Replies

1. 
   JLazaro317 | Nov 07, 2007 02:35am | #1

   Tim,

   Care to weigh in? I know that you demo'ed (and maybe bought) the PLS90 and have a PLS5x.

   Thanks,

   John

   J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

   Indianapolis, In.

    

1. 
   Stilletto | Nov 07, 2007 02:37am | #2

   The 5x is a great tool,  I use it alot. 

    

   Matt- Woods favorite carpenter. 

1. 
   JLazaro317 | Nov 07, 2007 04:39am | #7

   Matt,

   I think both are great tools. I would love to have both because I think both have their place on the job. But I was kinda feeling around for an opinion of somebody who has used both and help me lean in one direction or the other.

   BTW nice thread on the kitchen redo. I've been following it since you started. We also have been thrust into the remodeling market with new construction being slow. Truth be told, I won't leave the remodeling market. I enjoy taking someone's outdated house and re-shaping it into what they want.John

   J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

   Indianapolis, In.

    

2. 
   Timuhler | Nov 07, 2007 04:10am | #3

   We've been using the PLS5 for about 4 years or so, maybe 5.  We've had great success using it to square and shoot perfectly plumb.

   Then I was shipped the PLS90e to test and fell in love with it.  Here is what I like about it that the 5 can't do:

   It shoots beams that "fan" out, so you can set it at the bottom corner of your basement foundation and then use the receiver at each step down (http://picasaweb.google.com/TimothyUhler/Lot36Muirkirk02) to get perfect layout.  Also, it is great for shooting layout in basements after the floor is one like this picture http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/15410460/243091535.jpg and this one http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/15410460/243091532.jpg

   Those lines are plumb where they travel up the wall.  Also I like using the reciever to shoot square.  I can set it far away and then dial in the laser with the dial on the back.  This is a little tough because it is so sensitive.  I can get it right away pretty quick, but one guy on my crew freaks out because he doesn't have the finesse :-)  He is also single, which explains his brute touch, or at least that is what we tell him.

   I like the 5 because it shoots plumb.  So if I was to choose today, I'd buy the 90e and then buy the Stabila laser plumb bob.  At JLC LIVE last week, Mike Sloggatt showed how tough it is, by kicking across the stage :-).  So that is what I'll buy when we kill the 5 (getting close, the glass is missing from one of the windows.

   When its overcast or early in the morning, you can see the 90's beam, but most of the time you can't.  Make sure you get the 90e to use the receiver.

   I can't think of anything else off the top of my head.  Right now my list of lasers to own would be a good rotary or line generator to shoot level for exterior stuff, the 90 to get layout, and a plumbbob laser to shoot plumb.  That is just too handy to use for plumbing walls, tall or standard.

    

   Edit:  I forgot the PLS180 for hanging windows and shoot level where you can see the lines in the house.  I haven't tested it but that is on the list to get.  It might seem excessive to use so many lasers, but it makes work more accurate, faster and often eliminates the need for someone else.

   Edited 11/6/2007 8:11 pm ET by Timuhler

1. 
   JLazaro317 | Nov 07, 2007 04:27am | #5

   Tim,

   Thanks for the reply. I was thinking the PLS5X might do the same but be more versatile, but I think you've proved otherwise. I guess I'm leaning toward the 90 then. I've already got a PLS2 for interior work and have 2 Spectra Physics EL-1's for exterior work. We've had those for over 20 years and they paid for themselves the first year. I think the 90 will speed up exterior layout immensely.

   Thanks,John

   J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

   Indianapolis, In.

    

2. 
   EricPaulson | Nov 07, 2007 04:26am | #4

   It took so long because we couldn't decide which wall was square with what and which one was best to square off. We are adding onto the rear and side of the house.

   C'mon; some of youse guys make so much out of so little.

   Pythagorus (sp) has always been a friend of mine. Triangulate off of one wall, if it doesn't jive with the other wall you are building off of then square off off the both of them and figure out how to divide up the difference.

   A laser is not going to help you build something square more than simple math will.

   Just my stupid opinion.

   yourcontractor@aol.com

    

    

    

    

1. 
   JLazaro317 | Nov 07, 2007 04:35am | #6

   Eric,

   The Pythagorean theorem and my Construction Master calculator have always been good friends. But when you work on a 50 YO house that none of the walls are square with one another and you have to run through all the various scenarios to see which wall to follow and square from and then check to see how it affects you at the other end....then try to determine if the fact that the front wall of the garage will be 6" longer than the back becasue the house is so bad out of square and the addition you are doing WILL BE square and it is 40 degrees outside with 30 mph winds......layout tools help. I've got 3 transits that haven't been used in years since we got level lasers 20+ years ago.

   Sorry for the rant. Just my opinion.John

   J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

   Indianapolis, In.

    

1. 
   EricPaulson | Nov 07, 2007 05:08am | #8

   Can't argue with your logic. By the time I got out of the shower I knew I might find some heat here.

   But you still had to decide which way to twist things didn't you? The laser and layout tools may have made shorter time of getting to that point, but ultimately it was you that had a decision to reach.

   I'm cranky tonite. Ignore me.yourcontractor@aol.com