Replies

1. 
   WayneL5 | Dec 30, 2004 02:07am | #1

   No experience, but Consumer Reports rated a few a month or so back.

2. 
   Ribeye | Dec 30, 2004 09:45am | #2

   Pro: 

   it's nice to be able to shoot a line of light rather than snap a chalk line

   they can actually be handy and helpful -- in a dim-to-dark room

   they're a lot of fun to play with

    

   Con:

   Cost

   Useless in a bright area

   most require you to buy a fairly expensive tripod if you want to be able to actually use the thing (a cheap tripod is a total waste of money so figure on doubling or tripling the purchase price)

   most are too heavy to hang on a wall with those cute little pin-needle footsie-things that are supposed to hold that big heavy lug of a thing on the wall.

   The orange-lensed laser line amplification specs aren't safety glasses

   they never seem to be as useful as the commercials lead one to believe

    

   Other than that, Mrs Kennedy, didn't Dallas throw a nice parade?

   -- Steve

   Enjoy life & do well by it;

   it might well be the only chance you get.

   http://www.ApacheTrail.com/ww/

3. 
   Peter36 | Dec 31, 2004 05:03am | #3

   I have never used one, but I would definately check to see if the level aspect is actually level. Place it on something close to level, check your reading, then turn it aroung 180* and put it back on the exact same spot and check your reading again. If the reading is the same [not necissarilly level] then your level is level, but if not- do not buy it.

4. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 31, 2004 06:04am | #4

   Greg

   I have the Straightline (brand name).  It hangs on the wall with double stick tape, and has a built in level.  It's accurate across my 45 foot wide shop (that's the largest that I've tested it)  For $29, I'm happy.  I've used it for 3 jobs in the last month, and it made my job easier.

   JC

5. 
   michaelg | Mar 12, 2005 07:52pm | #5

   Love to hear what you decided on your laser level. I need one for foundation work and also don't want to pay a fortune. Had a "LaserMark" for many years and didn't quite trust it to be always on. Any help would be much appreicated! michaelg

6. 
   cicero | Mar 13, 2005 09:11pm | #6

   I notice Black and Decker do quite a range of laser levels,I fancy the one that is self levelling.It sits on a tripod and rotates.

   I have the one that hangs on wall and found it useful on many occasions.

7. 
   BALDEAGLE | Mar 16, 2005 12:59am | #7

   I bought a cheap one for £25 sterling and although I had to readjust the leveling when I rotated it, it was actually acurate, but after building the workshop I have not used it.  One interesting point is that it can't be blown by the wind and it is handy if you are working by yourself, you don't have to worry about the "line" going slack. However, for a bit of fun the cat likes chasing the imaginary spot on the floor or wall.

   Happy woodworking, regards

   Steve