Laser Levels

[luther_stanton]

Folks,

I tried an interesting trick this evening and wanted to share my success. I have been building out L girder bench work, faithfully following the plans from “How to Build Model Railroad Benchwork”. I am finally to the point installing the cleats to support the sub road bed. I had been considering how to do this as I did not want any side to side lean nor any unplanned hills. I figured I would have to work some magic with a carpenter’s level in two directions at the same time while juggling a C Clamp and the cordless screw driver.

One night a few weeks ago my wife had seen an advertisement for a laser level and sent me a link to it from one of the home improvement stores. Perhaps this could be used in the train room? The purchase was no big deal, “Sure honey, we can use this on those projects you want me to get done”. So off we go to Lowe's. After we got home, of course I have to try it out in the train room first, so as to make sure the laser would not be harmful to our cat.

I got one of the self leveling models for a little under $100.00. This thing is awesome. I sat it in the middle of the room on a stool and adjusted the height to where I wanted it. I can now fasten the cleats at a height where they just break the beam and they are dead on level. No mess – no fuss.

Enjoy!

- LS

[Buckeye Riveter]

That's a great idea. Thanks.

[jonadel]

That is going on my Christmas list, THANK YOU!

When I built this (our first permanent) layout I was fairly careful about trying to stay level, using shims, etc. but I can tell you I should have been even more careful, especially on the switches. Everything works fine, most of the time, but I know exactly where I should have spent more time. The next layout will be spot on.

Jon

[ChiefEagles]

Got three different lazer levels. They are outstanding. I'm debating on putting the screw type furniture leveling devices on all my legs to touch up the level on the benchwork. Comments.

[Boyd]

I 've never used one. Is there much of a difference with one of the cheap $20,00 lazer levels from wal mart or menards?

[luther_stanton]

I did a little comparison shopping before buying. The two "classes" I looked at were under $50 and $50 - $150.

The under $50 class seemed to have a limited distance (according to the specs on Lowe's web site) and they do not "self level". By that I mean you have to physically level the device and therefore its line is only as accurate as your efforts. Many of these also only project horizontal lines.

The $50 - $150 range adds a self leveling feature. The laser head is on a pendulum like device; it hangs free. As long as the base is with 5 - 10 degrees of level, the beam emitted is actually level. This was the feature that sold it for me as I see this as a huge time saver. These models usually add the ability to project a cross hair as well as a vertical line.