As a surveyor I would not trust any level without checking it against a datum each day, or hourly in my case. Please look for how to do "Two peg test", best done by measuring from one end and checking by moving the level close to the furthest mark and checking backwards. It will give you a lot more confidence in any reading and help avoid a dud measurement. Also the "Shock absorber mode" is a compensator. Never turn it off if you need things to be level. Things move(settle) over time. Pick a spot near, but also outside, the proposed building to use as a checkpoint for critical points such as a fixed corner of a step as a reference/datum/Benchmark. Multiple Benchmarks always lead to problems. Problems are bad, best to avoid where possible. Keep up the great work your lifestyle and videos are inspiring. Michael
Hi Michael. I have the same Bosch laser level and I'm sure it's been "out of level" a few times (about 5/8", way more than the claimed accuracy), checking off multiple datums on the same job site. Thanks for directing me towards the "Two Peg Test". Now I'll have a method to verify accuracy.
Michael, thanks for posting a constructive idea. It is refreshing. I've been building handcrafted log homes for 48 years and I've used every conceivable leveling system out there. They all have their pros and cons. With log building you have nothing to work from other than an imaginary plane on the centerline of each wall or floor plane. I've gotten very good at accurately layout things and it is always a delightful test at the end of a segment of work to find out that you nailed it on accuracy because you know it is so hard to achieve.
After being a builder/carpenter for over 40 years I went thru all the paces. Water levels are sometimes necessary however after using them most of my life I graduated up to a laser and I tell you cannot beat the laser. The water level still can be useful going around objects, the hose can be a pain. That is a good setup you have there and when done building it will sell fast and won't loose that much money. Better than renting. I you do decide to sell it mark some Datum points around the property for later use. I have my 20 acres of woods marked with points and I can use them points the rest of my life for reference
I worked for my Dad General Contracting Co. in the 1960's and you either used a Transit Level or a Water Level. I help build 30 story buildings using Water Levels on most areas. Wow how things have changed
I use this same laser as a general contractor. Love it! If you get tired of the high pitch ultra volume beep, use a small piece of painters tape and cover a few of the speaker holes (works well for annoying kid toys too). Love the channel! Keep on living the dream!
I am a firm believer that you should get the tools you feel comfortable with. I also know from personal experience that you should buy the best tools you can afford. Cheap tools are just that... cheap. A $9 shovel doesn't last as long as a $40 shovel. I read a lot of the comments that seem to think you are over planning, over engineering or over whatever. Everyone does things to their own comfort level and I an very happy with the way you guys are doing things. I don't agree with everything you have done but they are your choices and you are accomplishing a whole lot more than I am when it comes to getting to your dream. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to more videos!
I love that level. We used it in a warehouse 400 x 1000 feet. it easily worked during the day inside at about 150 - 200 feet. The auto leveling and glasses, with the remote. We added a piece of white paper to help find the laser as it spinned.
I'm seeing lots of comments like: 'way too expensive, you should have just used a piece of hose!' - Ignore these completely. A proper tool will make things so much easier... plus when you are done with it, you will be able to sell it and probably get a decent price for it. Amortise that difference across the number of times you use it, and the value of the tool will be clear - a few cents to gain many hours of saved effort.
I don't think you can go wrong with Bosch tools. Everything they make is quality. Anxious for you all to get started building you house. Good luck and God Bless.
Always write where you bought the item from, date and for how much on the handbook/user manual. You should also place the paper inside the laser box into a Ziploc bag to protect them. My grandmother started doing this 50 years ago and we still have her instructions for the grandfather clock she bought in 1964. Now this was in cling wrap back then and later placed into Ziploc bag just a little helpful tip. Love the videos, your story and of course bug a boo
I've use vinyl tubing water levels for decades and never had issues. Get a couple stoppers to plug the ends and a few drops of food coloring. Long distances can be done in segments and stakes can be marked then added up for total grade or rise over run.
Jesse, the rubber feet on the legs of the tripod are actually rubber covers over the metal feet with spikes. you keep the rubber foot covers on if you are using it on an interior floor. Have fun!
I see the need for your laser level if you are going to use it for home building. Are you going to use it to level your cistern system and water lines for the leaks that you have to fix?
Greetings from England/France. Nice looking bit of kit. You don't need me to tell you how good it is to be as well prepared before you start the work "in earnest" (all your efforts so far not to be discounted!) I have reserved half the barn and am slowly putting together a man cave full of top toys prior to starting the renovation of a very old and run down French farmhouse - its the only way to proceed unless you want to spend half of every day travelling backwards and forwards to the DIY store. And keeping the sense of humour - priceless! keep doing what you are doing, and keep it fun!
I have heard that a good rule of thumb for the fall on sewer pipe is 1" per 100' of line. The reason for that is to keep the water from running away from the solids.
11:11 is for ceiling tiles, ie aligning the steel grid inverted T pieces in at office that uses 2x4 ceiling tiles. It has a magnet that sticks to the T. The laser is hung with the ceiling mount adapter 9:48 . You adjust the wires that hang the T pieces to hit this red target. The Target faces down, rare earth magnets up to the inverted T sections. You can have each worker bee have a red target to align the grid's T pieces. ie all the "coat hanger" type wire that hold the grid is adjusted so the ceiling is about level. This scheme is about 30 years old
If a little one comes along, perhaps a small Timber Framed guest cabin can be built west of the garden, till the main house is built and has heat? This would perfect your skills, improve your quality of life, reduce your urgency, and further anchor you for the big project ahead.
We use a hose with 3 feet of clear hose attached to each end ..............then add water. Fill hose holding both ends of the clear hose. That is your level. Then walk out each end of the clear hose to what you want level. The water level at both ends of the hose is always level.
4:46 are rubber tips used for shipping, they can also be used when indoors so not to ruin a floor. Normally they are thrown away, ie are really just shipping materials. The 3 rubber tips are not part of the tripod, they are the packing materials so the tips do not go into the box. Just save them away with the instructions in case you ever want to use the tripod on a nice indoor floor so you do not get holes in the floor.
long length of flexible see through tubing and water. Works perfectly and don't cost much at all. Wonder how we managed before all these gadgets.....but manage we did.
Ive owned a construction company for 25 years. concrete foundation and dirt work. And we only have spectra laser levels and I believe out of the 6 or 8 of them we have only 1 is not self leveling. that Bosch will be ok until you get out to the limits of it which it said a 1000 ft but it is probably more like 600 and after that the error will compound itself. But to do dirt work or to plumb walls and things you should use a builders level or transit level or a theodolite. They start around 300 for a good one but you can get them on fleebay cheap. You guys are working towards a goal good for you. Some advice from an old guy. " Work Smart Not Hard"
Micheal Jude is correct about checking the level against a known or picked location to make sure everything is related properly. A laser level is actually not level but a plane projected from a spot where the instrument is set up. Level is the surface that follows the curvature of the earth. At 1000 ft this difference starts to show up. The people who say use a transit or theodolite are actually thinking of a surveyors level instrument for taking the difference in elevation. The former are used to turn angles. All of these instruments must be leveled on a tripod carefully to get useful measurements. A laser level is extremely handy for one person or multiple receivers Hopefully this instrument has a grade function where the grade can be set so you do not have to calculate the amount to change per foot for the correct slope. Contractors use this function all the time to lay drain and sewer lines. Hopefully this will make since to you. Keep extra batteries handy. Micheal Jude said he is a surveyor and I am a civil engineer. I would suggest you use the tools you are most comfortable and confident with.
A lightweight tripod is good for transport (not so great for stability), so you can hang a temporary weight (bag of sand) from the hook that hangs down from the center. The weight will give the entire unit stability.
I've seen these on commercial job sites before building schools and government buildings and such great quality instrument. Word of thumb treat it like a new born baby. It truly is a instrument not necessarily a tool.
+Alec Ver Bunker Agreed. That's why we just couldn't justify buying used. Some things you just need to know its history. Especially since most used levels are at a very small discount over new.
Not sure if you've ever heard of a water level. It's essentially a long clear flexible tubing filled with pink RV antifreeze. It works on principals of gravity (you need a lower area to span the tubing & raise both ends of tubing to your level marks). You are limited to the length of your tubing; however, you can add additional lengths of tubing with fittings. Make sure all of the bubbles are out of the tubing. Cheap and accurate & you can read it during the day. .
You made a good call on the Bosch. I have the Bosch Automatic Optical Level with the same tripod. I use it to mark and stake lines on my property over a 1,000 feet. The Tripod is very solid. Except when I bump my big butt into it!! Do you know if they sell just the laser head and laser receiver?
you all need to remember this is their Journey ....this is their Adventure.... they themselves even say that they're not professionals that they're learning as they go.... you got to remove the rafter from your own eye before you can see the straw in someone else's...... just enjoy the videos..... a husband and wife working together..... even if it took years it's better than what most husband and wives are doing today.... fighting.... hanging out with your beer Buddies .....sleeping around... divorcing.............
Steven Hammond, after just reading your post I have to like the way you think. My wife and I both work from home in our own business and truth be told we've both never been happier, two people pulling in the same direction achieve twice as much as two people pulling in opposite directions
Comment removed because it sounded a bit snarky. Looking forward to a report after you have had a chance to use it for a while. Thank to both of you for sharing you adventure and I hope you never give up chasing your dream.
I'd like to make a suggestion. Look into water leveling. I built swimming pools and the coping and tiles had to be dead-ass level or it would really show hen the pool was full. Simple, clear plastic tubing is light weight and flexible. You can go 50 feet easily. The whole setup might cost $20. Hey, lasers are cool, but water never lies. It's always level.
Water levels are great, but there are things the laser level can do either faster or that you can't do with a water level or can't easily do with a water level... Like a water level can't project a grid pattern to make sure everything is spaced properly... Water level can't tell you if something is perfectly vertical, only perfectly horizontal... Water level can't tell you if your angle cuts are all the same... Laser projection can be set up faster... among other examples... You could get a chalk line tool to help cover some of the things the water level can't do but a chalk line isn't always the most accurate and still not as fast as a laser can be set up, especially if you're needing to check multiple angles repeatedly throughout the work... Though, there are instances where you can either want to use both or the water level may be superior... Like finding level in an environment where there's no line of sight... or you just want two ways to measure to check accuracy without needing to do as many repeat tests... There's just also instances where the laser has its advantages...
No, it doesn't matter because it's still their time and only they can determine what their time is worth! All you're talking about is degrees of need... Wanting something doesn't change whether it's also a need... and Time is money for DIY too! Besides, the point is to make their lives easier and this will be their home... That goes beyond just wants!
I agree. spirit levels are stupid simple and cheap. and are these commenters really talking about the curvature of the Earth as a factor in building a structure smaller than a stadium??
If you pay attention to The noise of the receiver its faster when youre to high and slower when youre to slow which could be interesting when youre too far from the receiver to see the différent light . Great vids by the way
good choice, i have similar one and it is saving time and is more comfortable than hose with water .. I used it for a lot of projects at home..easy set up and use.. howgh
Have you planned a water catchment for all future roof runoff to pump uphill. Can you use all gray water to garden? Reverse osmosis system..Duck pond..garden. New York compost all solids..plenty of sawdust and trees. Add micro hydro to system to power peak needs. Can you backfill the ditch with woodchips and tile pipe to fill a future pond. Can the block foundation serve as catchment below first floor grade or at grade? Great investment..
FYI There are many different plastics for industrial use. It looks as if the plastic used on your unit is glassfilled polycarbonate. This type of plastice is very tough. Note: bullet proof glass is clear polycarbonate.
I hope you put up a shop first . So you can have your tools in side and you can do your work out off the weather and work on you beams for your new home when the weather is bad .
Good choice. It was some investment! That level will be very handy, building your house. I got a simple version 8 years ago (it only projects two lines) and used for paint jobs, laying tiles, plumbing, leveling concrete floor etc. etc. I also use it outdors, however only when it is dark enough to see the laser line, since my system has no receiver. Using a garden hose for leveling does also work, however, in winter it needs to be filled with anti-freeze, which is a real pain. I worked that way already. A laser level is way simpler.
For rough work laser is the way to go, so much faster. Finish work water is fine. I've used the Leica rotary levels for years doing fiberglass inground pools, so much faster for digging holes and NOT OVER digging. Prelaser we could so easily over dig 6" in a heartbeat. Post laser, our sand floor was usually less that 3" and our standard for level of a 16x40 foot pool was within 1/4", usually within 1/8". Prelaser we were lucky to get within 3/4" of an inch. With pools you need overdig for running plumbing and room for you to put the plumbing in. We got our overdig to usually within 6" to 12" to the rim, pools get skinnier the lower you go, so you get more room lower in the hole with vertical walls. That saves so much time and money on backfill gravel. Too bad you don't have a small crusher to make your own gravel, you have enough rocks. Crushed gravel backfill is so much better, doesn't expand when wet, drains really well, it's a pretty good insulator (from the air space) and is 95% compacted from just dropping it in the hole.
I used water and a very long length of transparent hose to level my long trellis. That was...interesting. Took me a while to get the hang of it (i.e not losing water out of one end while playing with heights, and removing air bubbles) but actually very effective.
Let's see now, the 1st laser built the tub deck wrong, the rental laser was manual and did not automatically do it right, the latest laser is similar to the one used by septic man and he did it correct. Conclusion - hire someone with equipment and if you don;t interfere it will be correct.
With cheap manual-leveling lasers you'll often have to calibrate the bubbles before first use. ...As you mentioned, you still have to calibrate self-leveling lasers periodically as well. --- The red detector plate has magnets at the top so you can stick it to an RSJ / I-beam. The 'mirror' is just the backing for the reflector on the other side. The IR remote will often have relatively poor range and is mainly so you can change settings, turn off, etc. without disturbing the level.
Seems a great choice !! You will get soo much use out of it on a house and shop. I too purchased a cheaper unit for a couple hundred bucks, and although it was accurate it could only be used outside in the evening. Thanks for the details on the review - you do a nice job. Hope you will seriously consider first building a shop. You will build one anyway - building it first will save you ooodles of time and frustration on the house. Doesn't need to be fancy, makes it much easier and more efficient build process, and keeps all those expensive tools out of the weather and accessible. Just a pole barn type garage structure would be a wonderful help. Don't know how I'd done all needed here without a shop.
The inlet to your poop station is your first key elevation to setting your finish floor of your foundation. Find a way to show its elevation on a stake so you can base the rest of your measurements from then on.
Really enjoying these daily vids. Always great getting done with a day of work, and getting to see someone ELSE suff... err put in a good day of of work. Great to see your progress. Admire your tenacity.
one time I built a shed and needed a level surface. So this old timer told me about getting 100foot of clear 3/8" hose filling it with kool-aid so I did that and instantly had a level that was super accurate. If you don't have 700 bucks this works . I don't remember how much I paid for the hose but the pack of kool-aid was 30 cents
Hey guys. I think it sounds like you are really close to start the foundation for your house. Really exiting. Have been following you for over one year and love your videos. Keep on doing what you are doing. Cant wait for next video.
Love your videos guys. Keep doing what you are doing. This is your journey, thanks for showing the good, the bad, and the ugly side of things. Love it!
Nice buy! And when you are done with it, say in 2 years, you can sell it. keep documentation on it and what you leveled with it, and sell it when you are done for decent prize. Dont sell it too cheap though. 500 usd or something along those lines. Haters just gonna hate in this video I see.
+libb3n Maybe it's just a dream but we hope more families will get use from this when we aren't using it. Gotta make sure they pass the treat it kindly test first though.
What is the difference or benefit between a Rotary level like this as opposed to the Bosch GLL 150? I’m trying to decide if they are virtually the same tool? A Rotary seems to have a single point that moves fast, and the GLL uses a solid projected line... but both use a reciever system. Do you guys who have more experience have any input?
That tool is amazing! I have tried water levels and old school theodolites as well, but nothing can beat a laser level! You will save time for sure! And if the used cost of these tools are as high as you say you can always sell it after the house is done! Ppl who are upset of the cost don't understand the value of the tool, or the cost of building a house! Keep it up! Stoked to see you build your house:)
This is a work from home job! they make it work to have what they want in the end, nothing wrong with them learning how to make the internet work to make things in life work for them.....Good Luck! Be Happy!
I will never judge..great purchase. I might have gone with a transit level since you two are joined at the hip to save a few hundred bucks...but auto leveling laser level is super nice especially when you are doing things by yourself. It will save so much time with all the construction projects you guys plan on doing.
your BEST BOX OPENING, WOULD BE NICE TO SEE YOU USE THE ITEMS YOUR OPENIG HAVING WATCH A BUNCH OF YOUY VIDEO THIS IS THE ONLY REVIEW I'VE SEEN A REVIEW KEEP UP THE good work LOVE THAT YOU SHARE RESEARCH FINDS & DECISION IN SEEKING THE BEST WAY TO SAVE $ $ $ TIME & BUT - ACHEVE QUALITY
I had a heart attack and 6 stents installed on the 8th. Thank you for giving me things to watch during my recovery. Life is short..rock on!
Home you get better!
been there done that 10 years back, gets better quick. Just follow Dr. orders
Dave Hitchens get well soon👍
As a surveyor I would not trust any level without checking it against a datum each day, or hourly in my case.
Please look for how to do "Two peg test", best done by measuring from one end and checking by moving the level close to the furthest mark and checking backwards. It will give you a lot more confidence in any reading and help avoid a dud measurement.
Also the "Shock absorber mode" is a compensator. Never turn it off if you need things to be level.
Things move(settle) over time. Pick a spot near, but also outside, the proposed building to use as a checkpoint for critical points such as a fixed corner of a step as a reference/datum/Benchmark. Multiple Benchmarks always lead to problems. Problems are bad, best to avoid where possible.
Keep up the great work your lifestyle and videos are inspiring.
Michael
thanks for the info.
Hi Michael. I have the same Bosch laser level and I'm sure it's been "out of level" a few times (about 5/8", way more than the claimed accuracy), checking off multiple datums on the same job site. Thanks for directing me towards the "Two Peg Test". Now I'll have a method to verify accuracy.
Michael, thanks for posting a constructive idea. It is refreshing. I've been building handcrafted log homes for 48 years and I've used every conceivable leveling system out there. They all have their pros and cons. With log building you have nothing to work from other than an imaginary plane on the centerline of each wall or floor plane. I've gotten very good at accurately layout things and it is always a delightful test at the end of a segment of work to find out that you nailed it on accuracy because you know it is so hard to achieve.
After being a builder/carpenter for over 40 years I went thru all the paces. Water levels are sometimes necessary however after using them most of my life I graduated up to a laser and I tell you cannot beat the laser. The water level still can be useful going around objects, the hose can be a pain. That is a good setup you have there and when done building it will sell fast and won't loose that much money. Better than renting. I you do decide to sell it mark some Datum points around the property for later use. I have my 20 acres of woods marked with points and I can use them points the rest of my life for reference
Dennis and Helen what a cracking idea Dennis and Helen
I worked for my Dad General Contracting Co. in the 1960's and you either used a Transit Level or a Water Level. I help build 30 story buildings using Water Levels on most areas. Wow how things have changed
I use this same laser as a general contractor. Love it! If you get tired of the high pitch ultra volume beep, use a small piece of painters tape and cover a few of the speaker holes (works well for annoying kid toys too). Love the channel! Keep on living the dream!
I use the Bosch at work most days, works great. Good purchase guys.
I am a firm believer that you should get the tools you feel comfortable with. I also know from personal experience that you should buy the best tools you can afford. Cheap tools are just that... cheap. A $9 shovel doesn't last as long as a $40 shovel. I read a lot of the comments that seem to think you are over planning, over engineering or over whatever. Everyone does things to their own comfort level and I an very happy with the way you guys are doing things. I don't agree with everything you have done but they are your choices and you are accomplishing a whole lot more than I am when it comes to getting to your dream. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to more videos!
Great demo. Never seen a demo before on levels. You did great job.
I love that level. We used it in a warehouse 400 x 1000 feet. it easily worked during the day inside at about 150 - 200 feet. The auto leveling and glasses, with the remote. We added a piece of white paper to help find the laser as it spinned.
Great buy, you cant go wrong with a blue BOSCH!
I'm seeing lots of comments like: 'way too expensive, you should have just used a piece of hose!' - Ignore these completely. A proper tool will make things so much easier... plus when you are done with it, you will be able to sell it and probably get a decent price for it. Amortise that difference across the number of times you use it, and the value of the tool will be clear - a few cents to gain many hours of saved effort.
I don't have any negative comments maybe it is because I am two bubbles out of plumb myself. Have fun this life is not a rehearsal
I don't think you can go wrong with Bosch tools. Everything they make is quality. Anxious for you all to get started building you house. Good luck and God Bless.
If you are shooting a line over 500' you don't use a laser level you use a transit or a theodolite.
Always write where you bought the item from, date and for how much on the handbook/user manual. You should also place the paper inside the laser box into a Ziploc bag to protect them. My grandmother started doing this 50 years ago and we still have her instructions for the grandfather clock she bought in 1964. Now this was in cling wrap back then and later placed into Ziploc bag just a little helpful tip. Love the videos, your story and of course bug a boo
I bought the exact same one. I am still using it building my own home. Love it.
I've use vinyl tubing water levels for decades and never had issues. Get a couple stoppers to plug the ends and a few drops of food coloring. Long distances can be done in segments and stakes can be marked then added up for total grade or rise over run.
great purchase, will pay for itself by the time your place is complete, and save lots of head ache. Great channel
For small outdoor projects use a garden hose with clear poly tube ends full of water.
Levels are easily spotted as long as the hose is.
My God people are negative!!!!! Keep building your dream house and keep the videos coming, I like them
Jesse, the rubber feet on the legs of the tripod are actually rubber covers over the metal feet with spikes. you keep the rubber foot covers on if you are using it on an interior floor.
Have fun!
I see the need for your laser level if you are going to use it for home building. Are you going to use it to level your cistern system and water lines for the leaks that you have to fix?
Nice buy. You will love having one in your tool box.
Greetings from England/France. Nice looking bit of kit. You don't need me to tell you how good it is to be as well prepared before you start the work "in earnest" (all your efforts so far not to be discounted!) I have reserved half the barn and am slowly putting together a man cave full of top toys prior to starting the renovation of a very old and run down French farmhouse - its the only way to proceed unless you want to spend half of every day travelling backwards and forwards to the DIY store. And keeping the sense of humour - priceless! keep doing what you are doing, and keep it fun!
I have heard that a good rule of thumb for the fall on sewer pipe is 1" per 100' of line.
The reason for that is to keep the water from running away from the solids.
11:11 is for ceiling tiles, ie aligning the steel grid inverted T pieces in at office that uses 2x4 ceiling tiles. It has a magnet that sticks to the T. The laser is hung with the ceiling mount adapter 9:48 . You adjust the wires that hang the T pieces to hit this red target. The Target faces down, rare earth magnets up to the inverted T sections. You can have each worker bee have a red target to align the grid's T pieces. ie all the "coat hanger" type wire that hold the grid is adjusted so the ceiling is about level. This scheme is about 30 years old
If a little one comes along, perhaps a small Timber Framed guest cabin can be built west of the garden, till the main house is built and has heat?
This would perfect your skills, improve your quality of life, reduce your urgency, and further anchor you for the big project ahead.
I've done grade checking, and linker rods are lots of fun!
So will all your timber home lighting be powered by 12 volt DC using LED's? Cheaper wiring and less heat generation in summer months.
We use a hose with 3 feet of clear hose attached to each end ..............then add water. Fill hose holding both ends of the
clear hose. That is your level. Then walk out each end of the clear hose to what you want level. The water level at both ends of the hose is always level.
4:46 are rubber tips used for shipping, they can also be used when indoors so not to ruin a floor. Normally they are thrown away, ie are really just shipping materials. The 3 rubber tips are not part of the tripod, they are the packing materials so the tips do not go into the box. Just save them away with the instructions in case you ever want to use the tripod on a nice indoor floor so you do not get holes in the floor.
long length of flexible see through tubing and water. Works perfectly and don't cost much at all. Wonder how we managed before all these gadgets.....but manage we did.
Ive owned a construction company for 25 years. concrete foundation and dirt work. And we only have spectra laser levels and I believe out of the 6 or 8 of them we have only 1 is not self leveling. that Bosch will be ok until you get out to the limits of it which it said a 1000 ft but it is probably more like 600 and after that the error will compound itself. But to do dirt work or to plumb walls and things you should use a builders level or transit level or a theodolite. They start around 300 for a good one but you can get them on fleebay cheap. You guys are working towards a goal good for you. Some advice from an old guy. " Work Smart Not Hard"
In southern Utah we call a grade rod a story pole and laser level a transit
I am so excited seeing how your plans are coming together.
Micheal Jude is correct about checking the level against a known or picked location to make sure everything is related properly.
A laser level is actually not level but a plane projected from a spot where the instrument is set up. Level is the surface that follows the curvature of the earth. At 1000 ft this difference starts to show up.
The people who say use a transit or theodolite are actually thinking of a surveyors level instrument for taking the difference in elevation. The former are used to turn angles. All of these instruments must be leveled on a tripod carefully to get useful measurements.
A laser level is extremely handy for one person or multiple receivers Hopefully this instrument has a grade function where the grade can be set so you do not have to calculate the amount to change per foot for the correct slope. Contractors use this function all the time to lay drain and sewer lines. Hopefully this will make since to you.
Keep extra batteries handy.
Micheal Jude said he is a surveyor and I am a civil engineer. I would suggest you use the tools you are most comfortable and confident with.
A lightweight tripod is good for transport (not so great for stability), so you can hang a temporary weight (bag of sand) from the hook that hangs down from the center. The weight will give the entire unit stability.
These rubber feet caps are loose, at least with the Bosch tripod i got. I lost mine with first work. I think these supposed to be used only indoors.
I've seen these on commercial job sites before building schools and government buildings and such great quality instrument. Word of thumb treat it like a new born baby. It truly is a instrument not necessarily a tool.
+Alec Ver Bunker Agreed. That's why we just couldn't justify buying used. Some things you just need to know its history. Especially since most used levels are at a very small discount over new.
Have you ever heard of the clear aquarium tubing water level?... cheap and can be as long as you can buy tubing for
Good tools really help, bad tools make you angry and mad. You will find use for that level every day.
This is off topic for this video, but with all the rocks on your property have you considered building your walls using Slipform Stone Masonry?
Not sure if you've ever heard of a water level. It's essentially a long clear flexible tubing filled with pink RV antifreeze. It works on principals of gravity (you need a lower area to span the tubing & raise both ends of tubing to your level marks). You are limited to the length of your tubing; however, you can add additional lengths of tubing with fittings. Make sure all of the bubbles are out of the tubing. Cheap and accurate & you can read it during the day. .
You made a good call on the Bosch. I have the Bosch Automatic Optical Level with the same tripod. I use it to mark and stake lines on my property over a 1,000 feet. The Tripod is very solid. Except when I bump my big butt into it!! Do you know if they sell just the laser head and laser receiver?
you all need to remember this is their Journey ....this is their Adventure.... they themselves even say that they're not professionals that they're learning as they go.... you got to remove the rafter from your own eye before you can see the straw in someone else's...... just enjoy the videos..... a husband and wife working together..... even if it took years it's better than what most husband and wives are doing today.... fighting.... hanging out with your beer Buddies .....sleeping around... divorcing.............
Steven Hammond, after just reading your post I have to like the way you think. My wife and I both work from home in our own business and truth be told we've both never been happier, two people pulling in the same direction achieve twice as much as two people pulling in opposite directions
Looks like a useful tool. Take good care of it, it will likely take care of you.
Comment removed because it sounded a bit snarky. Looking forward to a report after you have had a chance to use it for a while. Thank to both of you for sharing you adventure and I hope you never give up chasing your dream.
Great product!! I have the 250ft one and love it. I sit it in the middle of the foundation and set everything.
Why aren't you using the laser at the saw mill for setting up cuts?
I'd like to make a suggestion. Look into water leveling. I built swimming pools and the coping and tiles had to be dead-ass level or it would really show hen the pool was full. Simple, clear plastic tubing is light weight and flexible. You can go 50 feet easily. The whole setup might cost $20. Hey, lasers are cool, but water never lies. It's always level.
Correct.THE "ELITE" have indoctrinated us ALL, that we live on a spherical ball!Cheers PAT...It`s SIMPLE...
Water levels are great, but there are things the laser level can do either faster or that you can't do with a water level or can't easily do with a water level...
Like a water level can't project a grid pattern to make sure everything is spaced properly... Water level can't tell you if something is perfectly vertical, only perfectly horizontal... Water level can't tell you if your angle cuts are all the same... Laser projection can be set up faster... among other examples...
You could get a chalk line tool to help cover some of the things the water level can't do but a chalk line isn't always the most accurate and still not as fast as a laser can be set up, especially if you're needing to check multiple angles repeatedly throughout the work...
Though, there are instances where you can either want to use both or the water level may be superior... Like finding level in an environment where there's no line of sight... or you just want two ways to measure to check accuracy without needing to do as many repeat tests...
There's just also instances where the laser has its advantages...
No, it doesn't matter because it's still their time and only they can determine what their time is worth!
All you're talking about is degrees of need... Wanting something doesn't change whether it's also a need... and Time is money for DIY too!
Besides, the point is to make their lives easier and this will be their home... That goes beyond just wants!
I agree. spirit levels are stupid simple and cheap. and are these commenters really talking about the curvature of the Earth as a factor in building a structure smaller than a stadium??
Yeah, light is bent by gravity, too! ;)
If you pay attention to The noise of the receiver its faster when youre to high and slower when youre to slow which could be interesting when youre too far from the receiver to see the différent light . Great vids by the way
loving all the vids keep them coming
good choice, i have similar one and it is saving time and is more comfortable than hose with water .. I used it for a lot of projects at home..easy set up and use.. howgh
Keep going guys, laser levels are invaluable in lots of building applications and hold their value for resale!
Have you planned a water catchment for all future roof runoff to pump uphill. Can you use all gray water to garden? Reverse osmosis system..Duck pond..garden. New York compost all solids..plenty of sawdust and trees. Add micro hydro to system to power peak needs. Can you backfill the ditch with woodchips and tile pipe to fill a future pond. Can the block foundation serve as catchment below first floor grade or at grade? Great investment..
Right before twilight is the best time to work with laser tools.
great buy lots of uses
FYI There are many different plastics for industrial use. It looks as if the plastic used on your unit is glassfilled polycarbonate. This type of plastice is very tough. Note: bullet proof glass is clear polycarbonate.
I hope you put up a shop first . So you can have your tools in side and you can do your work out off the weather and work on you beams for your new home when the weather is bad .
Did you take the batteries out?
Good choice. It was some investment! That level will be very handy, building your house. I got a simple version 8 years ago (it only projects two lines) and used for paint jobs, laying tiles, plumbing, leveling concrete floor etc. etc. I also use it outdors, however only when it is dark enough to see the laser line, since my system has no receiver.
Using a garden hose for leveling does also work, however, in winter it needs to be filled with anti-freeze, which is a real pain. I worked that way already. A laser level is way simpler.
if you want good used tools look around at your local pawn shops. We've bought so many great tools that are almost brand new for half the price
We've looked. In the end, wastes a lot of time unless you're driving by anyways.
Pure Living for Life yep I can understand that.
Mind, people tend to keep the good tools... So the ones at pawn shops aren't always the best or may require some restoration before really useful...
ZeoCyberG yep we go to many around us most people pawn aka sell it because they need money or they bought a tool and dont need it
You have spent a lot of money and energy on your piece of heaven. But from what I have seen a heavy rain will wash it away. Good luck!
Good investment. Once you own one you will use it every day. Its one of those 'How did I manage without this' gadgets!
I wonder if the rubber feet help with vibration dampening.
Some useful projects would be to set some benchmarks at the upper cistern and the septic inlet, and the highest elevation where your house will be.
For rough work laser is the way to go, so much faster. Finish work water is fine. I've used the Leica rotary levels for years doing fiberglass inground pools, so much faster for digging holes and NOT OVER digging. Prelaser we could so easily over dig 6" in a heartbeat. Post laser, our sand floor was usually less that 3" and our standard for level of a 16x40 foot pool was within 1/4", usually within 1/8". Prelaser we were lucky to get within 3/4" of an inch. With pools you need overdig for running plumbing and room for you to put the plumbing in. We got our overdig to usually within 6" to 12" to the rim, pools get skinnier the lower you go, so you get more room lower in the hole with vertical walls. That saves so much time and money on backfill gravel. Too bad you don't have a small crusher to make your own gravel, you have enough rocks. Crushed gravel backfill is so much better, doesn't expand when wet, drains really well, it's a pretty good insulator (from the air space) and is 95% compacted from just dropping it in the hole.
The Bosch handheld I have is super nice but for outdoor work ya need to do when it's not bright out
Jesse, "Rad sauce!" LOL. That reminds me of the Wranglestar's favorite saying, "It gives me the fizz". I love it!
I used water and a very long length of transparent hose to level my long trellis. That was...interesting. Took me a while to get the hang of it (i.e not losing water out of one end while playing with heights, and removing air bubbles) but actually very effective.
Let's see now, the 1st laser built the tub deck wrong, the rental laser was manual and did not automatically do it right, the latest laser is similar to the one used by septic man and he did it correct. Conclusion - hire someone with equipment and if you don;t interfere it will be correct.
Those rubber feet on the bottom of the tripod are removable and used for indoor applications.
With cheap manual-leveling lasers you'll often have to calibrate the bubbles before first use.
...As you mentioned, you still have to calibrate self-leveling lasers periodically as well.
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The red detector plate has magnets at the top so you can stick it to an RSJ / I-beam. The 'mirror' is just the backing for the reflector on the other side.
The IR remote will often have relatively poor range and is mainly so you can change settings, turn off, etc. without disturbing the level.
Seems a great choice !! You will get soo much use out of it on a house and shop. I too purchased a cheaper unit for a couple hundred bucks, and although it was accurate it could only be used outside in the evening.
Thanks for the details on the review - you do a nice job.
Hope you will seriously consider first building a shop. You will build one anyway - building it first will save you ooodles of time and frustration on the house. Doesn't need to be fancy, makes it much easier and more efficient build process, and keeps all those expensive tools out of the weather and accessible. Just a pole barn type garage structure would be a wonderful help.
Don't know how I'd done all needed here without a shop.
The inlet to your poop station is your first key elevation to setting your finish floor of your foundation. Find a way to show its elevation on a stake so you can base the rest of your measurements from then on.
Really enjoying these daily vids. Always great getting done with a day of work, and getting to see someone ELSE suff... err put in a good day of of work. Great to see your progress. Admire your tenacity.
Great video!
Tube with water. Never off 3 inches. Never off any measurable amount unless there's a blockage.
You can use a two x two just mark level then mark your off set
🤓 can't stop watching these videos
one time I built a shed and needed a level surface. So this old timer told me about getting 100foot of clear 3/8" hose filling it with kool-aid so I did that and instantly had a level that was super accurate. If you don't have 700 bucks this works . I don't remember how much I paid for the hose but the pack of kool-aid was 30 cents
Hey guys. I think it sounds like you are really close to start the foundation for your house. Really exiting. Have been following you for over one year and love your videos. Keep on doing what you are doing. Cant wait for next video.
Offgrid.se They posted on their Facebook page that they're going to start their foundation within a few weeks.
Love your videos guys. Keep doing what you are doing. This is your journey, thanks for showing the good, the bad, and the ugly side of things. Love it!
Bosch is great. I prefer optical over laser. Did bug a boo authorize this purchase?
Great unboxing! I learned a few things.
Thanks for the info on the level, I had no idea.
Nice buy! And when you are done with it, say in 2 years, you can sell it. keep documentation on it and what you leveled with it, and sell it when you are done for decent prize. Dont sell it too cheap though. 500 usd or something along those lines.
Haters just gonna hate in this video I see.
+libb3n Maybe it's just a dream but we hope more families will get use from this when we aren't using it. Gotta make sure they pass the treat it kindly test first though.
You will need a 1/4" drop per foot of run.
Good investment!!! You will not regret it.
Im pretty sure the mirror on the target is to ensure 0% light comes through so the laser appears clearly on the other side
What is the difference or benefit between a Rotary level like this as opposed to the Bosch GLL 150? I’m trying to decide if they are virtually the same tool? A Rotary seems to have a single point that moves fast, and the GLL uses a solid projected line... but both use a reciever system. Do you guys who have more experience have any input?
instructive as helpful. Thank you guys! May the harmony stay with you. Nice couple. Pretty nice projects.
learning from your experience is great
That tool is amazing! I have tried water levels and old school theodolites as well, but nothing can beat a laser level! You will save time for sure! And if the used cost of these tools are as high as you say you can always sell it after the house is done! Ppl who are upset of the cost don't understand the value of the tool, or the cost of building a house! Keep it up! Stoked to see you build your house:)
If its on a tripod how do you know the laser is level without using a bubble level?
Great tool.
This is a work from home job! they make it work to have what they want in the end, nothing wrong with them learning how to make the internet work to make things in life work for them.....Good Luck! Be Happy!
That wall bracket is for acoustical ceilings
I will never judge..great purchase. I might have gone with a transit level since you two are joined at the hip to save a few hundred bucks...but auto leveling laser level is super nice especially when you are doing things by yourself. It will save so much time with all the construction projects you guys plan on doing.
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THIS IS THE ONLY REVIEW I'VE SEEN A REVIEW
KEEP UP THE good work LOVE THAT YOU SHARE RESEARCH FINDS & DECISION IN SEEKING THE BEST WAY TO SAVE $ $ $ TIME & BUT - ACHEVE QUALITY