Anyone use a rotary laser level

[747driver]

I am looking for a rotary laser level. Building a 30x50 pole barn plus other things on our property. Looking for a rotary laser level that will go out at least 150' with a good laser line that you can see well. Researching shows that Bosch makes a great tool. Just want to be sure I can be able to see the line on items likes post and walls. Thanks

 

[CincyFlyer]

I used a Bosch when putting in my pool fence. The long end was about 90 feet, and it was a bit difficult to see the thing in bright sunlight. I used it both rotating and stationary (one for lining them up, the other for height.) The "targets" supplied with it helped a bunch; depending on the color/reflectivity of what you are shooting, you may have to put a piece of white tape or something where you want to measure. Easily beat any other alternative for doing the job!

 

[/pine]

One thing most laser levels have in common...the darker it is...the easier they are to see...
Good Luck..

 

[Tompet]

I purchased a Bosch GRL HV kit last year for similar project(s).
It works great. Lowes had it on sale and I purchased a $50 off coupon on eBay for $1., which they honored. Compared to mucking around with a line laser, tapes, strings or a level it is pretty good!

Unless it is dusk, night, or against a solid background in shade you will not be able to see the beam and will rely on audio beep and visual led's on receiver, which works very well. There are green lasers that supposedly show up better in brighter situations, but cost is quite a bit more. Also, the further away you are from laser the less visibility the laser beam, however the audio beep is what you are working with in most cases. Red laser glasses are one way to enhance visibility of beam.

 

[Raspy]

They are a very good tool. But before you trust it for level, make sure it is actually accurate. Test it. This could be as simple as making some level marks at a distance and then rotating the unit 180 degrees. Then seeing if the new level marks agree.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Whatever you buy from a major brand name will probably work fine. Be sure it has a receiver so that daylight does not matter.

 

[lennyzx11]

I use one from Stabil. The red glasses help see a faint mark also but I like the audio beep that works where I can't even see the light.

 

[Sparkynutz]

I got a top rated $400 Dewalt and it's inaccurate as heck. Better off with a water level for anything critical.

 

[/pine]

I got a top rated $400 Dewalt and it's inaccurate as heck. Better off with a water level for anything critical.

Water levels CAN be quite inaccurate themselves...

 

[Raspy]

I got a top rated $400 Dewalt and it's inaccurate as heck. Better off with a water level for anything critical.

Probably the same model I got. It was a waste of money. Around 3/8" off in 30'

 

[Redlands Okie]

I got a top rated $400 Dewalt and it's inaccurate as heck. Better off with a water level for anything critical.

A dewalt tool that does not work correctly is NOT normal. Question is why do you have one not working correctly ? Warranty work is free and rest of their repairs are quite responsible. $400 setting around broken is quite a waste. Lots of service centers or shipping options.
Get your investment back to work

I still use a water lever on occasions. Have a beeper to go with it and works fine. Have to be careful to make sure its reading correctly, take your time with em. Larger tubes are a bit easier.

Original bought a dewalt with two axis, sold it to a buddy to upgrade to a 3 axis made by Bosch.. Also a Bosch for tile work. Long range work done with a couple of spectra brand but they can get a bit expensive.
All of em work fine and accurate within their specs. Its amazing what technology has done with pricing on lasers.

 

[Rustyiron]

All the rotary lasers I've seen really need the receiver to work, some say you can see the beam as it go's by but certainly not in any type of daylight.
I had several "robo laser" that actually had a visible dot in daylight. It was not a rotary w/receiver type but it rotated (slowly) with a hand held remote. It was self leveling and among the best for accuracy and only about $300 iirc. This was over 10 years ago and I don't think they still make them, and both of mine quit working even though treated gently as any "instrument" type tool should be. I have a Topcon rotary now with no troubles, I just prefer not to have to use & rely on the dang receiver unit. It's about a $1200 unit.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I have a Johnson builder and a Johnson rotary level.
The rotary is bright indoor but outside it will need a receiver...unless you can use it on an overcast day or during twilight hours.
They are as accurate as the person who sets them up. If you take your time leveling the laser level it is dead on.
But it's not a quick setup. If you rush your results will be less than perfect. Mine is accurate at 80'.
Haven't had to use it for anything larger.

 

[crazyal]

I have one but it's not a "rotary". The laser shines straight up on a cone shape reflector. It's easy to set up because the cone uses gravity to self level. You just have to get the bubble level on top sort of close. You can't see the laser, you just have to rely on the receiver but it's extremely accurate. I think the manual says 3/16" at 100ft but I've tested mine and it's about 1/4" at 500ft. It's made by a company called Spectra. The only issue I had was someone backed over the plastic case (level was in use) and now it doesn't latch. It's designed for outdoor work but I have occasionally used it inside.

 

[TMGT]

I just built a 40x50 building and bought this for excavation, Johnson-Level-Tool-99-6K-Self-Leveling Rotary Laser System - - Amazon.com found it to be very accurate and quick to setup. As stated you will need the receiver in daylight but, since I was doing all the dirt work by myself, it was the only decent option as I had a lot of dirt to move.

There's another model that cost a bit more and has a nicer receiver but this one worked great for me.

Self leveling is the way to go!

 

[747driver]

Thanks. I have looked online at the Bosch. I can get a re-conditioned unit from CPO Tool Outlet for a big savings. I have bought re-conditioned tools from them and they look like brand new.

 

[747driver]

I will look at the Johnson unit. They make great levels. I have a Builders level I use but is a pain when you are by yourself as stated by TMGT !

 

[TMGT]

Is the Bosch self leveling? I looked at a lot of levels and this one fit my budget and seems to be good quality plus it had everything I needed.
I can't remember the range on it but it was competitive with others in the price range. Until you get into the big money it's impossible to see the lazer mark in daylight but the receiver works good, I got used to it very quickly.

 

[EddieWalker]

A dewalt tool that does not work correctly is NOT normal.

Not sure if you are being serious or making a joke. DeWalt is is one of those companies that sells a variety of brands and puts their name on it. In my experience they tend to re-badge the bottom end products of that other company and then mark it up more, to sell under their name.




As for laser levels, there are two basic types. The one with the light that you have to see to know if you are level or not, and the ones with a sensor that pics up the laser with a sensor. Both can be very accurate, but you pay for accuracy.

I personally have a Spectra brand that comes in a kit with everything you need. I might not use it for over a year, and sometimes it seems like I'm using it every month. I bought it used on Ebay for $300. I seen one sell for that and missed it, then I spent almost a year waiting and bidding on them until I finally got one for that price.

Spectra Precision LL3N -2 Self Leveling Laser w/ Tripod, Rod, HL45 Receiver | eBay

 

[downsizingnow48]

I have used a Spectra LL200 rotary laser for a long time, it is self leveling and uses a receiver on a graduated pole. Laser, receiver, pole, and tripod all in a yellow case. It is very easy to use, reliable, accurate. I would not get one that is not self leveling. I see them used for about $350.