Exterior Laser Level

[bucky]

My next big project is building a 32’x56’x10’ carport with walls dropping down 8’ on 3 sides. My preliminary design calls for 17 support posts placed with a slope for water drainage. I’d like to get a laser level to set the post slope and keep the wall purlins level. I have a transit but somethings wrong with it and I can’t get it to stay level. I think a laser level would serve me better and allow me to work unassisted. I haven’t gone down the YT rabbit hole yet and have just done some preliminary google searches. I know that because I’ll be using it outdoors and the distance between the posts that I need a system with a receiver. Besides this job I’ll be setting concrette forms and fence posts in the future. My budget is $500 and I hope that’s realistic. What do I look for? Red vs Green? They all seem to be self leveling and even the $1500+ ones are Chinese made.
Your experience and knowledge is much appreciated.

 

[macleanflood]

I use an older version of this...first one lasted 8 years... letting friends and neighbors use it wasn't kind to it...HD had a refurbished version on sale for $500.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-R...ith-Manual-Dual-Slope-GRL2000-40HVK/312839337

-Mac

P.S. I do level the laser head with a torpedo level. They all "self adjust" to a certain amount...but I like to get the transmitter close to dead nuts.

I also like to set up the transit and leave it up through the whole project...once you get the posts up mark a common elevation line you can measure post length off of.

I've built pole barns for all the neighborhood. Here in Oregon you dig a hole and it fills with water. Why I spent the money and did a stick built shop with a foundation. I'd suggest concrete footings with metal Us that stick up 6" to 8". That and PT posts aren't as strong as #2 Doug fir.

I'd also suggest a clear span without posts in the middle. 48' trusses can clear span. And make sure the truss truck can get down your driveway. My one neighbor built a shitty driveway...we ended up unloading his trusses on to my dump trailer and it took three hours to get them down a 250' driveway.

12' or 14' ceilings won't cost much more and opens up the possibility of side sheds.

Think of what you're doing with the ceiling. Birds and bugs make a mess of things.

 

[WestCoastDan]

Regardless of brand, I highly recommend getting a green laser over red... much easier to see in the daylight.

 

[ColoJeep]

You can also go low tech with a tight masons line and line level . Under $10 and have been used successfully for many decades .

 

[flyinfish]

For this project and future projects, I'd invest in a Topcon RL-H5A Laser Level w/Slope (made in Japan). It will stretch your budget a hundred bucks but it's a fantastic tool for very small projects to the very large.

https://www.amazon.com/Topcon-RL-H5A-Self-Leveling-Rotary-Grade/dp/B07B8YW75P/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[John Cooper]

Survey company i worked for back in the 80's used Topcon equipment, surveying has changed alot since then, but Topcon is a good product.

 

[bucky]

I already have the posts. 14’ .125 wall galvanized that came from a dismantled solar farm. 8” c-channels can’t span the 52’ without center support. Trying to make it a one man operation so roof panels will be 2 pieces and have a over lap seam in the middle. Canopy will be used to park my equipment trailers and vehicles. More for Sun protection.