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?
