Is this laser what I need

[Bigbear]

In the near future (from the smell) I will need to re-work my septic. I purchased this laser in hopes it would work for the project. Was it a good buy, and do you think it will work for running the bottom level. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7513884014
I am really looking forward to some backhoe work, but this is really not what I had in mind. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[johnday]

Bigbear; Looks alot like my RoboLaser. I didn't see a remote control, but it probably has one. Should work for shooting a grade. Fantastic price tho, I'm always skeptical about the online auctions. Good luck. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SCB]

You may have a difficult time reading it in the daylight without a receiver, but what a great price!

 

[Farwell]

I think it was a good price, but my experience with lasers out doors is that they are hard to see. I prefer the lower price optical level for most of my work. New they were around $200 when I bought mine with tripod and stick.

 

[have_blue]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You may have a difficult time reading it in the daylight without a receiver, but what a great price! )</font>

There are glasses that are supposed to help. Dunno how much they help though.

 

[johnday]

They work pretty good. To have some fun, put them on and look at the sky, just don't look at the sun. You'd be surprised what you see when looking at what we think is clear blue sky! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[txhawg]

So, where do I get a pair of these glasses?

 

[DKinWA]

bigbear,

Make sure you calibrate per the instruction manual the first time you use it. I'd also suggest checking the calibration after using it a couple of times to see that it's not changing over time. If it maintains calibration and the tolerances are appropriate, there's no reason it shouldn't work.

 

[johnday]

txhawg; My glasses came with my laser. If you did a search on the internet for lasers, a number of companies should show up, or search for Robolaser or PLS, those are the two big names I'm familair with. Or maybe check with some of the big box stores. I've used my laser in direct sunlight with glasses and had no problem seeing the dot. The Robolaser like mine also has a line generator attachement that gives you a series of dots to work with.

An entertaining thing though. My partner when I first started using a laser, was very careful about crossing the beam with his hand. Even wore some big ironworker gloves when using it! I asked him why he was so leery of this thing. We both got a good laugh when he stated that he didn't want the beam to burn his hand!!! Think he saw way too many Sci-Fi movies! : /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif: /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Jim_in_Omaha]

I have one of those. I don't think it will work. If your redoing laterals it will not work. I use mine for installing suspended ceiling. The bubble on the unit is not accurate to say the least. I used a torpedo laser to set up the beam of the rotary laser around the room. The laser I use the most is the Torpedo Boy laser for shooting straight levels.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42298&item=7515745849&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

This one is like mine. Metal body. Mine is very accurate. Has a magnet on the bottom. There are other straight lasers that now have micro adjusting bases which the T. Boy does not. That would be very handy. But for 10-20 bucks, beats eye-balling...


thx
Jim

 

[HomeBrew2]

I'm afraid that I got a laser just like that at Costco and had to return it due to it being out of level by over an inch in 50'. Also you will have to get one with a detector for the rod to use it outside ... or buy a separate detector.

I got a Dewalt thru Amazon for $300. Then I had to buy a tripod and rod separately. I'm extremely happy with my package.

A spirit level is a good alternative but only if you have the luxury of having a helper every single time you want to do any leveling.

As stated earlier, check the calibration (if the unit has instructions to do so ... my cheapo did not). Checking "calibration" is fine to a point however, is no substitute for always checking between 2 points of know elevation each time you setup.

 

[Bigbear]

I received the laser yesterday and it was just as pictured and not damaged in transit. Now for the bad news. As others have stated, it will not work very good outdoors /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif . It would be fine for ceiling type work, floor lines, setting tile, etc, anything INDOORS. I have looked for a laser detector and rod, but not much luck finding one. Lesson learned, you can't buy a 1000 dollar laser for under a 100 bucks and expect the same results. Thanks to all who posted.

 

[HomeBrew2]

FYI, I found a detector at Lowe's for a bit over $100 ... seems to be the going price on the net as well. Seems like they and Home Depot have rods as well. Not totally sure. A rod isn't positively necessary. You could just buy a cheap tape measure, cut it off and tack it to a stick or even just mark a stick by hand. Whether inside or outside just make sure the laser (or level) is actually throwing an accurite line.
Cheers!