The Keson ST181003X Measuring Tape

You can't beat a 100-foot Measuring Tape with 3x1 Gear for Quick Rewind. High-impact resistant case with full-rubber non-slip grip makes the Keson ST181003X Measuring Tape is a very handy measuring tool to have with you.

Surveyor Brush Axes

We now have Surveyor Brush Axes which make quick work out of clearing a line of sight for surveying. I have worn many a blister on my hands using one of these. When I was an instrument man, I usually had what we called a "briar blade" (which is the Ditch Bank Blade that we sell) in one hand, the tripod (with mounted total station) on my shoulder in the other hand, a radio on one hip, a canteen on one hip, and a compass around my neck.

I first started surveying, I quickly learned from watching the Party Chief that had been surveying for 25 years. He walked at a good pace through the woods and would alternate the axe from hand to hand (remember he had me behind him carrying the tripod) and would hit small branches and trees at just the right speed, angle and height, and it seemed like effortless motions for him. I guess after 25 years you get really good at what you do for a living and I can certainly say he had taken brush chopping to a new level.

Carrying a brush axe while surveying proved to have many uses, such as, killing snakes, poking in the ground for corner pins and markers, balancing your way through a creek while stepping on rocks, and once I remember the axe was something we had in our possession when an angry land owner (with his 12 guage double-barrel) approached us down in the woods. He had the idea that we were trespassing when his brother had failed to tell him the farm was going to be surveyed.

Theres my story about brush axes. I imagine many of you can relate.

Taking Time to Explain Laser Line Generators

Line Generators or Cross Lasers project a horizontal and vertical line onto a single surface. This “crosshair” pattern projects plumb and level reference lines. Line generators help with various tasks like leveling, tiling, plumbing, machine control, excavation, landscaping, swimming pool construction, concrete leveling, home building and more. Line generators can be separated into 2 main groups, indoor and indoor/outdoor.

Although rotary lasers and line generators both project a horizontal plane, they differ in size, distance and projection. Line generators are compact enough to fit into a belt case. Rotary lasers are bulkier and can weigh up to 10 lbs. Some line generators can travel up to 200ft (with a laser detector) whereas some rotary laser models can project a beam up to 2800 feet! Line Generators usually project a horizontal and vertical line onto a single surface, while a rotary laser will project a horizontal or vertical line in a full 360 degree radius.

Interior line generators do not need to be as powerful as exterior line generators because of lower lighting conditions and smaller project areas. Laser Line Generators can be placed on common surfaces like a tool box, step ladder, or staircase. For a sturdier mounting option consider a laser pole or wall mount. Laser poles suspend the laser on an adjustable pole that stretches from floor to ceiling

Distance and accuracy are important features in exterior line generators. The product description will list the specifications for each laser. Most Laser Line Generators travel up to 100 feet without a detector. A detector (also sometimes called a receiver) will identify the laser at longer distances and during outdoor (bright) lighting conditions. Detectors can possibly double the distance the laser will travel outside. Consider the accessories needed for exterior use. Some lasers come in packages that include a detector, tripod and protective case.

Other features include auto-level, out of level sensor and auto-level override (for diagonal lines). Consider the line’s fan angle. This is the radius the line will reach from the projector. Some generators will only project lines forward while others lines will stretch the line from above to below, left to right. Also consider what types of mounts come standard with the product. Is there a wall mount? Will it mount on a tripod; does a tripod come with it?

Dahle Paper Trimmers and Paper Cutters

Whether you love to scrapbook or need to cut paper at the office, Dahle has paper trimmer to meet your needs. Dahle paper trimmers feature built-in safeties. The blades self-sharpen to provide crisp clean cuts. The list below will help you chose the best paper trimmer to meet your needs.

A personal paper trimmer is a great tool for crafts and scrapbooking. Paper trimmers can provide straight or specialty cuts. The Dahle Trim Ruler and The Dahle Card Maker come standard with a cutting mat and alternate blades. The Trim Ruler will cut straight, wavy or perforated and the Card Maker will cut straight, deckle or scoring. The paper trimmer blades are enclosed for safety.

If you are an ad agency, photographer, graphic designer or need to cut a broad range of items The Dahle Professional Rolling Trimmer is a great choice. This precision paper trimmer will cut up to 20 sheets of paper at once. The durable metal base has a built in grid for exact measuring. The blade on this rotary paper trimmer is completely enclosed for safety. A clamp holds the paper in place so you don’t have to put your fingers near the blade or worry about the paper shifting. This rotary paper trimmer can be wall mounted and comes with a lifetime warranty (excluding wearables.)

The Dahle Premium Guillotine is the perfect addition to any office. This professional paper trimmer will cut paper, cardstock, cardboard, film, vellum, illustration board and many others items making it prefect for almost any environment. The lever will never unexpectedly fly up or down and is built for maximum safety. The metal base is printed with a grid for accurate cuts and will cut up to 35 sheets at once. The rotary safety guard covers the blade and prevents personal injury. This guillotine paper trimmer comes standard with a manufacturer’s one year warranty.

Click here for a complete list of Dahle Paper Trimmers and what they will cut

Mayline Drafting Tables, Mayline Office Furniture

If you work in the AEC (Architectural, Engineering, Construction) Industry then you've most likely heard of Mayline Products before. Their line of Mayline Blueprint Storage Racks, Blueprint Stands, Blueprint Hanging Clamps, Office Furniture are all built for professional and commercial use. I got started in High School Drafting Class on a Mayline Four-Post Drafting Table, then moved on to using AutoCad in college. It may sound strange to some, but even after I started working full-time, I worked at a cad station that was built on a four-post drafting table. When I changed jobs and started working at a regular height cad station desk, I quickly realized that I missed the drafting table height. Working at drafting table height on a drafting stool allowed me to easily stand up and walk to a nearby reference table or go collaborate with coworkers about a project. It was easier on my back, and allowed me to stretch my legs and body out straighter while at the drafting table height. Also, the size of the drafting table allowed me to lay my drawings out while working in cad. The mix of old school drafting and cad were a natural fit to me.