Replies

1. 
   mudman | Oct 16, 2005 05:13am | #1

   Hey FG.

   I have found that they are usefull in carpintry (framing and the like) and the good ones work for paint grade trim where everything will be caulked. But they are not good enough for furniture or high end cabinetry and trim. I still prefer to use a marking knife when it really counts.

   Mike

1. 
   Grits | Oct 16, 2005 05:38am | #2

   forestgirl

   I agree with Mudman.  They are very useful in carpentry but are not sharp enough for real precision work.  The only experience I have with a tool mounted laser is on my miter saw.  I am of the bifocal age and it is useful for getting close.

   A laser can be focused to a very fine point.  There may be applications that I am not aware of.  I will read the article.

   Grits

2. 
   forestgirl | Oct 16, 2005 07:30am | #4

   Hey. guys -- I'm not saying "All lasers are gimmicks."  The article covers several tools -- it's funny, but I might shoulda skipped posting it.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   mikegagne | Oct 16, 2005 06:58am | #3

   I use a laser to bridge a gap in cabinet installations so that I am at the same height when I get to the other side of the window/door/room. Even then I use other methods to check the performance of my "level line" to be certain of final trim/crown/flyover landings. Use them to cut against? I dont think so. I do like using them to project a line for imagineering purposes. aloha, mike

3. 
   DennisS | Oct 16, 2005 07:43am | #5

   Jamie -

   Lasers are handy. I bought one for doing the grading around our place: +- 0.1" guaranteed over 100' (grin)

   That said, I've gotten a ton of use out of this thing. For the inside work, I'll tape blue masking tape up on the walls in several locations, set up the laser then mark as close to the center of the laser beam (rotating DeWalt) as I can get.

   When it really counts, though, I'll get out my 50' length of vinyl tubing and use my home made water level to mark level marks around the room that I can "really" count on.

1. 
   forestgirl | Oct 16, 2005 08:38am | #6

   I couldn't afford to "go laser" when I got my miter saw (chose to spend the extra on 12" vs. 10" rather than a laser).  Right now, what I really need is a laser pointer for when I'm trying to tell my customers where a specific thing is on the supplies display at the card shop.  Will save me from having to walk around the counter and across the floor!

   Is it pretty chilly up your way these days??  I couldn't believe yesterday, down here.  It must have been 74* or somethin' like that.  Then the low pressure came in, windy, chilly.  Seen your cougar lately??  "Ghost Cat"      Say hi to Robbie for me!  (And Nick too; he's getting ready to go hunting next weekend)forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)