Laser: Initial review

HomeBrew2 · Mar 19, 2005

Thanks to a recommendation on another thread, I bought a DeWalt "DW071 Heavy Duty Laser" (rotating). The specs are easy to find on the web so I won't bore you.
Yesterday was creek brushing and burning day so I only got time to do a standard surveror's 2-peg test on it ... I confirmed the spec'd accuracy of 1/4" at 100'.
It's a "kit" which means that it came with the rod detector.
It does not auto-level and that's what I wanted as it can be used in an out-of-level position for setting a slope. (It has a bump alarm but not an out-of-level alarm)
The rod and, obviously, the antique tripod were not included. I expect to be receiving a modern tripod soon though the antique is surprisingly functional ... after cobbling a 5/8"-11 screw mount.
For those of you that might have noticed, yes, the rod is incremented upside down. It's a Lenker self-computing rod ... an excellent buy on eBay, $60.
I bought the laser via Amazon for $305 total, after $25 Amazon discount and free shipping. That beat Lowe's by around $60 (excluding tax I'd have to pay locally).
Cheers!

HomeBrew2 · Mar 21, 2005

Update: I received the tripod today that I bought via eBay from TripodGuys (or somesuch). It's "used" but does, in fact, look brand-new. It's a standard aluminium "contractor's" type tripod. I'm not a fan of aluminium tripods nor do I like paying tooo much for a beat-to-death "surveyor's" wood-dowel tripod so this was a perfect match for $49 (including shipping). The only thing of note is that this tripod has cam-lock style clamps for the leg extensions instead of the wing-bolt type I'm used to ... again, the price was more than right though for a life-time tripod.
Cheers!

HomeBrew2 · Mar 25, 2005

Update:
I just finished running a benchmark loop around my compound. I traversed about 400' with the laser in about 6 setups. I was able to close on my initial backsight 0.02' (1/4")low which I was very pleased with. I did try to balance my foresights and backsights and I don't believe any were more than 100'.

The laser system was very easy and fast to use. I was a little concerned about the speed of setting up after hearing so much negative feedback on the subject of setting up a non-auto level laser. In the off chance that I can help someone in this regard, the standard surveying setup procedure that I use is simply: 1- stomp the tripod legs into the ground while trying to get the instrument kinda level; 2- use the tripod leg extensions to rough-level the instrument relative to the level bubbles; 3- fine level with the leveling screws. If I had even wanted an auto leveler, I'd only be saving about 5 seconds to do step 3.

Once the mud stops flowing, I anxious to try setting a slope with the laser to grade a swale.

HomeBrew2 · Nov 23, 2005

So, today's challenge was to run a line for a new fence line. I can set the laser to spray a verticle line but, at 400+' and no helper ...
The laser detector has a low and high audible output but I figgered at 400+' it would be of no use even on the loud setting. I was wrong. I set up the laser at one end of the line and set to detector at the other. My laser has the ability to be mounted on the tripod so it throws a horizontal OR vertical line. I set it up to throw a vertical line, obviously. Then I was able to just loosen the tripod screw and rotate it horizontally till I heard the detector BEEP at 400+' away !!!!!! VERY handy.
Cheers!

Syncro · Nov 24, 2005

Hey I like it! I've been shooting grades with a bubble transit, but that requires 2 people. I guess its time to up-grade, thanks for posting the pics and info.

EddieWalker · Nov 24, 2005

I have a Spectra lazer level and I just love it. One man operation that is so simple to use it's hard to imagine not having one.

I looked at the Dewalt and liked what they have to offer, but found a better deal on Ebay for the Spectra. The really confusing part was the research and trying to decide what bells and whisltes I wanted.

From you posts, you know allot more about them than I do, but that's what I like about it. I don't have to know what I'm doing to find my level lines.

Do you have a project in mind for it? I'm using mine to find some reference points on a lake I'm building. It's just amazing to me how far off my eye is compared to the lazer.

Eddie

Jarrett · Nov 29, 2005

I have that exact same laser. Unfortunately, I didn't get quite the deal you got. I bought mine from Lowe's about 2 1/2 years ago. It didn't come with the detector though. I had to buy that separately, as well as the rod and tripod. It's served me well, and I should have alot of use for it in the near future.

HomeBrew2 · Nov 29, 2005

Syncro,
I hope the info helped. I've shot grades by myself with a regular level but it takes 2 tripods or some other prop for the rod and is really a bigger pain than asking someone over for help. The laser is great! Though it won't replace your transit for plumbing over an exact point and running line or turning angles.

Eddie,
You probably got one of the Spectra's I bid (to low) on /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
The only thing we really need to "know" about a laser, or any other measuring equip, is to check our work.
My projects so far have been limited to setting grade for swales around my home. Next will be for grading my front fence line then leveling the post tops for good appearance.

Jarrett,
Glad to hear somebody else has the same unit and is happy with it too! Hope it continues to serve us well.

Cheers!