Can someone suggest a laser level?

[450knotOffice]

I'm thinking about picking up a couple of laser levels but want to make sure I get a model that projects a beam along a plane as opposed to a just a single beam line.

Thanks again guys.

[look 171]

Scott,

I have a Porter Cable and a CST/berger self leveling lazer level we use all the time. What you want is a rotary lazer level that will snap a line on the wall. It is a dot that rotates on an axis. you can control the speed. They are both professional grade tools and are very accurate. I think they may make a cheaper or a home owner's grade level. They run about 800-1000 bucks. What are you doing with them? For your 911s???

Jeff

[450knotOffice]

Wow Jeff! Those are some serious laser levels. Actually, there are guys here on this forum that just use cheapie $20-40 lasers. I can't figure out what brands/models they have though. They project a "wall" of laser light forward and up along a plane.

I'm measuring/adjusting my old 911's alignment.

How's the 930?

[Jeff Alton]

If you are just trying to set toe, try a set of Longacre (or similar) toe plates. I have used them in the past (and have a set here for future) that work great.

Cheers

[450knotOffice]

I've considered those but I'm looking to set rear toe and therefore need not only total toe, but also individual toe on each wheel.

[Jeff Alton]

Hmmm, I see your need for laser levels..... Have you considered just using string to set the car up?

One can build a "SRP SMART STRINGS" set up for a few bucks with some metal conduit and jackstands. I also have that set up here. Pretty simple, and easy to use. Takes a wee bit if Fu$%ing around the first time you build it, but works great.

Cheers

[450knotOffice]

Oh, I did the strings today and got good results, but it was a pain in the a$$ to get the strings parallel with each other and the car's suspension centerline at the same time. Lots of fiddling and remeasuring until it was right. I figure the laser will make life much simpler.

[look 171]

Scott,

I didn't know what you were using the levels for? I was thinking you were doing the 5th floor addition and are checking on the dirty contractors

You can get a rotary lazer for 100-200 bucks that will do just fine for your application. Stabila makes a good one. I would stay away from some of the off brand Chinese products, they might not be all that accurate. Another company is PLS. They make a good product and are not too much money.

the 930 is fine sleeping deep in the garage. We have a year and half old baby that sucks up a lot of my time. I get out really early in the 930 to blow off some steam once in a long while. You guys going up to Venture? I am taking my wife and my little boy, (In my new mimi van, I turned into an old man suddenly)hope to see you up there.

Jeff

[450knotOffice]

Yup. A bunch of us are going to the GAF on Sunday.

[ZOA NOM]

I use this Smart Tool digital level for camber.


and two of these laser line tools would work for toe:

[450knotOffice]

Thank you.

[kucharskimb]

i'm still using the strings, but i also use a craftsman digital level, like the one posted above, for the camber/caster. the craftsman version also has a single point laser that you can use to ensure your scales/floor pads are level. about $50. but i guess the yellow unit above would be able to do the same thing.

zoanas
does your projecting laser stay pretty narrow by the time it gets to the front/rear, or is the beam pretty wide? i'm guessing you still use some sort of straight edge ruler to measure the fore/aft distances off of your rims...

[buttjoint]

Am I missing something here, Go pay someone to do it , Get it done right, And save your money that your going to spend on the laser.

[look 171]

Yes, you totally missed it. It is easy just to drop off the car at the pros and just get it done. Fast and simple. Plenty of great P car wrench here in So Cal. You see, I thinkScott likes messing with his car. That's half the fun. It isn't about the money at all for many these nut cases. Me on the other hand, I don't even change my own oil.

Scott, it would be my pleasure to loan you my levels anytime you need it. I am up here in LA.

Jeff

[Fritz Peyerl]

I would like to learn more how to use the laser level for wheel alignment. I use a digital inclinometer for checking camber and for toe in I use two straight edges and two measuring tapes. Any info and drawings or pictures would be great

Fritz
Turner valley, Alberta
Canada

1966 Irish green 912
1972 slate Grey 911T (in pieces, for bare metal restauration)

[Cyberdennis]

Originally Posted by Fritz Peyerl

I would like to learn more how to use the laser level for wheel alignment. I use a digital inclinometer for checking camber and for toe in I use two straight edges and two measuring tapes. Any info and drawings or pictures would be great

Fritz
Turner valley, Alberta
Canada

1966 Irish green 912
1972 slate Grey 911T (in pieces, for bare metal restauration)

This thread? For all you folks wanting to DIY Alignment

[bkreigsr]

another vote for strings...

Bill K

[Tim L]

I use a cheap harbor freight $10 laser level taped to a bar that fits on the rim, works perfect.

[450knotOffice]

Thanks for all of the input guys. Look 171 (Jeff), you hit the nail on the head. For me, half the fun with this car is fiddling with it. I enjoy learning new skills and in this specific case, I'm trying to address a handling issue at speed. I could just cough up the dough and have it done but I could also just learn how the other guys on this board have done this and then gain the skill myself. I've already had the entire suspension out for a rebuild a few years ago by yours truly, so I'm not afraid to learn how to adjust it.

[Jeff Alton]

Why was this moved?? Is aligning a car too technical for the technical forum??

Cheers