Which Laser Transit

[matt60j]

Looking to buy a transit for my garage build and was looking for some suggestions. Trying to keep it around $400. Thanks. -MATT

 

[Mr. Welsh]

Why not rent one when you need it?

 

[rubadub]

Why not rent one when you need it?

Thats what I was thinking.

Rob

http://www.1969supersport.com

 

[GSSFC]

I have a Berger like they now sell at HD. It is a manual level rotary laser. Can be had complete with tripod, grade rod, sensor and laser unit for less than $400. I would not rent one. They are so handy to have and you will pay as much or more to use one as often as you would like on a construction job. Be careful, they will not shut off if bumped out of level so check occasionally. Also in the winter if you have snow the melting can cause it to go out of level. Def. not high end, but works perfect for the average user. Or look on ebay for a used auto leveling one, but buyer beware!

Tim

 

[Junkman]

I purchased a DeWalt spinning laser level about 5 years ago, and it has been great for all that I use it for. It has a light that goes on if you knock it out of alignment. I think it also has a beeper if it is bumped, but I never bump it, so I don't remember. I personally like to buy the tools that I will be using, since renting, you never know what condition they are in when you get them. This is especially true with tools that are delicate and you are depending on the accuracy.

 

[W-Cummins]

So do you need a transit or do you want a laser level? I don't think your going to find a laser transit for $400. They do make Laser levels that can do slope and some are dual plane capable but $400 is a little light for one of those too.

When I got my CST LMH 600 it was the cheapest model that would do slopes ( dual) but you have to manually set them up so it's not like a nice topcom or spectra physics machine that you can just dial in the slopes...

William...

 

[matt60j]

I dont think renting is an option. My build is going to take some time and I will be using it for other yard projects. I will also use it for putting in my new drive to the barn. Thanks for the feedback guys! -MATT

 

[FunfDreisig]

Looking to buy a transit for my garage build and was looking for some suggestions. Trying to keep it around $400. Thanks. -MATT

I have used several Laser Levels. I've "surveyed" building sites using an inexpensive laser level (the kind that looks like a regular level) that came with a mount that allows it to rotate and measure degrees. It was a pain to keep level for reasonable elevation measurements and was difficult to see the target in bright daylight without "laser glasses". But it worked OK for rough elevation measurements (+-6" in 50'). In many cases that was all I needed for job site prep (e.g. how much material do I need to remove to get the job site level). OTH I struggled to use this simple manual laser level during construction.

So I got a Stanley FatMax SP 5 ,five laser level that shots up, down and flat in 3 perpendicular directions. AND it is self leveling within a fair range of off level surfaces. This is great for construction and reasonable for simple surveying. BUT these babies are fragile So be careful.

Funf Dreisig

 

[boiler7904]

I'd be looking at the PLS 180 System which is a line level that uses a pulsating beam and a detector to function as an outdoor level but it also works like a plumb / level / crosshair line level for interior work. Just need to add a grade rod and a tripod to complete the package. I want to say that the PLS 180 System sells for about $380. A decent tripod adds another $70 and a grade rod is another $60 or so.

http://www.plslaser.com/