Gll3-80 Bosch lazer?

[dlhunter]

So I'm looking at getting a lazer. The Bosch GLL3-80 looks like it will satisfy all my needs. I will be using it for cabinet installs, general trim work, maybe a little basement framing and possibly some tile layout. I may also try to utilize it for some exterior work too like framing up decks and maybe laying out small additions. I want something that will cover everything. The price to me seems a bit steep but hopefully I'll get years of ongoing use out of it so I don't mind spending it if I'll never need another lazer for the next ten years. I was wondering if anyone had one? Also is there maybe another lazer level of the same type that outperforms, is more reliable or is more versatile at a cheaper price?
Thanks

[Catspaw]

Your list of needs sounds exactly like mine!

The Bosch looks like it would handle all of that.

PLS makes a similar unit - it uses servos instead of a pendulum. It's more money though.

Here's a review from Tools of the Trade:

http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/indus...icleID=1544921

- Rich

[HDietrich]

If it meets your needs, Home Depot is closing out the Bosch GLL2-80P in the stores here is Minneapolis, not sure about elsewhere. I picked one up for $221 ($336 on Amazon). For that price you can't beat it.

[jmskennedy]

I recently started a discussion on here with this exact same dilemma. I was going back and forth about getting a PLS180, PLS4 or the Bosch GL3-80. I ended up going with the Bosch and am not disappointed at all. The only caution I would extend is that it is a much larger unit than the PLS lasers. I was really used to the size of the PLS and the Bosch is at least 2x as big. I haven't picked up a laser detector yet to use with the Bosch but will be doing that in the near future so I can layout some footings. Overall, very happy, the 360 degree coverage in all 3 planes is amazing.

Here is where I picked mine up online.
http://www.performancetoolcenter.com...ine-laser.html

[Phil Pritchard]

I've had mine just over a year now. No complaints - in fact it knocks my old DW cross line and the Leica Lino L2 which replaced that into a cocked hat. The 360 degree facility (in all three axes) means that I don't need to carry a rotary on most jobs, too (doesn't work on external jobs, but I rarely do those). I've used it for setting cabinets, building and installing bars and department store fixtures, for setting ceiling framing, doing suspended ceilings. It's also very useful for setting out lighting apertures in ceilings and I've used it to locate those heavy plywood pattresses (1-1/2in thick plywood, about 40in square) which they install in dentists suurgeries over here to carry the power boom with the air, water, electric, gas, etc. Loads of guys I've workde with have wanted to borrow it. Impressive piece of kit, but one thing you need to buy with it to improve the versaility is the BM-1 adjustable wall mounting (see http://www.tooled-up.com/ManProduct.asp?PID=163208). One big plus over both DW and PLS cross line lasers (apart from the all round lines in 3 axes) is the pendulum lock - saves the tool from getting damaged and allows you to work off level/plumb when needed

[daburban]

doesn't work outside even with detector?

[GregBradley]

Mine will work up to around 40' outside with the detector. Pretty useless.

These units have a conical mirror sending out a circle of light. The rotary units send out a point that spins. When the point hits the detector, it is much brighter at that moment.

They work really well inside.

[daburban]

this is what i've been realizing about this tool. they make another one, i'll link it soon, that is just like the gll2 80 but with actual rotary beams instead of split beams. it seems like if they add another axis, it will be the ultimate in laser technology.

[Phil Pritchard]

doesn't work outside even with detector?

Sorry. I should have quantified that statement. What I'd say is that as a dedicated interior laser it's the dogs danglies (Brit slang for the bees knees) - it runs rings around the cross line tools on the market (DW, Bosch, Leica, PLS, etc) and for me it has completely done away with the need for an over-sized rotary laser or a laser plumb bob. For exterior use as Greg says they have a imited range. According to Bosch they will work with a detector, but in this part of the world we don't get many buildings that size! Bosch over here aren't marketing them for exterior use and I'd therefore assumed that the same was true in the USA. On those rare occassions I need an exterior laser out comes the old rotary and the detector