Anyone use a rotary laser level

[Budweiser John]

I couldn’t live with out my Spectra precision rotary lazer.
The only thing I might add to this post is, purchase your insttiment from a source that offers post sale service and every couple years have the unit checked for accuracy. Those critters do, from time to time creep out of accuracy.

B. John

 

[747driver]

I found this on ebay....SPECTRA PRECISION LL5 LONG RANGE LASER with plastic case ** | eBay

Does the receiver look like it clamps onto a story pole ? I have the tripod and story stick.

 

[prichard]

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

I just bought a Dewalt builders level. It arrived with the threads messed up so it wouldn't attach to the tripod. Then I started looking through it and it wouldn't focus. Returned it and I'll try another brand for a new one.

 

[747driver]

I just bought a Dewalt builders level. It arrived with the threads messed up so it wouldn't attach to the tripod. Then I started looking through it and it wouldn't focus. Returned it and I'll try another brand for a new one.

I went on ebay and looked at used ones....the savings is quite good.

 

[downsizingnow48]

The small gray knob on the receiver tightens it onto a spectra pole. The spectra pole has ridges that fit into the case of the receiver. Then the receiver slides up and down on the pole with a pointer that lines up with marks on the pole. Not sure the spectra receiver would fit onto a non-spectra pole.

 

[davedj1]

I have three Bosch lasers, one for measuring, one 4 axis and a nice rotary with the receiver. I couldn't build without them.
Not trying to push a sale but I have a Robo-Laser for sale, it's been great, I just don't use it any more. 60 plus shipping.

 

[dadster4]

Bought this one two years ago from CPO, couldn't be happier with it's accuracy, +/- 1/8" at about 400' (the furthest I tried).
Factory Reconditioned Bosch GRL250HVCK-B-RT Dual-Axis Self-Leveling Rotary Laser Kit with Tripod

 

[crazyal]

My advice, if you are going to buy one of the Spectra laser levels spend the extra money and get one tht's a complete kit. I got my LL200 used on ebay. It'll come with the tripod, the receiver, and the story pole. If you find it useful and decide to keep it then you'll be happy you spent the extra money. If you decide that it's just too much money to have tied up into a level then you can sell it on ebay. Chances are good that if you get a lightly used one off of ebay you can sell it a couple a years later for the same price as you paid. Good tools are always a good investment.

 

[FarmWrench]

eBay Spectra with magnet mount receiver. With a little planning it makes leveling with a bucket, back blade or scraper faster.

Couldn't do tile without it.

If you have a few neighbors who work construction, chances are they have one on their truck.

 

[Sparkynutz]

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.

I actually got it free through a good ideas program at work that you get points for saving the company money to be used towards items. The sad part is every single item they have is discontinued or refurbs. Sending stuff back is a bigger pain than its worth and requires the ok from my work as well as the distributor and the points company. Maybe Dewalt would fix it but still not worth the hassle. I just use it knowing it's not accurate but good enough to grade a lawn or driveway reasonably close. I used it with a tape measure at night and wrote down heights of every location in my yard in relation to the starting point. When its pitch black you can easily use it 250ft away and be within an inch or two. Good enough for me.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Well thanks for the info. Explains a bit on the possible issue. I do not even own a dewalt tool. Work with a lot of guys that do and its not what I am used to seeing of dewalt line.

 

[jaxs]

It's been a long winding road since my first experience with DeWalt radial arms 50 years ago.

 

[crazyal]

I have a number of DeWalt tools and have only had an issue with a 4 1/2" grinder that was used (hard) when I got it and I abused it. I've worked for several companies that have DeWalt cordless tools, they seam to work great. I don't know about some of their tools like a laser level. They could just buy them from a company in China and have them built to their specs. When I was looking I was looking for outdoor use and wanted a brand that was a leader, the two that came up was Trimble and Spectra. I found my LL200 on ebay for a good price. Having everything in a plastic case with places for spare batteries (mine uses one D and one 9v) makes it real nice and desirable for people if you go to sell. You know everything works well together too.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Not a laser expert.
Trimble, spectra, top-con, CST/Berger are all reliable brand names that have been around a while that I have seen around.
A couple Dewalt I have seen on jobs regularly and the several Bosch that I have had have held up fine so far but none of them are rotary.

 

[Jamming]

been using the dewalt its important to use the Lazer glasses. adds about 30% the ability to see it in bright light. $15 dollar glasses help on most units no matter if you spend 5 grand or 150 bucks.

 

[oosik]

The only laser level/range finder I've ever used was a Trimble. It was used as a range finder with a standard reflecting mirror on the stadia board. Problem is - it was when I worked for the government and cost of equipment was of no concern. Trimble is probably top of the Mark, as far as quality, and also on price.

 

[747driver]

To expensive to buy new ! Just watching ebay daily for a good deal. I really favor the Trimble/Spectra ones. Thanks for the input and suggestions.

 

[jrdepew]

Don't forget about PLS lasers...I have a PLS 4 that I use all the time, and have had for a few years. Paired with a telescoping tripod it is a huge timesaver.

 

[EddieWalker]

To expensive to buy new ! Just watching ebay daily for a good deal. I really favor the Trimble/Spectra ones. Thanks for the input and suggestions.

Don't forget to do searches in all of Craigslist out 100 to 200 miles. EBay used to be great, but now I find all the best deals on Craigslist and Facebook. Just decide what brand and model you want and use that for your search.

 

[jenkinsph]

For the money a simple Dewalt rotary laser is a good deal. I test mine each spring before I start moving dirt and set it up on a still pond. Seems to be good for 200 ft. radius.

For more precise work I use a Topcon RL 200 2/s grade laser this thing is awesome.