Cheap laser levels?

[kaseryn]

Up there with no-frills deturgent for false economy, or are some of these just as good? Anyone got experience with the likes of these?


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-8-12-L...Measure-Tool-UK/302932202809?var=601856406068


On paper the tolerances are the same as budget Dewalt/Stanley so am wondering..

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Don't know about the laser, but worth knowing that these 3-way lasers require more batteries than the cross line variety and that green lasers seem to use more power than red. Maybe worth opting for a model with rechargeable batteries

 

[lostinthelight]

I think I would prefer a similar or a little more cost red line laser from a reliable manufacturer and as said above, green liners eat those small cell batteries.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Green lasers have major advantages if you need to work where there is ordinary daylight (as opposed to the stygian gloom of the average shop fit) because their lines are far easier to see than red ones. Something to do with the better reciptness of the eyes to green over red

 

[kaseryn]

Thanks.. all good to know. The laser above is probably a poor example as i only actually need the crosshairs but there are plenty of the type. eg.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Line-3...rentrq:5f78c13c1680aaa28730c47effedfa4c|iid:1


The rechargeable battery aspect may be a deal breaker though. Not sure how often/long i'd need a constant beam. Could always ping a few lines once you take a few datums couldnt you.

 

[EddieM]

Green lasers have major advantages if you need to work where there is ordinary daylight (as opposed to the stygian gloom of the average shop fit) because their lines are far easier to see than red ones. Something to do with the better reciptness of the eyes to green over red

Because the greatest density of human cone receptors are sensitive to green light. A yellow laser would be ideal. Green light also has a shorter wavelength than red light, so gives a sharper resolution.

 

[kaseryn]

My first concern is just that they be as accurate as stated, which according to specs is on par with the well known makes i.e. 3mm in 10m. Most of my work would be in daylight so green is preferred as i know i've struggled with red in bright light before. Battery life might be a bit less of an issue with crosshair compared to the 5 line job though if i thought i was going to be having it on for long periods i'd have to give it a bit of a think.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

One thing you can't get from the specs is just how fine the laser line is. I have a Leica cross line laser and a Bosch 3-axis (both red) and the Leica definitely generates a finer line. It doesn't make the Bosch unusable - in fact I prefer the Bosch because those 3-axes make it so much handier for me

 

[^woody^]

The rotary level should be OK.
But what you tend to get with cheap line levels, despite the accuracy claims, the line tends to to be an arc rather than a plane due to using a poor lens.

 

[kaseryn]

Ok that's not good, but good to know.. thanks

 

[SammyInnit]

I have DeWalt lasers and I've used them for years.

Cheapest green beam they have is the DW088CG but again it uses AA batteries.

The next one (I have one of these) is the DCE088D1G which does have a slide on style rechargeable battery and charger with it. Much more convenient.

The top tier 3 beam green (I have one of these) is the DCE089D1G and has the same battery set up.

Looking at these three the price comparison is miles apart. I wonder if that's reflected in the quality of the units?

 

[lostinthelight]

.

 

[mattcook7888]

DEWALT DW088LG & DW088CG are green Laser levels. Don't go with cheap options. anything near $200 can get you a decent laser level

 

[FortJefferson]

Cheapest green beam they have is the DW088CG but again it uses AA batteries.

I've just bought one of these for £180 from Screwfix. So I hope the cheap ones on eBay are rubbish.