Track tool - digital level - Found at Sears.

[pimanjc]

This digital level w/lazer is on sale at Sears.

Go to   http://www.sears.com/   Then search for item 00948292000 .

I got Mrs. Santa to get me one for doing track work.  The digital display is extremely easy to read.

Jim C.

I work part time for Sears, but will not personally profit from purchases of this item made from any other sales associate.  I share this information solely for the purpose of informing other garden railroaders of what I personally believe to be a helpful product.

[Anonymous]

I have purchased an el cheapo Lasr level and it was pretty good in itslef, however in actual fact it was a waste of time as it is important have it affixed to an adjustable holding device ie a tripod. and it is the tripod and its attachments that were bno good.

Also with cheap lasers it is hard to see the mbeam in bright Australlian sunlight.

Regards ian

PS I own 5 spirit levels and a large and imposing water level,  so i take this matter very seriously.

[kstrong]

Thanks, Jim! The digital readout for angles will be a HUGE help in setting up an accurate surveying station, as would the tripod mount thread on the bottom. As Ian states, a sturdy tripod is a MUST HAVE for using one of these tools accurately. But sturdy needn't mean large. A good camera tripod will work well. The trick is to not bump it once it's set up. With this set-up, you'll find your results to be every bit as accurate as with a water level, and without worry of spilling, mis-reading the meniscus of the water, kinking the hose, etc. (In fact, my surveys have routinely been much more accurate with the laser than with the water level for those very reasons.) The bright sunlight does pose a bit of a visibility problem, but the hardest part isn't seeing it on the target, it's seeing the point as it moves to intersect the target. Once you know where to look, it's very visible even in bright sunlight. Later, K

[pimanjc]

Reply to requests for more information:



The display includes degrees, in/ft, and % - grade. In these two pics, the grade % setting is on. As you see, the level can be used on a car or on the track for grade measurement. It can be set on the track crossways with degrees displayed for lateral level.



Sorry, no pic, but the tripod mount is on the bottom side of the level. Yes, indeed, it can be used as a transit.  When first turned on, it displays the temperature.

Too bad this tool is a late arrival. I could have used it on my recent double-track work. Although not shown, I have one section that is a a 3.7% grade.. I had not seen this tool at Sears prior to last week. Craftsman usually introduces some new tools each holiday season. I guess this is the "New Kid on the Block" this year.  For me, it will be one of the most frequently used new tools.

JimC.

[Anonymous]

I could do with one but i am hesitant to get another due to my initial poor experience.

Rgds ian 

[Anonymous]

Ian,

Once you get the hang of it, like lets say, your existing RR track then move on once you feel ok with it. I was not to happy with the laser level for digging ponds intil I used it.

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Ian, tell yea what. I have to go to Sears today and if you want I pick you one up?!

[Anonymous]

Yes William i know very well they are very good, as they are used all the time in the building industry but i already have an excelent water level and although it is only accurate to about half a centimetre or better still i can only read it to half a centimetre, it works for me and i already have it.

This method of determining the relative height of various points has been in use for centuries in the ship builkding industry and in fact i have heard they aligned the pyramids with a similar method.

But of course tried and true is all well and good but we should move with the times as well.

Rgds Ian