Needing a transit/level.......any advice.
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I bought a spectra LL300 laser for around 850.00 with a tripod and a rod.A good unit it sets itself up autolevel laser.I got mine at White Caps a company home depot bought into. They also had some good automatic optical levels good ones for around 250 or so. I purchaced mine last year.The spectra is made in gemany a trimble company.
I bought a factory reconditioned Dewalt last year for about $150. It included the tripod, level and grade scale. It is okay for the money, however, using one is typically a two man operation. Instead I wound up using a simpler approach using a line level and box scrapper mounted to the rear hitch. I used this technique to level the foundation site for the barn I am currently building. Start by stretching a nylon construction line between two stakes. At the mid point hang a bubble spirt line level. Adjust the line height on either end until the line is level. This becomes your datum, or reference line. Next, mount a 1/2" dowel rod to the side of the box scrapper, sticking out horizontally about a foot. I mounted mine by drilling a 1/2 hole into a block of wood, inserting the dowel, then c-clamping the block to the side plate of the box scrapper. This then becomes your depth gage. You can then run the tractor parrallel to the line. I beveled the dowel by cutting a 45% angle, making it come to a knife edge. This allows you get very accurate marking gage. You can try different techniques by either running the gage above the line or beside the line. Using this technique gives you real time feedback of where your blade is in relation to level. No more trial and error guessing if your are too deep or shallow.
varmint
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Another option, and one that's basically free, would be to take a rifle scope and mount it with a decent bubble level. I've done that several times, and it's good for 1/2" in 50-75', which is good enough for what I've needed. I use a block of wood between the scope and a photo tripod. It's no transit, but then, most of us don't really have need for a transit.
BTDT
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Check pawn shop. Sometimes(?) they have stuff cheap.
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leeinmemphis said:
Then get a $25 Zircon water level to do your job. Takes a little practice, but you can easily get to +/- 1/4" accuracy. I've used one with 50-ft of plastic tubing without any problem. Nice thing about a water level is it's a one-person device so you can work by yourself if nobody's around to help. I assume that rotary laser levels also have this advantage, but they're pricy compared to a water level.
California
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If cheap is more important than convenient ...
I got the HF #92703 Self Leveling Laser Level for $39.
I am amazed at the precision - I measured under 1/16 inch variance in a 28 ft room, setting it near one wall and shooting the near wall and the the distant wall, then moving down near the far wall and repeating the shots.
I plan to use it outdoors for running drainage like I used a laser/bubble carpenter's level last year, marking control stakes at dusk when I can see the beam strike the stake, then working from those stakes the next day.
Builders have used string levels for centuries. I think this is more accurate and it's far more convenient. Precision should be fine for anything I have planned which is essentially, making water run downhill.
I got the HF #92703 Self Leveling Laser Level for $39.
I am amazed at the precision - I measured under 1/16 inch variance in a 28 ft room, setting it near one wall and shooting the near wall and the the distant wall, then moving down near the far wall and repeating the shots.
I plan to use it outdoors for running drainage like I used a laser/bubble carpenter's level last year, marking control stakes at dusk when I can see the beam strike the stake, then working from those stakes the next day.
Builders have used string levels for centuries. I think this is more accurate and it's far more convenient. Precision should be fine for anything I have planned which is essentially, making water run downhill.
Egon
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If really looking for a cheap user friendly level find a clear glass mug with horizontal rings on it, fill with beverage of choice to one of the ring marks, hold steady so liquid is level on the ring mark and sight along the top of the liquid level. Works well if you can stand a little downhill.
I have used this method once when there were no levels on site. It worked well but due to having to keep the liquid/foam level even on a rim the beverage supply ran out and had to be refurbished.
In the picture the flat leveled area is under the trailer and a portion of the road is level but slopes downhill.
I have used this method once when there were no levels on site. It worked well but due to having to keep the liquid/foam level even on a rim the beverage supply ran out and had to be refurbished.
In the picture the flat leveled area is under the trailer and a portion of the road is level but slopes downhill.
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BTDT
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Pic looks a little blurry, must be looking through the bottom of the mug.Egon said:If really looking for a cheap user friendly level find a clear glass mug with horizontal rings on it, fill with beverage of choice to one of the ring marks, hold steady so liquid is level on the ring mark and sight along the top of the liquid level. Works well if you can stand a little downhill.
I have used this method once when there were no levels on site. It worked well but due to having to keep the liquid/foam level even on a rim the beverage supply ran out and had to be refurbished.
In the picture the flat leveled area is under the trailer and a portion of the road is level but slopes downhill.
Egon
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DDT
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I have been looking for laser levels to, But know very little about them. If you get a DW73KD or the 71 model You can attach the detector to a 1 x 2 and raise and lower the stick to find the level spot, RIGHT? I want some thing for out side use, set concrete forms and inside for ceilings. Am I on the right track before I buy the wrong one.
Target cards? what is that?
Target cards? what is that?
patrick_g
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I have used just about every kind of transit and level and think the IR units that use a detector on your pole (audio and visual indicatioin) is the cat's meow but pricey.
If the greatest sight line is not more than a few hundred feet you can use a water level. Well, actually there is no limit to the distance possible with a water level but practical considerations like handling a lot of hose typically hold it to a few hundred feet. It will be slower and more cumbersome but it is (A) cheap (B) as or more accurate than any of the LASER units (C) easy to read in bright sun or at night with a small flashlight.
There are commercial water levels available, some with audio indicators. You can use a roll of small diameter plastic tubing or any number of garden hoses strung together. The only limit on max distance between your reference datum and a point you want to check is the length of the hose you are willing to string. There is no difference in accuracy between a commercial unit and a DIY version.
As we have all heard, water seeks its own level. You have a clear piece of tubing at each end of the water level so you can see the free surface of the water. When the motion damps out (a few seconds) the water at both ends of the run of hose is precisely the same elevation. You should be able to read the level to the nearest 0.1 inches at least. If you add dye (food coloring or whatever) to the water in the level it is easier to see and read quickly.
A water level can be set up and operated by a single individual. Of course, a helper, even with little or no experience would be a time saver but isn't required.
I find it convenient to mark plenty of grade stakes while using the level and then put it out of the way to play in the dirt. It is also is a super tool for concrete forming as it gives you a 20, 50, 100 ft or longer level with near perfect accuracy and dependability. It doesn't replace a standard spirit level for quick and easy approximations but stretching a string over50 ft or so will always have errors no matter how careful you are. A water level gives the same accuracy irrespective of the distance. It is as accurate as you can read the water level. For OLD eyes, use a magnifying glass for accuracey better than 0.1 inches.
It is a tradeoff between conventional looking tools with hitech prices and some clear plastic tubing and garden hoses that probably have more accuracy and cost less but are more cumbersome and slower to use. Let your wallet and conscious be your guide.
Pat
If the greatest sight line is not more than a few hundred feet you can use a water level. Well, actually there is no limit to the distance possible with a water level but practical considerations like handling a lot of hose typically hold it to a few hundred feet. It will be slower and more cumbersome but it is (A) cheap (B) as or more accurate than any of the LASER units (C) easy to read in bright sun or at night with a small flashlight.
There are commercial water levels available, some with audio indicators. You can use a roll of small diameter plastic tubing or any number of garden hoses strung together. The only limit on max distance between your reference datum and a point you want to check is the length of the hose you are willing to string. There is no difference in accuracy between a commercial unit and a DIY version.
As we have all heard, water seeks its own level. You have a clear piece of tubing at each end of the water level so you can see the free surface of the water. When the motion damps out (a few seconds) the water at both ends of the run of hose is precisely the same elevation. You should be able to read the level to the nearest 0.1 inches at least. If you add dye (food coloring or whatever) to the water in the level it is easier to see and read quickly.
A water level can be set up and operated by a single individual. Of course, a helper, even with little or no experience would be a time saver but isn't required.
I find it convenient to mark plenty of grade stakes while using the level and then put it out of the way to play in the dirt. It is also is a super tool for concrete forming as it gives you a 20, 50, 100 ft or longer level with near perfect accuracy and dependability. It doesn't replace a standard spirit level for quick and easy approximations but stretching a string over50 ft or so will always have errors no matter how careful you are. A water level gives the same accuracy irrespective of the distance. It is as accurate as you can read the water level. For OLD eyes, use a magnifying glass for accuracey better than 0.1 inches.
It is a tradeoff between conventional looking tools with hitech prices and some clear plastic tubing and garden hoses that probably have more accuracy and cost less but are more cumbersome and slower to use. Let your wallet and conscious be your guide.
Pat
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It's easy to make a water level.
Buy a couple ft of clear plastic hose and a M/F pair of replacement couplers, assemble, and add to your existing hose.
Buy a couple ft of clear plastic hose and a M/F pair of replacement couplers, assemble, and add to your existing hose.
patrick_g
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California, That is exactly what I did for one end. For the other end I used an RV water tank filler which is, not suprisingly, a clear tube on a female hose fitting. It is good to put some black vinyl electrical tape around the clear hoses to make it easy to read (calibration marks.)
There are various schemes for filling the hose with colored liquid but you can just fill the hose with water and put a few drops of food coloring in the open ends of the clear hoses. It is also good to have plugs for the open ends. I also use those cheap ball valves at both ends of the hose between the garden hose and the clear hose so I can secure the water before dragging the hose to a new location.
Pat
There are various schemes for filling the hose with colored liquid but you can just fill the hose with water and put a few drops of food coloring in the open ends of the clear hoses. It is also good to have plugs for the open ends. I also use those cheap ball valves at both ends of the hose between the garden hose and the clear hose so I can secure the water before dragging the hose to a new location.
Pat
DDT
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You guys may be right about the water level, but I would also use one to setting a grade for concrete slabs, water drains and trenching depths with the BH. I do work alone most of the time.
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leeinmemphis,
Could you stake out a pond with it? Any info on the range? Thanks.
Could you stake out a pond with it? Any info on the range? Thanks.
The spectra i got is self leveling and had a option of ceiling mounts.You can find one at Whitecap under trimble manufactures .It also has a target you can buy to magnetic mount on a front loader or backhoe and shoot grade while on your tractor total one man operation.I got the LL300 unit they make better and one cheaper.
If you want to buy one check out the pawn shops first.
They have any type you want. I bought an old really hefty one with tripod for $125. All the shops I visted had all types of laser and scopes. Bought the rod at Home Depot for $50.
For one-time use I would look into renting.
They have any type you want. I bought an old really hefty one with tripod for $125. All the shops I visted had all types of laser and scopes. Bought the rod at Home Depot for $50.
For one-time use I would look into renting.
