non pro building sight level????

[Ed of all trades]

What do you non pro. Builders use to level your building pad. Laser, transit, or ???? Hoping to build a shop this summer and need something but can't see $400 or so. Thanks Ed

 

[mikefromnh]

Garden hose and some fittings to attach some clear tubing to the ends.

 

[BukitCase]

If you want cheap and have time to diddle with it, how about a water level? All you need to make one is a garden hose, 4-5 feet of clear tubing, a few hose fittings and you're done - I did one several years ago, I can save you one PITA by suggesting CAPS for both pieces of clear tubing - just remember to loosen both caps once the hose is in place, or it will LIE to you... Steve

 

[RDrancher]

Here's a link to one of the best deals out there. CST/berger 20X Speed Line Level Kit 54-190K, Construction Transit

 

[Ed of all trades]

I have a lot of dirt to move and was hoping for something that I could use for grade work. Wouldn't the hose be hard to grade with?

 

[s219]

You can rent a surveyor's kit pretty cheap. Can also use the Theodolite app on iPhone/iPad with a tripod and shoot elevations.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Here's a link to one of the best deals out there. CST/berger 20X Speed Line Level Kit 54-190K, Construction Transit

That looks good, just have to figure out something to hold the grade rod.

 

[RDrancher]

That looks good, just have to figure out something to hold the grade rod.

Here you go. Grade Pole Holder - Excavation & Site Work - Contractor Talk

 

[CalG]

I have a lot of dirt to move and was hoping for something that I could use for grade work. Wouldn't the hose be hard to grade with?

The transit doesn't move much material either! ;-)

But I think....if you use the leveling tools of your choice to SET GRADE PEGS in the ground, you can do just about anything you want to between the grade pegs, and always come back and pull a string to see how you are progressing.

 

[CalG]

That looks good, just have to figure out something to hold the grade rod.

There is a reason some men marry!

It's not all cooking, house keeping and ***! ;-)

 

[reggiejr]

Do yourself a favor and get yourself a rotary laser level.
It will save you a ton of time and fuel and you will get very accurate results.
I bet you could do your job and sell it when your done and get most of your money back.
Only problem is you'll probably realize you can't live without it after and keep it don't ask me how I know that :thumbsup:

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Buy a transit. Bought one similar from same company posted up on #4. Should have bought one years ago. Looked at the laser line levels good ones way out of my budget. Not hard to use, only draw back is it takes two.

 

[Sysop]

All around here the pawn shops always have a half dozen transits on the tool racks for cheap. They're all the time selling them and taking them back. Cheap... Lets you see, hands on, what it is you're plunking down dollars for too...

 

[RDrancher]

All around here the pawn shops always have a half dozen transits on the tool racks for cheap. They're all the time selling them and taking them back. Cheap... Lets you see, hands on, what it is you're plunking down dollars for too...

The problem with pawn shop transits or builder's levels is they're often left in a toolbox or cab and get bounced around a lot. Even if they're left with the "This Side Up" lettering (usually written on one side of the case) in the correct orientation, they get out of whack. It's not cheap to have them serviced. The way I look at it, guys that need money from a pawn shop for their tools need money quick...because they're broke. If they're broke it's because they don't have enough work, which may mean that they suck at what they do for a living. But then again...maybe they only suck because they set concrete forms for a living with an out of whack transit. Food for thought.

 

[cycle_gator]

I bought a moderate rotary laser level on eBay. Have not regretted it a day. With a laser sensor on the grade rod one person operation is a piece of cake.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I bought a moderate rotary laser level on eBay. Have not regretted it a day. With a laser sensor on the grade rod one person operation is a piece of cake.

I am kind of afraid of the cheaper lasers. I have heard bad things about them. Come to think it was guys with high $$$ lazers. Are the cheaper ones any good? I want to do a few jobs over the years and don't want to have to buy twice.

 

[RDrancher]

If you work a lot by yourself, a laser is the ticket. I work by myself 90% of the time, so being able to check grade anytime I need to is really handy. If you get a decent laser it'll last you a lifetime.

I know nothing about this laser, but this is the best priced package deal on ebay. Northwest NRL800 Self Level Rotating Rotary Laser Complete Package | eBay. If you could use a laser capable of setting single slope, I have this one (from this seller actually). Topcon is pro quality. Both the laser and receiver have an "out of level" warning which is a nice feature. New Topcon RL-H4C Rotating Laser Level - DB Package PLUS 8 FT 8ths Rod & Tripod

 

[Ed of all trades]

I would rather not spend $500 or more on a tool that I will use for 2 or 3 jobs and then sit waiting for something else some time in the future. It just don't make sense to me. I am also concerned about buying it and then having to get it recalibrated when I need it say 5 years from now.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Northwest Instrument 32x Builder's Auto-Level Package NBLP32 (Item 11032) I bought this one when I started the pole building. Built a whole bunch of stuff prior to getting it. Should have bought it years ago. Takes some getting used to it. Huge time saver. Mine came in a nice foam filled plastic case. So re-calibrating? If i buy it for a project it is bought and paid for. Then when the kids stick me in the home and have to auction everything off, maybe I stand a chance of getting the better digs. its not the one with the most toys that wins. It is the one that can sell his toys for the most that wins.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Here you go. Grade Pole Holder - Excavation & Site Work - Contractor Talk

RDrancher somehow I missed this post, I like the holder your Dad made. I think I have found my answer. Thanks