I do cabinetry and millwork installation and would like to purchase a laser level for that application. I’m still in the stone age using my different size levels. Does anyone have any tips on what to look for when buying a laser level for this particular application.Would like one that is easy to set up in homes with high ceilings [10 ft.&up]
any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks- Tedmeister
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Best deal going is the Robolaser for $250. 1/8" accuracy at 100ft. and self-levelling. You would have to purchase a mounting pole for high interior stuff, I think most have the same standard mount of 5/8" x 11 tpi screw, which is what the Robo has.
Ken Hill
While on the subject of laser levels.....
I've come across several situations outdoors when I needed to sight a level line from post to post or from corner to corner.
Tried using a water level and results were too inconsistant.
Can the Robolaser handle some smaller scale outdoor jobs ?
(such as between fence posts, small siding jobs, etc. no more then 20 - 30' distance.)
Thanks,
Alan
The Robo is perfect for the job.
Ken Hill
Ken,
Another question for you. Do the lower end laser levels have some inherent means of maintaining their accuracy? I've had many a good use for one, but haven't bought because I don't know if these levels need to be regularly taken in for verification/ recalibration.
Thanks, Ed
Hi, Ed-
Like a lot of rotary-type lasers, the Robo uses a pendulum/bob kind of thing. I don't know a whole lot about it, but when you set this thing up you let it rotate slowly 360degrees and that's it. As far as I know, there is no regular calibration needed. I suppose you just have to treat it nice.
This is not a 'rotating' laser with a receiver. It can rotate via a hand-held remote, put the red dot where you want it- most certainly a one-man operation, which is a big bonus over optical builders' levels. Slickerin' snot.
Ken Hill
try and find out why the water level isn't working for you. I've been using that tried and true for many years with great results.
I did try the "one person" battery buzzer thing and it was way off.....took it back the same day.......but a water lever with a bucket reserve can be used easily by one person....no batteries required.
What set up are you using? Jeff * Jeff J. Buck/ Buck Construction/ Pittsburgh, PA *
2nd Generation Buck Const, 3rd generation Craftsman
I have used a water level for many years. Ive put in my last foundation with one though.
Mine tends not to work well if my bucket isnt a little ways off the ground . Bout 4 ft. Bubbles are also killers. Other than that ,I cant think of anything wrong with them either except a dummy will lower them not thinking.
Tim Mooney
Tim...took me years to learn the bucket trick! Still usually use just an open tube and a guy on each end.
and yes......bubbles will ruin the whole game plan. Jeff "That's like hypnotizing chickens........."
Lust for Life
RE - "I did try the "one person" battery buzzer thing and it was way off.....took it back the same day.......but a water lever with a bucket reserve can be used easily by one person....no batteries required.
What set up are you using?
-----
Hi, Jeff -
Well, maybe that's what my problem is - I bought a battery buzzer thing also and was using that because I was working solo.
Works ok but have to be very careful and sometimes that doesn't help much eithe as I could eyeball the result and tell that it was off.
I'll have to look up this water bucket reserve method.
Alan
I have used the Zircon unit for years with great success. Just take your time and it works great! Lots cheaper than a lazer and within 1/16" at 100 ft.
ted - I'm not a builder but I have a RoboLaser (recond. model $199) which I use quite often. It's fine for outside work to about 80' (dot gets too big and hard to see beyond that) and it's fine for things like setting forms, levelling decks, etc. but it won't do plumb and square like some of the better tools. It's more than a toy, but less than appropriate for interior millwork IMO than a more 'pro' tool like a PLS.
ITA regarding ahneedhelp's application - that's the kind of job it's perfect for.
T. Jeffery Clarke
Edited 4/7/2002 1:30:55 AM ET by Jeff Clarke
I just bought the 18 volt dewalt which is a sensor and a visable line . Does both. Also it revolves verical. I have been wanting one with those features for a long time. Im going to set a large tile floor and use it for a chalk line. I just payed 385 on sale. Tool crib has it for 500, with out the stand. Its only accurate for one quarter inch at 100 ft though. Thats good enough for me for the rentals I build. Thats also more accurate that the renters are at remembering what day the first falls on.
Tim Mooney
Tim.....super cool to be able to use it for tile work. I HATE chaulk or pencil lines as I usually cant find em' unless I stop the glue or thinset just before them. Where'd ya get it for that price? Also is the line as thin as a pencil line?
Thanks
Andy
Andy, I just bought it minutes before I posted last night . I dont know how fine the line will be, but I got it on ubid and they will have another one tonight. http://www.ubid.com . Go to home improvement.
Oh yea,..... It comes with a floor and wall mount which you would like in your work.
Tim Mooney
It sounds like you do similar work to my company. I recently purchased a laser level manufactured by Pasific laser systems, the model is the PL5. The unit is priced around $450-$500. The investment is well worth it. The laser is versitil, it will shoot 3 level lines square to one another, (1 to each side, 1 strait ahead) and 2 plumb lines(1 up, 1 down). The kit comes with a stand that alows you to place it just about anywhere, on the floor, a cabinet, tripod. As you learn to work with the laser, you will see short cuts in your layout time. It can also be mounted to a wall bracket that allows you to mount it and rotate it just about anywhere.
I research lasers and found this model to be the best tool for millwork and cabinetry.
best of luck
stephen m sullivan
sullico
That PL5 has a lot in common with my Levelite laser. It cost under six bills for the kit, shoots three perpendicular beams and has various mounting configurations. For mounting cabinets and hanging ceilings we often end up reaching for my buddies rotary unit with a constant line because it saves time.
First time I used mine onb a concrete layout, it saved hours. Add to that the convenience of not having to trip over string lines as much and i wonder how we ever buildt without it. Those lousy Egyptian Pyramids could've been laid out so stinkin' fast it'd make your mummy mumble.
Excellence is its own reward!
So for a DIYer like myself do you reconmend to Robolaser I seen them at tool crib witha tripod for about 280 or less...Are they good for setting cabs/counter tops and tile? Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
I haven't seen that one, Ron. Some guys here have said they like it. It seems to be on the low price end and I usually figure that you pay for what you get so...
The one we use for a rotary is closer to a grand in price. If i were a DIY, I would be looking strongly at the robolaser deal.
One thing I like about my Levelite is the indestructable gaurantee. Drop it from anythiung under four feet and they will replace or repair it.
Excellence is its own reward!
Ill have to check them out thanks Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
I have a Gizmo , which shoots both plumb and level lines as opposed to just dots. It's a bit toyish, but I got it off ebay for cheap, and has way more than paid for itself. Problem is, now I want more, like a star wars one that really cuts stuff...
Billy Wan Kanobi
For those of you that own the PL5. I have seen this unit and held it in my hand. It looks and feels (and is priced) like a quality unit ( compared to the Robo units which look like toys). The question I have is when you set this thing up on a concrete footer, down in a trench, on a bright sunny day, is this thing worthless because the beam becomes invisible like any other unit ? I see they are now making a PL5 with a separate sensor but it adds a few hundred to the price. Anyone have one of these ?
I bought a Robo unit to lay out a top sill, 10 ft in the air on a poured concrete wall. It was a PolySteel ICF job. My carp wanted a level surface to lay his plates on. House was 40 X 40, roughly. Set it up in center of bldg on a poured wall, and it gave us a great spot all around, even on a bright, sunny day. Now, you had to know roughly where the spot was going to be, but it didn't cost a fortune, either. The radio control remote was great. Helped you to search for the spot. One person could use it conveniently. Matter of fact, I set the thing up and smoothed and leveled the surface before the carp arrived. For that, I bought a big old Honkin' Bosch angle grinder. At 10 cents an hour for my DIY labor, didn't cost much to bring the entire surface into plane & level - about 2 hrs of grinding concrete. Laser told me I was off about 1/8 inch. Carp, a dinosaur, came and shot a level w/ optical level along lower wall and measured up to find out that surface was, indeed, level enough for him - not out by more than 1/16 inch. I like the little engine that could!
Don The GlassMasterworks - If it scratches, I etch it!
Bet you could see a long beam through the cloud of dust!Excellence is its own reward!
I have the Pl5 old style and it is indeed a great laser. It is great inside,early in the morning,late in the afternoon, useless in the bright sun. I will upgrade to the sensor model, shortly. greg in sunny connecticut