[Paul]

ok heres a hint, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=42298

This is a cheap laser going right now retail price on it is $2500 if you need a slope laser paying under $300 for it is great

[Stonehenge]

Cool

[TerraVerde]

We use a Zip Level or Compulevel =- wonderful pice of equipment

[EpicInterlock]

Ok, I have to say something here. I've heard about lasers being used for landscaping before, and now you guy are ranting about them.
HOW DO YOU USE THEM???

I've seen exacvators use them, but I can't understand how you can implement a laser to level a retaining wall or an interlocking patio.

Someone explain......maybe with pictures? I have a 3 year old mentality with lasers!

[Raj Venugopal]

A laser level is an integral part of our work. Once the transmitter unit is set in a safe place at a decent working elevation, the stick and receiver should be able to tell a landscaper exactly where their finished surfaces should be sitting.

This is an essential tool for dig outs, walkways, driveways, drainage, retaining walls, and water features. On the latter, using a level properly can help determine where water level should be, height of falls and creating multiple weirs from a single basin that drain equally.

Epic...if you are considering using a laser level, rent one from a good company like United Rentals and get a primer from the sales rep, or go in on a day when you know they're in. A laser level takes the guesswork out of eyeing things up, strings and stakes moving and compensating mismatched elevations when running steps to a veranda (for example).

Good thread.

[EpicInterlock]

Good suggestion Raj.

I'll go to United Rentals or Stephenson's Rentals and ask them. I went to Home Depot to ask one of the guys at the pro desk, and 3 of them didn't really explain it very well. It really frustrated me because I know there IS a way.

Thanks again Raj

[Raj Venugopal]

And if all else fails...get your butt out to New Brunswick for a holiday and I'll show you how to use one myself! I might be heading to Chatham later this summer, and my brother in law's in TO.

Raj

[EpicInterlock]

I've always wanted to visit the Hopewell Rocks in your area....pretty unique stuff. Unfortunately, my wife is a teacher, so she's off in the summer when I work, and I'm off in the winter when she's working. Vacations are rare.

Thanks for the offer.....Let me know when you go to TO, you never know.

Matt

[davemac]

I love our laser level. It makes grading way easier, especially on a 100' retaining wall or large patio or driveway. I just wish my boss would take one when he is estimating a job. It is always a surprise when I get to a job and see what he wants me to build on the existing slope. Needless to say I do alot of evisions to the plan in order for it to be built properly.

[Green Man Envy]

I'm one of the "We would, but they cost too much" - my real answer is more like: "We will, but not quite yet"

I've definitely checked out a few, and will keep checking until I'm ready to make the purchase.

[stunutt]

I use a laser beacon,with a receiver on the box-blade for grading (mostly on sports fields). However I have also found it invaluable for checking heights/shapes on existing fields and even a few "projects" on my own garden!

I use a "Laser Alignment" system (now owned and marketed by Leica) which is quite expensive, but has automatic self-leveling and is capable of having two grades (X/Y) set into it which makes slopes a doddle

[johnnyroyale]

We would be lost without one-especially on our pool digs. I dont know how anyone can't justify its cost. Our were about 1G each, we bought them at Battlefield Equipment. In my opinion, a definite 'must have'. Question, whats a 'dumpy'?

[stunutt]

I believe that's the old Stone Age "version of a laser" where one guy holds a pole, and another other looks thru a sort of telescope on a tripod