Laser Level???

[karoc]

Guys I hope to be setting forms for slab maybe in December which is about 32'x70' I need something that I can get all four corners and all in between on same plane of level. So I went searching and I see that there is about as many models and brands as there is population count. I have ask this question on a woodworking forum which the suggestion are on professional level judging by prices. I will be working by myself which means this is a DIY project, plus there may be couple other projects along the way so this is not a one time use. GJ has a lot of DIY guys who single handedly built their own forums and shops, so I was wondering what did you use, any suggestions etc? I do know about water level method but the tubing is cool or cold and just don't like cool weather. What I am looking at as a kit is Johnson Wanted to see what ya'll think of this? Open for suggestions and a bargain maybe around Black Friday or Father's Day

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Johnson-Level-200-ft-Self-Leveling-Rotary-360-Laser-Level-with-Plumb-Points/1000607315

 

[billconner]

Interested in responses. In sort of similar position. I have been looking at used optical builder levels.

 

[yelchevelle]

I bought a Johnson laser level about 10 -12 years ago early on in my construction career from Lowe’s. It lasted a couple of months and then started to shoot out of level. The adjustment screws wouldn’t adjust it back into level, so I just went back to using a dumpy auto level for a while.

I bought a spectrum dual plane a couple of years ago, and it is awesome. I am sure it would be out of your price range (probably 2300-2500 bucks) but I am shocked at the pro concrete guys that aren’t compelled to buy one when they see how it works. I can put a slope going in one or both directions (x and/or y). Everywhere you take the eye, it tells you cut or fill. My eye even tells me how much up to 2” in either direction. For me, it’s one of the tools that has allowed me to drop my crew size from 5 to 2.

 

[billconner]

just confirming - Spectra?

 

[acer66]

Stabila.

 

[karoc]

Spectra, its on the higher end of lasers, yes 2300-2500 is way out of my budget. I was kinda looking for that one that someone say " This one is pretty good for money"
One thing I don't like about Johnson is rechargeable batteries, locks you in with them and for once while use batteries would just die out. I am also looking at this one which really is at top my budget. https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/rotary-lasers-grl900-20hvk-200310-p/

 

[billconner]

FWIW, I've been very pleased with my Bosch GLL 2-45 and do like it runs on double As. I bought a Bosch LR2 laser receiver for exterior use and it works, but isn't easy (though hardest part is not having tripod, etc. ...... yet.)

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Well on the battery issue I imagine you could fabricate an adapter with a 3D printer and some thin brass.
Heck if it is a one-time tool does HorribleFright have something?

 

[tarbellb]

Budget friendly, 70', occasional use...

Just about any line laser will work, Bosch, Dewalt, etc you definitely want the finder which will read the line in the daylight.
Ive had good luck with this at the jobsite over the last 6 months

<$200 Huepar 3 plane laser with finder (wont see much past about 25')-

Amazon.com

Plus the finder-

Amazon.com

 

[alinc100]

I'll second a Heupar laser. I am familiar with the 503 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0823HT5FP/?tag=atomicindus08-20 It will be plenty accurate for slab leveling. We use them indoors for interior finish. The (optional) reader linked by tarbellb above ,I've not used but see where it would be advantageous for outdoors. Still keeps you on the low end of budget spectrum and can be used indoors setting doors/windows/drywall/cabinets where plumb and level are needed. A rotary laser will only get you horizontal level. A tripod helps immensely for setups . Heupar makes those (as do many other mfgs) . http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q49KHDN/?tag=atomicindus08-20 The Heupar 503cg has a rechargeable battery , but also can run via USB cable to an outlet and also off of a small portable charge pack and a USB-c cable. We also run DeWalt 360's ,Milwaukee 360's , Spectra has a nice 270 degree cross beam. Hilti and Leica are great as well ,but those kits are pushing north of $700. There is also a bit more info here : https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/laser-level.487686/

Edit to add: I would not even look at anything RED , a green beam laser is far superior,better technology.

 

[yelchevelle]

just confirming - Spectra?

Yes, autocorrect strikes again.

I wouldn’t recommend my laser to you because of your intended use, but I do recommend spectra. They definitely sell less expensive models. If, you are 80’ or less, and plan on using it 1 or 2 times a year, I would look at a box store. I don’t currently own any Bosch tools other than a sds-plus hammer drill, but I would look at the Bosch over a Johnson.

 

[GeoBruin]

I agree with Tarbellb above. Any cross line laser will work if you get the receiver (which is really critical outside).

I have the dewalt dw088cg-qu and the green receiver. It would have been nice to get the model that accepts the rechargeable battery but the AAA batteries have lasted forever, and the whole thing is a lot more compact.

Good luck!

 

[beemerphile]

I have been happy with this Topcon unit during my current house and shop build. I agree that a receiver is a necessity and I would rather have a rotary than a cross-line laser for this work. The range on this one is crazy long.

Topcon RK-H5A

 

[quickfarms]

The cheap ones are JUNK!

the guy my wife hired to start the kitchen remodel had one and you could watch it jump as you walked around.

I would suggest you call the local survey instrument dealers to find out what they rent and how much it will cost or if they have any used units in your price range.

eventually surveying equipment requires service and calibration

as far as batteries go, surveyors just have them recelled when they won’t hold a charge

 

[tarbellb]

The cheap ones are JUNK!

the guy my wife hired to start the kitchen remodel had one and you could watch it jump as you walked around.

I would suggest you call the local survey instrument dealers to find out what they rent and how much it will cost or if they have any used units in your price range.

eventually surveying equipment requires service and calibration

as far as batteries go, surveyors just have them recelled when they won’t hold a charge

Its auto leveling not auto suspension

Your floors were bouncing, so the laser did as well

 

[quickfarms]

Its auto leveling not auto suspension

Your floors were bouncing, so the laser did as well

The floor was not bouncing, the tripod was junk. I had no issue using my Pentax auto focus level in the kitchen with the kids running around

the aluminum tripods that they use on these laser levels are all junk because they expand in the sun. I have been given several and they only get used to play with when the kids want to watch the seals with one of the old transits or theodolites that are my foot rests

 

[Ingram306]

I use a Johnson 99-006 for anything outdoors. Retaining walls, concrete piers, grading etc. not the most expensive but it’s done everything I’ve asked of it and has been dead accurate

Indoors I have an older dewalt dw089 I use and also have no complaints

 

[mike93lx]

I have a Johnson red cross line for interior work that is OK but the tripod is hot garbage. I'm on the very of replacing it with a 360 degree green, probably huepar.

I also have a big outdoor spectra unit. It is an absolute monster and totally inappropriate for my needs, but I caught a great deal at Amazon warehouse. LL300N-2. 500m range, manual slope, 15' grade stick and a receiver. Hoping it lasts forever

 

[lardy1]

Water level. Save your money.

 

[karoc]

Lots of good ideas here guys, I was researching beemerphile ideal and as his link direct to HD which there is one just down road. Going to give it while see if there will be any Fathers Day deals before pull trigger. I really like the Heupar price range and it sounds like it would fit my needs. But with my slab project which will take several Sundays since my retirement place is 2 1/2hrs away that rental is out so purchase is in. With electronics in the past I have never had good luck with purchasing refurbish. With the Topcon I believe that once I see that I am done with this type projects and with all the Pad builders and dirt working people in that area that resale should be easy with a good what I think is professional laser level. I have to admit that this is way more money than I plan on spending, cause money spent on this takes away money spent on home/shop. lardy 1 I did buy roll of plastic tubing for making water level and I know it works cause I seen them being used while I was doing commercial construction. But during this time of year the tubing just won't work for me due to cooler temps, just to stiff. GJ thanks for all suggestions, if I go through with my selection I will post pics of whatever I get so over time let ya'll know was it a good selection or bad selection.

 

[beemerphile]

I was all hot to try the slope feature on the Topcon laser when we laid in a 200 ft. sewer connection for my RV site. My son, who is an experienced plumber and like most plumbers a bit plain-spoken said "You play with your new toy dad, and me and this torpedo level will put the pipe in the ground."

 

[mike93lx]

I was all hot to try the slope feature on the Topcon laser when we laid in a 200 ft. sewer connection for my RV site. My son, who is an experienced plumber and like most plumbers a bit plain-spoken said "You play with your new toy dad, and me and this torpedo level will put the pipe in the ground."

Yep, they know where the bubble needs to be on their little 6" level, but placing pipe isn't the application for a rotary with a slope feature. Site work is its main use

 

[haveissues]

I have a green PLC that I scored on ebay for a steal years ago and it works amazing. I have used it for so many projects and it has made things that would have been a pain trivial.

I used a water level with my dad many years ago and you will have to pry my rotary out of my cold dead hands.

 

[mogandave]

Water level. Save your money.

Yeah, for setting forms on the cheap, water is pretty tough to beat, and there really is nothing more accurate.

 

[matt_i]

The rotary level has applications further than just the forms. One can check the depth of excavation, check the level of the crushed stone base which are all key to getting an accurate foundation and slab you want to build from. They seem expensive but by setting your own forms you'll pick up savings even having to buy the tool imo. And then you still have the tool at the end.

I'd go with a Stablia LAR 160 or LAR 300/350 these days. While a water level is cheap you have to monkey with it more.

 

[mike93lx]

The rotary level has applications further than just the forms. One can check the depth of excavation, check the level of the crushed stone base which are all key to getting an accurate foundation and slab you want to build from. They seem expensive but by setting your own forms you'll pick up savings even having to buy the tool imo. And then you still have the tool at the end.

I'd go with a Stablia LAR 160 or LAR 300/350 these days. While a water level is cheap you have to monkey with it more.

These are the main reasons I grabbed mine. I have a pool going in starting this month and wanted to be able to validate elevations and depths. Then I need to grade the yard maintaining some fall, then build a pool shed, then a French drain. All can be done other ways and cheaper, but the laser will be convenient to use solo and I won't have to mess around with a ton of tubing

Ultimately I didn't NEED it, but I had the means and had enough projects to justify it to me.

 

[goldtang]

Water level. Save your money.

That is all I have used on the garages I have built , I have just used the garden hose with a joiner at both ends and couple of meters of clear PVC tube at either end, have used it to put up garage doors also to chęćk the brackets are level, if you have trouble seen the water line food colouring works the colour is up to personal preference, I use blue

 

[gizardlizard]

At work, we like PLS brand. Bang for the buck they are hard to beat and they are super dependable. Never had an issues with them.