chalk line v laser level

[burncross]

Am i right in thinking that, you would use a laser level instead of a chalk or pencilled line when setting out a floor?
if so wouldn't a laser level just get knocked about, losing the original line?

 

[Gazzer]

There are times you cant beat a laser but i prefer a chalk line myself. As for the laser getting knocked then watch where you go

 

[burncross]

yep, i'l think i'll stick with the chalk line

 

[DHTiling]

And if you want a cracking chalkline then check out the chalkhog from buybrandtools.......

 

[sWe]

Lasers are extremely useful when tiling large surfaces, but nigh on useless when you're tight spaces, such as most bathrooms.

 

[grumpygrouter]

What about for brick bond on a wall?

 

[Daz]

sWe,

In find your opions and advise invaluable. However, I find that a chalk line serves me better on larger areas and the laser is quicker and easier for small areas (like bathrooms). Just my opinion......

Do you not find that the laser distorts over larger areas??

 

[sWe]

I treat brick bond just the same as a regular grid pattern. If the pattern's horisontal, no prob there; if it's vertical, no prob either, as you'll still have a line to go by every other tile. Put ya spirit level on top of the top most tiles if it helps.

Edit: I tend to use chalk most of the time as well, but in certain situations, especially on REALLY large surfaces, I find lasers useful. Lasers and mid sized rooms, ie fairly large bathrooms, are a good combo though, I must admit.

As for lines distorting: Good lasers + laser visibility goggles = spanking good.

Thx for the compliment btw

Edit: I've been thinking of getting one of those small 90 degree angle lasers for a while. They seem useful.

 

[pjtiler]

I treat brick bond just the same as a regular grid pattern. If the pattern's horisontal, no prob there; if it's vertical, no prob either, as you'll still have a line to go by every other tile. Put ya spirit level on top of the top most tiles if it helps.

Edit: I tend to use chalk most of the time as well, but in certain situations, especially on REALLY large surfaces, I find lasers useful. Lasers and mid sized rooms, ie fairly large bathrooms, are a good combo though, I must admit.

As for lines distorting: Good lasers + laser visibility goggles = spanking good.

Thx for the compliment btw

Edit: I've been thinking of getting one of those small 90 degree angle lasers for a while. They seem useful.

there fantastic really great on big floors

 

[muffinman]

you can not beat a laser on a trypod in a bathroom to set datum line , you can move a laser line ,Leaveing no marks on the walls , the old pencil way , just let me say two or three datum lines on the wall at once , take your eye off it or you get destacted then you pick then rong datum line ,we have all done it , so I say laser all the time in bathrooms ,



on floors I use the laser over a large area to take a mesurement if running into two or three rooms as i can move the laser to the correct position, once this is done ,then I use a chalk line and set out , beats putting tiles down dry and a lot quicker ,
excuse the spelling , hope it makes sence

 

[DHTiling]

Just to add to this..........You should also be able to set a room or floor out with out the aid of a laser level .....

1. It is a skill all tilers should be capable of....

2. You might just go to set your laser up and the batteries could be flat or the laser broken...then what do you do if you can't set a room out the traditional way.......

But they are a great add on for fixers to help with the speed of setting out.....

Tiling is a hand--eye skill so get used to using a level etc when setting out as well.......

 

[grumpygrouter]

Just to add to this..........You should also be able to set a room or floor out with out the aid of a laser level .....

1. It is a skill all tilers should be capable of....

2. You might just go to set your laser up and the batteries could be flat or the laser broken...then what do you do if you can't set a room out the traditional way.......

But they are a great add on for fixers to help with the speed of setting out.....

Tiling is a hand--eye skill so get used to using a level etc when setting out as well.......

I agree with what you are saying Dave. My question earlier in the thread about brick bond was posted because I wondered if it would make keeping the brick bond lines easier.

I am currently doing my first vertical brick bond in a bathroom (full) and what a pain inthe 'arris it is! Have to check every column and every 2nd course with the level, and was just wondering if a laser would've helped keep track of the line?

I have been doing it a week now with 200x100 tiles 17m2!!!!!!

 

[DHTiling]

Russ ..what i do is mark the centre of a few tiles and use these on consecutive rows to start the row off....by this i mean place this centre mark over the previous rows joint.....then just check every now and again you are keeping in line.....works for me anyway....

You could use 2 vertical lines on the wall but sometimes your adhesive bed can cover them over........

 

[muffinman]

As Dave says above I would ues both just to check spirit level and bond pattern , dont let it phase you ,if it does put the kettle on , Setting out is half the battle, dont for get you are a ARTIST at work , that s why we get the feel good factor, well I do

 

[grumpygrouter]

The real problem I have found is when going around the window and meeting at the other end. I am sure in this situation a laser would have helped. I'll post pics when I am done.

 

[muffinman]

they jump around corners no probs
Who as work from the wrong datum line , come on own up , I have

 

[sWe]

A tip would be to use a measurement tape or a folding ruler.

I made a picture to illustrate. Measure the x, y, z and use those as guide numbers. That way, you only need to measure every few tiles per column. The longer the distance, the smaller the margin of error becomes. Also, make a new datum line with your spirit level about a quarter up and down the wall.

Works perfectly well around windows and doors as well.

 

[enduro]

I use both, depends on the situation.

 

[burncross]

is the chalk hog worth £25 ?

 

[DHTiling]

is the chalk hog worth £25 ?

The one have and tried out is only £14.00......