[jwholden]

I picked up a grading rod today that was marked in tenths of a foot. After writing extensive notes on the back, in case I panick and forget the calculations, I am eager to put this time saving tool to work!!! I like the concept and time will tell how it goes.

rise/run x 100 = percent slope

percent slope/100 = slope per foot IN TENTHS OF A FOOT

Mr. Smiths patio x slope per foot = change in grade from front of patio to back IN TENTHS OF A FOOT

[Will Pacala]

Sounds cool! Do you know what company made the rod. I want one!

[agla]

So, what slope percentage is straight up?

If a rise of 10' over a run of 10' = 100%, then a rise of 20' over a run of 10' = 200%. Where does it stop?

Some use slope percentage that way while others consider straight up to be a 100% slope. The 10'/10' would then be a 50% slope. That is why you see slopes referenced as 2:1 or 1:1 in regulations and on engineer's plans.

You will also notice that all measurements are in feet and decimal feet. That is enough to drive you nuts if you are using 8" retaining wall blocks.

Then we have the brilliance of the State of Massachusetts that decided that if they changed to the metric system everyone else sure would. All work for the Massachusetts Highway Division (no matter who does it) has to be done in metric. That means that surveyors have to convert everything including topography. When you draw plans you have to show dimensions of of all the signage in cm when they are actually all in inches. What do you think that does to the cost of design work?

(note: Massachusetts politicians can find a way to make the simplist things extremely expensive)

[Lanelle]

Our county tried to mandate the metric conversion also but met with so much protest that they scrapped it after a short time. Now plans are again in feet and inches.

Also, can we see a pic of your new toy, errr, I mean, grading rod?

[jwholden]

Here's a shot of a rod in tenths. Based on the sturdiness of the rod and laminating process used to put the numbers on I'll buy fiberglass rods from now on (once every 10 years or so). It's also much easier to write on.

While at the store I looked at the rod Jeff used to grade that yard (direct read rod or something like that). Frankly, I still don't get it.

[jwholden]

Since I bought the rod they gave me a great deal on this.

[diginahole]

Somebody once gave me a surveyors tape. Unfortunatly he neglected to mention that it was marked in tenths. Made for a frustrating morning until I figured it out.

[Stonehenge]

JW - where's the laser beam on that?

And don't worry about the scrolling tape - they take a little while to get used to. Did for me, anyway.

[jwholden]

It's below the top. It was the only laser I saw with that setup.

The cool part about the LL500, beside the fact I can shoot a grade solo without walking 10 miles, is that I can set it down on anything 'close' to level and level it with the three screws underneath. If I'm estimating a front walk or back patio I can place it on the stairs and go without using a tripod (I suspect other models can do this as well).

It only has one motor on the unit, so battery life is listed at approx. 75 hours. It is also supposed to be a 'less harmful' laser on the eyes.

If any members go to a store to buy a laser beware. There are WAY too many choices!