Laser Levels

[Dave Ronyak]

Dan,

I remember that lesson from you, too!  And I have proven it to myself at some tool show demos.

Dave R. 

 

[Tim Sproul]

PLS 180 mini Review

After unsatisfactory attempts using a 6' Johnson level and then a water level on layout for this glass mosaic tile (3/4" tiles on mesh backed sheets - Hakatai)  project, I caved in and got the PLS 180.

The +, - variables with the johnson were just too much for this one. The water level process while good as far as accuracy goes was cumbersome, and did not give the vertical needed. 

The tiles in this master bath will cover all exposed wall space from floor to ceiling requiring the tile grout lines to run a nice continuous line all the way around the room.

 

Is this something that can be turned vertical for working on the ceiling?  Or do I need to consider another or different laser system to work on ceilings?

THanks,
Tim

 

[tbellemare]

I consider Stabila to be the Festool of the measuring tool mfrs. But then I'm obviously biased... I know people that are high on both PLS and Hilti.

I have organized a series of videos that show how the various models work if anyone is interested and they can be found on the following pages. There are several videos on each page. You just pick the model out of the right side of the video frame and it plays that one.

Stabila Rotating Lasers
Stabila Laser Distance Measures
Stabila Linear Lasers
Stabila LaserBob Lasers (very compact)
Stabila Hole Locating Lasers

Tom

 

[TheToolPlace]

PLS 180 mini Review

After unsatisfactory attempts using a 6' Johnson level and then a water level on layout for this glass mosaic tile (3/4" tiles on mesh backed sheets - Hakatai)  project, I caved in and got the PLS 180.

The +, - variables with the johnson were just too much for this one. The water level process while good as far as accuracy goes was cumbersome, and did not give the vertical needed. 

The tiles in this master bath will cover all exposed wall space from floor to ceiling requiring the tile grout lines to run a nice continuous line all the way around the room.

   

Is this something that can be turned vertical for working on the ceiling?  Or do I need to consider another or different laser system to work on ceilings?

THanks,
Tim

Tim,

The PLS 180 has three settings. 

1) Auto-Level
2) Auto-Level for use with a detector
3) Fixed Beam no auto-level

On the 3rd setting you can position the unit anywhere and it will shoot a large cross hair wherever you aim it. 

It gets it's product number from the fact it shoots the laser in 180 degrees in both directions so under many applications the vertical laser will go across the floor, up the wall, and across the ceiling.  I used the PLS 180 that I have to do the grading and layout in my back yard to install a 3 tier retaining wall with the detector and stick, and my wife makes me use it whenever she wants me to hang a new picture on the wall.  It works great.

See this video on the PLS 180.

Chad