It seems that Bosch Measuring Tools is finally working out exactly what they have with the CST/berger brand they acquired in 2008 and how it will compliment the Bosch line of measuring tools. You may be thinking the CST/berger Line Laser LL20 ($499, Ohio Power Tool) looks very much like the Bosch GLL3-80 ($499, Ohio Power Tool) and you would be right.
Both use the same cone mirror technology of a single laser pointed to create the 360 degree line however the Bosch unit features 3 laser/cone lines and cost the same amount. The reason is part of Bosch’s bigger plans for their 2 measuring tool brands where the Bosch lasers will focus more on interior applications, the CST/berger lasers will focus more on exterior. You would have no need for 3 lasers on an exterior job but you would need the laser detector LD3, which is provided. The CST/berger is also IP55 rated to handle the tougher conditions you face when working outdoors. It is somewhat limited on range but for small to mid-size jobs this is a much better option that a full size rotary laser but still give the professional quality and accuracy you would expect from CST/berger.
For additional questions on Bosch Lasers or CST/berger give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-442. For more information on the LL20 laser see the video and full press release below.
Mount Prospect, Ill. – CST/berger is introducing a new solution for small exterior leveling construction applications. The LL20 Self-Leveling 360° Exterior Line Laser is a fast and easy to use line laser in a compact size. With an extended range, the laser provides powerful performance and accurate results at a more affordable price than typical rotary lasers used for these applications.
The tool is designed especially for contractors who work outdoors in the residential and light commercial construction leveling segments. It’s ideal for applications including bringing footers to level, leveling concrete floor forms, determining cut and fill values for excavation, leveling decks, determining irrigation flow for landscaping and checking the levels of existing structures and contract work. It features the accuracy needed for these applications and is automatically self leveled with built-in warning features for continued accuracy throughout the work day.
Cone mirror laser technology enables the laser to function without the moving parts that are typically found in rotary lasers. Without the moving parts, the LL20 line laser has a compact design making the exterior laser easy to transport and store. One-button operation reduces setup time and is simple to use. The LL20 also features multiple mounts for added flexibility.
The LL20 Exterior Line Laser offers 3/16-inch accuracy and when operated with the innovative LD3 Laser Detector, provides a 530-foot range (diameter) – perfect for small to mid-size exterior applications. Both components are water and dust protected at IP55 to withstand the toughest jobsite environments, and feature a rugged housing design and thick over-mold in key impact areas for protection from drops.
The LD3 laser detector features a dual-sided LCD display allowing users to easily view from either side of the detector. An adjustable audio output can be switched between "soft," "loud" and "off" volume settings based on worksite conditions. An innovative range extending feature can be used to extend the range of any CST/berger line laser, and the detector’s sensitivity can easily be adjusted with the tool’s bandwidth resolution selection.
The LL20 Self-Leveling 360° Exterior Line Laser operates on four AA batteries.