarred and nobody notices.

   Few tools have saved me as much time as my laser level. The square layout saves pullin a lot of strings to trip over..

   Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   Bruce | Sep 05, 2003 06:16am | #9

   When you assume that getting the bubble off center by the thckness of the black line in the vial can mean a 1/4" error in 50', a self-leveler is ahead of the game, both in accuracy and time.Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC

1. 
   DougU | Sep 06, 2003 01:51am | #10

   Bruce

   Thanks, I guess I kinda thought it, wasnt sure though.

   Doug