ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, December 12, 1995 TAG: 9512120018
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: At Home With Technology
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
Q: I don't mind picking up a hammer now and then to tackle a weekend home improvement project. My next masterpiece will be a two-tier deck. The thing that always seems to take the most time is getting everything level and square. What can you tell me about those new laser levels I've seen in magazines?
A: A new genre of affordable laser tools is changing the way people work. With prices starting around $200, even small contractors and weekend remodelers can enjoy the benefits of owning a laser level. Why bother, you ask? Besides bestowing you with the accuracy of a pro, a laser level often eliminates the need for a second person. That alone makes it worth the price!
After wrapping up your deck project in record time, you'll probably be looking for another home improvement challenge. Here are just a few of the many projects a laser level can help you tackle: installing tiles, leveling a floor, building a fence, installing cabinets or shelves, shooting drainage grades, installing a retainer wall, excavating for a swimming pool ... the list goes on.
There are two categories of laser levels to consider: fixed and rotary. A fixed laser projects a narrow beam of light onto a target or other flat surface. The light appears as a dot. A rotary laser acts like a high-speed beacon (up to 480 rpm). Indoors, its spinning beam projects a visible line on surfaces it strikes.
When you lay a fixed laser directly on a work surface, it extends a parallel reference point up to 100 feet, depending on the model and ambient light conditions. You can also mount it on a tripod or monopole. Magnetic clamps, vise clamps and other special-purpose laser mounts are available for a variety of construction-related tasks.
Once you've established a level reference, you can use a ruler to measure an offset (e.g., for a shallow slope). Some models shoot two beams at a 90-degree angle - in effect, acting as a giant carpenter's angle. Rather than using a second laser diode, this feat is accomplished with a built-in beam splitter. An add-on beam splitter is available for some models.
A fixed-beam laser level is best suited for indoor work since it depends on your ability to see a point of light on a target. However, it should work fine for your deck project as long as it doesn't have to compete with direct sunlight.
Rotary lasers can be used both indoors and out. Indoors, a rotary laser provides perfect guide for drawing a reference grid (for placing tiles) or a level line (for setting cabinets). Outdoors, the beam is virtually invisible. With the aid of an electronic laser detector, rotary lasers have an effective radius up to 400 feet.
The accuracy of a laser level depends on the enclosure itself being level. Some models are self-leveling, while others require you to balance one or more factory-set bubble vials. Even the least expensive designs are accurate to 1/4 inch at 100 feet!
Although you should operate any laser tool with caution, the typical power output is less than five milliwatts - a small fraction of the power output of a surgical laser. This means protective goggles are not necessary. Low power also translates to longer battery life.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture laser levels, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-542, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive information on laser, ultrasonic an infrared distance measuring tools.
Q: My husband and I are designing a new landscape for our two-acre yard. We purchased an electronic distance measuring device to help place our existing trees on the site drawing. Unfortunately, its range was inadequate. Any suggestions?
A: You probably bought an ultrasonic measuring tool - most have a range of less than 50 feet and only work outdoors when there's a reasonably large, flat and solid target. More appropriate would be an infrared distance measuring tool. An electronic target boosts the range to 250 feet.
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: A laser helps keep home-improvement projects perfectlyby CNBstraight and level. This model shoots two beams. When laid on its
side, it can measure a horizontal right angle.