15 replies to this topic

[randolph cohn]

i used to do grade surveying around existing homes for my re-modelling design business.

 

used an old K & E transit (nothing automatic about it) > did i mention it was old.

 

it's missing so i'm in the market for a new level > don't need the transit part since

i only use it to get the grades around an existing house to the fence which i presume

is the property line. 

Note: if the fence seems off, we call in a professional surveyor.

Note:  i do flat fees so this is part of my total fee.

note:  usually take a day (+/-) to do the surveys and measure the existing house,

and than another day to put the house and site into softplan.

 

i use a 25' telescoping fiberglass rod which has been super for all jobs

i've had to date over a few decades.

this means there's no need for a transit.

 

ok, i'm thru talking about it,

 

looking for a recommendation  for a self leveling optical level with tripod.

 

here's a whole bunch on google

 

https://www.google.c... level&tbm=shop

 

=====================================================

NOTE:

learned how to use a transit in architectural school. 

going for the easy way with "auto" the key word. 

 

note: i've never used an auto / self leveling / level.

 

open to any and all suggestions on what to buy.

 

i won't be using this that often so don't want to spend that much but

will spend whatever it takes within reason.

i do want a really good product.

 

posting on splash so others can benefit

but

emailing me is ok.

 

rpcdesign@aol.com

 

put > "softplan level recommendation"  in subject line

and please include your phone number in message area

with a link and name of the level you feel is worth the money

and not too complicated.  in fact, the easier to use, the better.

 

[Todd Williard]

we use a Tesla Field Stationhttps://www.topconpo...ntrollers/tesla  with our Topcon Total Station https://www.topconpo...ation-solutions

It is not inexpensive but we use it everyday.

[Michael Roman]

Hi Randy,

 

Have you considered a rotary laser level instead of an optical?  Much easier to use since you can easily take shots by yourself.  Over longer distances they are not quite as accurate but more than accurate enough for grade shots.

I have used models from David White and also a DeWalt.  The DeWalt had a visible laser beam and the David White had an invisible one.

 

I have used transits and builders levels for many years, but once I started using a laser I didn't want to go back.

 

[Keith Almond]

Yes, we used to use a rotary laser, as Michael says, you can use it on your own.

[randolph cohn]

thanks for the information so far,  keep it coming.

 

 

i'm not locked into one type.

 

will listen to all of you since i know nothing about the newer technology.

 

appreciate all your guidance.

 

what's with the "auto leveling" part ?

 

would appreciate all recommendation and price.

 

note:

price doesn't govern as much as

best level for the money.

i don't need a complicated one.

ease of use is another requirement.

[Keith Almond]

As I understand it, Basically, the automatic level doesn't need you to set it up accurately. Remember all the bubbles etc, to set the thing ... The automatic level spins at high speed and "balances" - for want of a better word - itself. You just have to put it somewhere close to start

[Mike Downing]

Randy,

I prefer to use a rotary laser. I like that it can be easily done by one person. The Optical is slightly more accurate
assuming you set it correctly. Unless I'm wrong with the optical, the only way one person can do the job is by setting upthe story pole and then walking back to the optical each time. With the rotary laser, especially a self leveling one,
setup is quick and all you have to do is get the measurement from the rod.

That being said, I know you live in a fairly hilly area, so it may be more difficult to actually see the point of the
laser on say anything above a 10' height. In your case you may be better off with an optical.

One more thing to consider. I've used a GPS device to plot larger site plans. I know accuracy is a problem, but I
consider the +/- variation to be relative. What I like about the GPS is that I'm able to import directly into SP and it
gives me an elevation and location directly on the drawing.

[randolph cohn]

anyone know about this dewalt.  haven't checked out the price yet.

i like dewalt products. 

can anyone recommend a good buy site.

i'll check amazon.

any other good ones ?

 

 

 

any sites out there that sell the products and have lot's of knowledgeable sales people ?

 

http://www.dewalt.co...walt/dw077.html

dewalt   dw077  -  18v  cordless self-leveling rotary level

[Mike Feinstein]

The only recommendation I have is don't go cheap. I've tried several "inexpensive" models that lose accuracy over around 25' or so...and the batteries seem to lose power a lot quicker. I had a Berger (I think that's the name) for years until it was stolen along with my job trailer. My boss doesn't have the heart to put out out $800 (which in the grand scheme of things isn't that costly) to replace it. So i've been using "cheaper" manual leveling lasers. Garbage... There are a couple kits by Berger, DeWalt, and Bosch which come with a self leveling rotary laser, tripod, stick, detector, and glasses all for under $1000 that are available at all the big box stores. many, many uses other than shooting grades.  I use it for checking foundation height before framing my house deck, cabinets, stairs, grade, driveway, and a lot more. So easy to use by one person. Seeing as I have a company credit card, I will be buying one soon and the boss won't know until it's done. I can't speak to name brands Randy because the only one I've used is the Berger. Good luck and let us know what you decide if you could.

 

Mike

[randolph cohn]

mike,

 

could you possibly send me an email with your phone number in it ?

 

rpcdesign@aol.com

 

put softplan survey level in the subject line

 

as long as you live in canada or the usa,  i have free calling 24/7 to both countries.

 

$ 1,000 is the most i planned to spend.  i won't be using it that much.

i don't do surveys /  only for existing grades mostly at the building but

sometimes i'll do the area where the addition will go.

 

i have pros do the surveys when it for a new home.  we have to.

[Mike Feinstein]

Randy, have you tried the laser we talked about yet? Curious to know what you think and if it will work for you.

[randolph cohn]

i ended buying a whole system plus on craigslist.

 

david white transit level with optical plummet:  26x  -   retails over $800
http://www.engineers...et-44-8871.aspx

david white tripod:  retails for over $200
http://www.ebay.com/...=item418f7a573d

PLS-5   -   Pasific Laser Systems  -   automatic - self leveling instrument  - can attach to the tripod.  these cost over $500 (+) retail.
http://www.toolup.co...-and-Square-Kit

http://plslaser.com/products/pls-5

i paid $600 for all of the above and it's all like new.
all have cases.

[Keith Almond]

Seems like a great buy Randy. Hope you get years of use out of them.

[randolph cohn]

the transit level is actually called a theodolite.

 

what's the different between the david white theodolite   (or any theodolite)   and a transit-level ?

[Keith Almond]

As far as I'm aware, a transit level remains horizontal and moves in a circle, and a theodolite can move in a completely spherical motion, to measure azimuth and bearings.

 

EDIT:

 

It appears I was wrong again - Hope no-one's keeping count ....

 

A non-transit theodolite can only move in circles, a transit theodolite moves in a completely spherical motion, to measure azimuth and bearings.

[Mike Feinstein]

Wow Randy...Doing your home homework really paid off I see. Quite a find.