Bosch GPL5 5-Point Self-Leveling Alignment Laser
By Gordon DeWitte
Following the more-is-better philosophy, the Bosch GPL5 uses five beams to project plumb, level, and square points. It also self-levels (up to 5°). Available for around $200, the 1 lb. unit is 4.125″ × 3.125″ × 1.625″, and can be secured using its 1/4-40 or 5/8-11 threaded mounts, or via straps or magnets with its multipurpose attachment. It can be easily re-calibrated in the field (and comes with a wrench for just that purpose). Its accuracy is ± ¼” @ 100′. Three AA batteries supply power.
If you’re not into multi-axis laser leveling, maybe you could modify the GPL5 for use as a garage/shop intruder alarm.
Bosch GPL5 [Manufacturer's Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Bosch GPL5 Via Amazon [What’s This?]
November 4th, 2009 at 11:24 am
This appears almost identical to my Porter-Cable model RT-7610-5 “RoboTool”, a very handy gadget to have.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Old Coot: you are correct in saying that it looks almost identical, when Bosch purchased Robotoolz last year they kept many of the same moldings, choosing to redesign some of the internals on the units. This is a great magnetically compensated unit, although some of use who do multi-story work should consider the larger 5 beam GPL5E with electronic servo compensation, because the beam stays incredibly stable when someone goes stomping along the upper floors. Also be sure to checkout the new GPL5C 5 dot with crosshairs above and below the unit, it’s the first of its kind.
http://www.boschtools.com/products/tools/pages/boschproductdetail.aspx?pid=GPL5C
November 6th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
[...] Bosch GPL5 5-Point Self-Leveling Alignment Laser Following the more-is-better philosophy, the Bosch GPL5 uses five beams to project plumb, level, and square points. It also self-levels (up to 5°). Available for around $200, the 1 lb. unit is 4.125″ × 3.125″ × 1.625″, and can be secured using its 1/4-40 or 5/8-11 threaded mounts, or via straps or magnets with its multipurpose attachment. [...]
November 10th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I was thinking the same thing, thats robovector with a bosch label! My old robo finally had enough of helpers dropping it off scaffolding and refused to shoot level out both sides. I bought a fatmax sp5 as a replacement, it works well and has a nice bright beam but I really miss the compactness and balance of the robo especially when getting up against corners. The stanley unit is just too bulky!