Tell me what laser level to buy

[LJH]

OK, I'm done with flapping around marking contours with this home-made A-frame. I mean, it works great but it's taking forever and I need to get some stuff done before the next ice age.

Anyone with experience or advice about a brand or model or are they all the same, given a general price range? This is for outdoor work, marking grades & contours, etc.

 

[sixdogs]

Great thread since I'm looking for one myself and the number of brands and types is very confusing.

 

[LJH]

So far I'm kinda liking this critter:

Northwest Instrument Exterior Rotary Laser Package NEXPK800 (Item 90205)

Similar from the same manufacturer on Amazon is way more $$$ and no free shipping. Verrrry tempted to grab this one.

 

[EddieWalker]

I used a couple of low end models and realized that I wanted something with more accuracy, so I started looking into professional lasers. There are about four or five name brands that are all really good, but the price was just more then I could justify. The one I really liked was the package from Spectra, but it's still a little pricey. Once I found the model that I liked, I started watching Craigslist and Ebay for a deal. After several months, I got lucky on Ebay and found this for $200 used.

Spectra Precision LL100-3 Laser Level - Amazon.com

It's easy to set up and it's very accurate.

Eddie

 

[LJH]

Wow Eddie, you got a deal! WTG. :thumbsup:

I should have done the same but need something right now so I went ahead and ordered the Northwest Instrument model in the link. It will pay for itself in time saved and I can write it off as a business expense - only slightly lessens the $$$ pain, but better than nothing. I'll let you guys know how I like it.

Northwest Instrument customer service comment: I ordered it online last night (Sunday). This morning I got an email to clarify my shipping address. This happens often, merchants always want a 'street address' and we don't have those on account of we don't have any streets. We're like, turn off the pavement, a mile up the canyon, left after the first cattleguard, across the pasture, over the creek and take the left fork up to the house. And if its raining or snowing, don't even try it with 2WD. Anywho, I called and got right through and the gal was really nice.