I recently bought a $550 laser level for various deck projects that we have been working on. Indoors, it works perfectly, but outdoors in the daytime, it barely reaches ten feet. I suppose I should have expected that, or at least checked with the manufacturer before purchase. Can anyone recommend me a laser level that can shoot (ideally) three perpendicular lines (x,y,z axes) across solid surfaces outdoors during the day? We are trying to find quicker, less laborious ways to layout and square our sites for foundation pours and post/beam work.
Additionally, we don't have a quick and easy way to find a 90 degree angle from an existing exterior wall. For instance, to attach a rim joist to the deck ledger, we usually just use a new piece of plywood or a carpenter's square to find the 90 degree line. It works, but I don't trust it over longer distances, and we are starting to pull bigger projects this season. If anyone can recommend the tool or method they use for this purpose, I would also greatly appreciate that.
I know this sounds fairly beginner, but we are a new company, and last year we mostly just did interior remodels and basic odd-job/home improvement type of work. This year we've been getting calls for more decks, sheds and even additions. The boss wants to break into the new build game, as there is significant demand in our area. We can absolutely handle it in terms of ability, but I think that we are outgrowing our tools. In general, I am just looking for ways to increase our speed and efficiency for these larger builds.
Additionally, we don't have a quick and easy way to find a 90 degree angle from an existing exterior wall. For instance, to attach a rim joist to the deck ledger, we usually just use a new piece of plywood or a carpenter's square to find the 90 degree line. It works, but I don't trust it over longer distances, and we are starting to pull bigger projects this season. If anyone can recommend the tool or method they use for this purpose, I would also greatly appreciate that.
I know this sounds fairly beginner, but we are a new company, and last year we mostly just did interior remodels and basic odd-job/home improvement type of work. This year we've been getting calls for more decks, sheds and even additions. The boss wants to break into the new build game, as there is significant demand in our area. We can absolutely handle it in terms of ability, but I think that we are outgrowing our tools. In general, I am just looking for ways to increase our speed and efficiency for these larger builds.
