Tripod for laser level

[ericsnowmore]

Hey anyone using a tripod for a laser level they would recommend that fits in the normal size systainer?

 

[Sparktrician]

Depending on your needs and circumstances, you might do well to look at laser level pole mounts on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/laser-level-pole/s?k=laser+level+pole. Tripods get awkward in confined spaces.

 

[Packard]

I have not checked lately, but in years gone by, tripods for transit levels (surveyors’ primary tool), were substantially more robust and less expensive than camera tripods. The reason for this price disparity was camera tripods needed strength with light weight, while the surveyors did not mind carrying the extra weight, and in many situations found it useful.

So the tripods for transit levels were often made from steel or wood, while the camera tripods were almost universally made from aluminum. That material choice also mandated more expensive clamping methods.

So, if weight is not an issue, it might make sense to take a look at tripods for transit levels.

Reiterating, I have not looked at a tripod designed for transit levels in many, many years. And there used to be some military surplus available too. The military does not use transit levels for target acquisition anymore, so that source has probably dried up (but those were the heaviest of the heavy duty tripods.).

Ash o oak were the woods of choice for those tripods and you could probably make your own though that is not likely to be a cost-effective approach.

 

[tjbnwi]

The Bosch laser tripod is nice, I don’t think it will fit in a Systainer collapsed, but worth considering.

Tom

 

[Cheese]

Bessey offers a laser clamp STE-LH that clamps to various materials and shapes. I use it with a Bessey tripod base STE-BS and a drywall support STE300. The tripod base is collapsible and will fit in a systainer along with the STE-LH and possibly the new drywall support STE55.
Bessey also offers a new smaller tripod base STE-KBS specifically for the STE55. It just depends on what your needs are.
Here's the current Bessey laser catalog, at the bottom of the page under downloads and the STE-LH connected to a Stabila laser.

Multi-function/laser fixture STE-LH – BESSEY

Signature 4

bessey.de

 

[Crazyraceguy]

As was said earlier, this is very much a frequency of needs situation. For a simple upper cabinet install here and there, a simple lightweight camera tripod can do the job. Otherwise, a heavier-duty mount might be better. The tripod style are the most common, but they can get in the way, in smaller spaces. The pole style, where a single pole presses against the ceiling, take less floor space. They have issues with drop-ceilings, so commercial buildings might be a problem.

 

[tjbnwi]

Back in ‘99 I bought the original style Laser Jamb, Use it to this day and would not trade it for 100 new ones, it is that far superior.





1999 Tools of the Trade, tool of the (I know I suck at tracking pictures….) .


Bosch tripod collapsed.



Please Excuse the Mess (that could be a song).

Tom

 

[ericsnowmore]

Thanks for the replies

 

[smorgasbord]

So the tripods for transit levels were often made from steel or wood, while the camera tripods were almost universally made from aluminum. That material choice also mandated more expensive clamping methods.

Man, you're a few decades behind - camera tripods are now carbon fiber. Light AND don't resonate. After all, they make some tuning forks out of aluminum!

The floor to ceiling poles are interesting but I have very sloped ceilings that reach over 17' high along one wall.

 

[peter halle]

I have two of the Bosch Tripods. They work fine without killing the bank account.

 

[tjbnwi]

Man, you're a few decades behind - camera tripods are now carbon fiber. Light AND don't resonate. After all, they make some tuning forks out of aluminum!

The floor to ceiling poles are interesting but I have very sloped ceilings that reach over 17' high along one wall.

To solve the ceiling height issue, the pole gets clamped or strapped to something. I’ve used walls, ladders and 5 gallon buckets with water in them.

Tom

 

[Cheese]

To solve the ceiling height issue, the pole gets clamped or strapped to something. I’ve used walls, ladders and 5 gallon buckets with water in them.

Tom

That's where the Bessey tripod stand that looks like a Christmas tree stand comes in. I can just move it around the garage and it supports the pole/Stabila in a vertical position.

 

[usernumber1]

my hilti came with a small tripod that fits in their case. it might fit in a a systainer as well. no idea where they sourced it from tho, i'm sure it's some third party cheap photo tripod

I don't have it with me, AI says its 390mm. systainer is 396?? I know i have to retract the points on the feet to pack it up

Tripod PMA 20 - Tripods - Hilti USA

Tripod accessory for all our line lasers

www.hilti.com

 

[tjbnwi]

That's where the Bessey tripod stand that looks like a Christmas tree stand comes in. I can just move it around the garage and it supports the pole/Stabila in a vertical position.

My Laser Jamb will not fit in that stand. Nice idea though.

Tom

 

[Cheese]

My Laser Jamb will not fit in that stand. Nice idea though.

Tom

C'mon Tom...you're a lathe guy, you can turn an adapter or two.

 

[tjbnwi]

C'mon Tom...you're a lathe guy, you can turn an adapter or two.

Hard to improve on perfection.

Tom

 

[Coen]

Can't imagine any decent tripod that would fit in a 40cm Systainer. I've used my normal (steel) Manfrotto camera tripod and the Bosch 350cm floor-ceiling poles

camera tripods are now carbon fiber

Plenty of half-priced aluminium ones around that are just as sturdy.

 

[Sparktrician]

Find a former stripper bar and grab one of their poles...