Inexpensive Laser Level

[Avenger]

Thanks all, for the awesome info. I'm thinking more along the lines of a laser level on a tripod, with a grading rod that holds the sensor. Tells me up or down, that type of thing. I saw some videos of the clear tube with water, while I understand the concept, and how easy it is, and how inexpensive it is, it just doesn't seem to appeal to me.

I've used string and a bubble level before, for setting piers for buildings. That works, but a laser would be much more efficient and accurate. I'm looking to level land. Rough cut land, while out on the tractor doing the work. Where when I think to my eye, that the area is 'level' get out the tripod, and walk around with the grading stick to see just how far off I am.

$500 is in my price range, $55-100 just seems to cheap for me. While it might work, I do have a simple concept for Harbor Freight: If they make something that moves, buy it elsewhere. If they make something that doesn't move, its 'probably' good. This means that things like wrenches and screwdrivers are good. Most of the time. I dont feel bad about losing them or damaging them. However, if the thing is supposed to move, like an electric drill or something like that, I'll go buy something a bit more quality. Now, I have violated this concept a few times, and bought things like the predator engine.

Getting back on topic, I have some shopping to do. I have found some really great info here, on YT, reviews, etc. I will certainly update this thread when I make a purchase. And chances are, I'll do a video on whatever one I end up with.

Thank you all again!

 

[TractorGuy]

I'd suggest renting a good commercial unit unless you just want a small one for hanging pictures and don't care if they are out of level.

I considered that but since it was going to take days to work the ground. It didn't seem like a good value. Maybe if you had a project you could do in a 1/2 day it would make sense.

 

[dodge man]

I think $500 will get you something that will do the job. What you lose it compared to a more expensive one it the ability to set multiple grades. You can still use a fixed elevation one to set a slope it’s just going to take a little measuring and math.

I would also learn how to set a bench Mark if I were you. It can just be something assumed. Just drive something in the ground that is stable for a few days, like a rebar or stake, and assume it’s elevation 100. Then say the building pad you are wanting to build is two feet lower, so elevation 98. Then everyday you can shoot your benchmark and know you want to be two feet lower.

 

[plowhog]

I bought a $150 Dewalt self leveling laser years ago. I use it all the time.

Last fall I filled then graded about 4,000 sq ft to level. I eyeballed it by day using my tractor box blade. Then at dusk/night I used the laser to identify high spots I could not visually see. Set a few flags in the high spots, then grade again the next day.

For my project this was inexpensive and worked well.

 

[MossRoad]

$20 VS $500 doesn't appeal to you? Oh well. We tried.

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[/pine]

...I'm looking to level land. Rough cut land, while out on the tractor doing the work. Where when I think to my eye, that the area is 'level' get out the tripod, and walk around with the grading stick to see just how far off I am.

Again I'm curious...unless you're going to pour a slab etc...why would you want land so level that you would want to check it with the laser?...

...water will sit on level surfaces...even under raised buildings the land under should not be perfectly level...
...If you can generally tell when you have an area close to level you should also be able to tell when it has enough pitch to not collect water...after one good rain you should be able to look at it and see if the slope lets the water run off but not fast enough to cause erosion...

 

[Tinhack]

I have an old school transit/builder's level I bought over 20 years ago when I got the property. I've used it to install fence lines and build my barn. It's about as accurate as the markings on the graduated rod and your eyesight.

If I were you and didn't have one, I'd rent it. Mine has been sitting in the closet since I put up fence, built the barn and laid out a parking pad. That must be going on about 15 years now since the last use. It was a lot of money back then. I didn't know you could rent them at the time.

Mine is the telescope style and was really good for long fence lines. You won't be able to do that with the budget lasers.

 

[plowhog]

why would you want land so level that you would want to check it with the laser?...

It's not an issue of being perfectly level, but when lawn is reasonably level it is easier to water, mow, and care for in general. Same with a pasture.

If you are working with any nearby slope or contour, using your eyeball to determine what is "level" is simply not reliable. So for a small amount you can have a laser level that gives you that information.

Another project I used the laser for was a ledger I needed to affix on the outside of the house for a raised deck. I set the laser level at the height I wanted for the top board. It painted a bright red line where all the top sides of the ledger board should mate up to. Deck came out perfect.

 

[deezler]

This Dewalt is $40 off, so I'm going to go buy it today. Will be handy for interior projects, but I'm actually mainly planning to use it outside. I understand that I'll have to wait until dusk to clearly see the line at 20 or 30 feet out (or more). Should be good enough for my crude projects.

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[orezok]

Years ago I was building a housing project in SoCal. This was before the sophisticated survey equipment used now. Probably 40 years ago or so.

The site was a long shallow canyon. On one side of the canyon the terrain sloped north/south. On the other side it sloped south/north. The canyon was somewhere in between.
The surveyors came in and staked the individual building pads which stair stepped down the canyon. When they were done I walked over to the crew chief and said “something doesn’t look right, those pads aren’t level”. He walked around to several locations and said I think you are right. Well they went back to their shop to verify the calibration on their instrument.

He called me later in the day to verify that the instrument was perfect.

Due to the opposing terrain on both sides of the canyon all our brains could not perceive what level was. Don’t trust your brain to establish level.