Which laser would you buy today for installing cabinets?

[VW mick]

I'd go PLS green beam 

I thought PLS stood for ..pacific laser systems

I could be wrong

 

[alkaline]

A few months back I bought a Hilti PM 4-M



I can not compare it with other models or brands but I like. It is robust, simple, could be a bit smaller but overall it's cool contraption.

[wink]

 

[bigjonh]

A few months back I bought a Hilti PM 4-M

Yeah that looks pretty slick. I've had a few hiltis and I think they're great. My everyday laser is the PMC 46 I think, or the model just before. I payed a lot for it but it was broken on site and replaced completely by them twice for free. Probably overkill if you don't use them professionally.

 

[Theshipstore]

I have been using a Johnson 40-6515 for a while now and I find it works quite well for my cabinet installs.
The last kitchen cab install this was used and the end results were great...
Self Leveling, sitting on a tri-pod or the floor end results are great

 

[handymanny213]

A few months back I bought a Hilti PM 4-M



I can not compare it with other models or brands but I like. It is robust, simple, could be a bit smaller but overall it's cool contraption.

[wink]

The PM 4 M is an excellent choice....

 

[Laminator]

I agree with the line getting smaller at long distances.  If I had to level a 50' run I would set the laser at the center  point.  The pls makes a sharp line and even at 50' in one direction were talking a 32nd or a 64th.  I usually use the bottom of the line so I can set an island by bringing it up to the light.

 

[RonMiller]

Sorry if this is steals the thread but what are the advantages of using a laser for installing cabinets?

 

[alkaline]

Sorry if this is steals the thread but what are the advantages of using a laser for installing cabinets?

Here are three examples, which can  used be laser for to facilitate and more accurate work. The truth is that I can do it even without the laser. With laser it could be enjoyable. So why not?

[wink]

 

[tbellemare]

Sorry if this is steals the thread but what are the advantages of using a laser for installing cabinets?

I use my laser to get an accurate, level line around a space. I'm going to have to go with what Brice stated earlier that the middle of the laser's projection is that accurate level line. Any laser projection is going to grow in width, depending on how far away from the projection source your observation is.

It may not matter under most circumstances, especially if an installer already has accurate levels and processes. For a quick, accurate, full-room level line, it's hard to beat a laser level.

Tom

 

[Laminator]

Maybe my eyes or my pls (180 and 360), but at longer distances the line gets less visible and appears smaller (narrower) to a point where it eventually fades out completely.  YMMV. 

Finding the high spot in a typical kitchen floor is very simple with a laser and also to check corner walls for plumb takes only seconds with a laser.

 

[roblg3]

Ooooh...good one!  I had never considered using mine for plumb checking a corner, inside OR outside.  Thanks!

 

[Linbro]

I make  separate bases for built in cabinets, which are levelled with a laser, then the cabinets are fixed to the base/walls.
The easiest way to level is to set the laser line about 100mm above the base. I then take an offcut of ply, screw a plate to the bottom if it, mark the highest point then slide the piece of ply around the top of the base, packing up the base until your original mark is dead on with the laser line.
Once you start installing with a laser, you'll never go back!

 

[Aquila]

Sounds like a plan! Just what I needed before kicking off a kitchen install! 

A couple of questions if I may, given you are a fellow aussie.
What brand/ model of laser do you use given that some of the choices of our US contributors on the FOG are not available in Australia.
When you have packed up the base, I presume you then cover the front with a toe-kick panel scribed to fit the floor?

 

[Linbro]

Yes, cover with a face that is fitted after the floor is finished.
I have access to a rotary Hilti laser, which belongs to the company I work for, and I have a 'General' multi line/dot self levelling laser, which I have been very happy with. Distributed by 'Spot On' down here in Victoria, and available through United Tools.
The Hilti is a great tool, but overkill for cabinet installs - costs a small fortune, as well.
The 'General' is about $650, from memory. If you only want a cross-line type, which gives you a horizontal and vertical line, maybe try a Lufkin, Leica or Robotool. I'd look for something that is self levelling, and one that can be locked, so the pendulum doesn't get knocked around when transporting.
Lincoln.

 

[xtrememtnbiker]

I use the Bosch Gll 380. Works great for hanging wall cabinets and setting base cabinets real close, real fast.
It's the fastest way to check the floor for your high spot.

It's also a great tool for checking a wall with chair rail for being plumb. Just set it a few inches out at the floor and measure to the laser.