I have an old fashion transit level that has seen lots of use over the years.
Then, I got a cheap self leveling laser level as a gift a couple years ago and I love but has me wanting a better one, useable outdoors.

SO, because I'm starting a large deck build around the pool, and partly just because I *can* I am considering this one from Lowes.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch...Kit-Level/1000692774

BUT I can't find much info on its useable range outside *WITHOUT* the included detector. Would it, for instance, cover the area of your average shop or deck build by eye?

My cheap one is rated to 60 foot diameter indoors. Outside, by eye, it can be seen for maybe 1/10 of that!

If this 1000' range (with detector) could be seen by eye for 1/10 of its rating (100') I'd be very fairly happy with it I think.

Any experience with these things and care to share your thoughts?

For relatively small projects nothing beats a section of clear hose or tubing filled will water to show level. Cheap and reusable. https://www.amazon.com/Topcon-...83589102325853&psc=1

At work I use one like this for building roads.

quote:

Originally posted by timetogo:
For relatively small projects nothing beats a section of clear hose or tubing filled will water to show level. Cheap and reusable.

YEP, got one rolled up on the wall in the garage right now as we speak, they do work... but that is not what I'm currently interested in.

I have a DeWalt green laser level that works for a pretty good distance outside. The red ones just aren’t bright enough.

A decent tripod is a big help, especially one that has a large vertical extension.

I bought that exact model to build an addition on my home and a 40x60 shop. It is visible at more than 100 feet unless you are in bright sunlight. I still found myself using the detector though, it works very well and is highly accurate. Been very satisfied with the product and use it far more often than my old optical version.

Tommy

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
I have a DeWalt green laser

Yea a little quick research says the green are more expensive to produce, but that alone wouldn't seem to explain that the red ones seem to dominate the market. IDK.
Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by horsedoc:
I bought that exact model to build an addition on my home and a 40x60 shop. It is visible at more than 100 feet unless you are in bright sunlight. I still found myself using the detector though, it works very well and is highly accurate. Been very satisfied with the product and use it far more often than my old optical version.

Tommy

Nice... It sounds like I would be happy with it as well...

Thanks!

Fathers day self present maybe! To go with the 12 inch sliding mitre saw I picked up yesterday. May be at the limit of tool allowance for this project...

quote:

Originally posted by horsedoc:
I bought that exact model to build an addition on my home and a 40x60 shop. It is visible at more than 100 feet unless you are in bright sunlight. I still found myself using the detector though, it works very well and is highly accurate. Been very satisfied with the product and use it far more often than my old optical version.


Tommy

I have the same one as well and concur. Very good quality and very visible unless outside in the sunlight.

The scary thing, though, was when I had it delivered, I was playing around with it that evening learning how to use it and set it up in my dining room/kitchen area.

My house has settled some apparently!

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:
To go with the 12 inch sliding mitre saw I picked up yesterday.

Watch your fingers!

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:
To go with the 12 inch sliding mitre saw I picked up yesterday.

Watch your fingers!

Ya, no kidding. My other miter saw is a 10 inch, doesn't slide and has a vertical hand grip. The new one slides, is bigger and has a horizontal hand grip. They feel totally different in operation, so I will have to watch switching up between the two.

Just looked that up....and it fits the definition of go big or go home....dooo it!

Stay out of bright sunlight and I'm sure that one will be fine. I've got a green Dewalt and it beats the hose I used to use.

I've had a Dewalt red beam for about 20 years, and while it's awesome with the detector, it can be difficult to see with any sun out. In my opinion, it is well worth having a detector with it.