Accurate Laser Ruler, mm?

[Derek Arita]

I'm looking for a laser ruler that is affordable and accurate. Anyone have knowledge of one?

[ChrisA Edwards]

Not quite sure what a laser ruler is, but I have one of these, Bosch Blaze GLM50C. It seems accurate to 10th's of a mm, but as it's handheld, there is operator error in keeping it still.

I often use it to set up drawer widths after a cabinet carcass build. It's easy to measure the internal width at the front and rear of the cabinet, to adjust if the cabinet sides are a little out of parallel.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/7168TsuH-zL._AC_SL1500_.jpg


BOSCH Blaze GLM50C

[Derek Arita]

I say a laser ruler, but maybe caliper is more to the points. Everything I'm measuring is around a foot and under. Accuracy to the 100th is preferred, however tenth of a mm might do.

[Richard Coers]

Do you mean a digital caliper? https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-digital-caliper-58231.html

[Derek Arita]

No. I want to use it to measure short distances in mm, like under a foot.

[Jim Becker]

A decent digital caliper would likely fit the bill, at least for about 150 mm and shorter. You may have a challenge getting one that goes to 300mm. Laser measuring systems tend to be focused on the construction trade and while latest generations are "pretty darn accurate", the device itself has to fit within the distance to be measured.

[Derek Arita]

A decent digital caliper would likely fit the bill, at least for about 150 mm and shorter. You may have a challenge getting one that goes to 300mm. Laser measuring systems tend to be focused on the construction trade and while latest generations are "pretty darn accurate", the device itself has to fit within the distance to be measured.

Makes sense. I must be dreaming. I have a few digital calipers that do the job, but for what I'm using it for, a laser "ruler" would be perfect. Oh well...I'll dream on...

[Frank Pratt]

Laser distance meters are not really suitable for woodshop use. Even the most accurate ones have the same error weather measuring short or long distances. I have a Leica Disto that was over $800 and has an accuracy of +/- 1mm, but that's the same whether measuring 1m or 180m. There are many less expensive that are as accurate, but the Leica has a built in zoom camera that allows you to see your target under conditions that make it impossible to see the laser dot.

[Richard Coers]

No. I want to use it to measure short distances in mm, like under a foot.
Don't you mean under 305mm. I have yet to see a laser that can measure a flat board. I've only see shooting between walls.

[Jerry Wright]

I wonder how the craftsmen who built the furniture at Winterthur managed?

[mike stenson]

I wonder how the craftsmen who built the furniture at Winterthur managed?
Pinch rods?

[Jerry Wright]

Probably. They still work!

[Rod Sheridan]

Pinch rods?

Exactly, that’s how I do it.

I bought the Lee Valley fittings and made 4 different length flat bars for it, extremely easy to use and you can carry it to the saw and set a stop for cutting…..Regards, Rod

[Jim Becker]

For those wondering why a digital measurement might be attractive...for some of us, it's about our eyes.

[Frank Pratt]

For those wondering why a digital measurement might be attractive...for some of us, it's about our eyes.

That's exactly why I got a digital readout for my table saw. So much less eye strain.

[Richard Coers]

For those wondering why a digital measurement might be attractive...for some of us, it's about our eyes.
Digital I get, laser I don't.

[Dave Roock]

Exactly, that’s how I do it.

I bought the Lee Valley fittings and made 4 different length flat bars for it, extremely easy to use and you can carry it to the saw and set a stop for cutting…..Regards, Rod

I checked those out, think I will get. How do you use them as a stop ? Clamp ?

[Halgeir Wold]

Sounds like a caliper of sorts is what is needed... Mitutoyo makes all sorts of versions, but they are not in the cheap end...
Google found a 12" version for around 50 $......

[Jim Becker]

Digital I get, laser I don't.
Yea, for fine woodworking, it's not really workable. But these things have gotten really good and are being extremely helpful to builders and remodelers for sure. This is particularly true where there's a lot of variation, for example, in wall height across a space.

[Rod Sheridan]

I checked those out, think I will get. How do you use them as a stop ? Clamp ?

Hi, sorry for the confusing post, I use them to set the stop on the crosscut fence, one end against the blade tooth, other sets the croscut stop.

You can set the rip fence the same way.

If you need a measurement a machinist square or steel rule work great................Regards, Rod

[Dave Roock]

Hi, sorry for the confusing post, I use them to set the stop on the crosscut fence, one end against the blade tooth, other sets the croscut stop.

You can set the rip fence the same way.

If you need a measurement a machinist square or steel rule work great................Regards, Rod

Thanks Rod, I kind of figured that out after I asked but learned something useful & good today. I bought the Rockler version due to 3 different end uses & included rods. Have used good tape measure for many years - room for a little some improvement. 8 > )

[Jack Frederick]

Richard, I asked a question about “vernier calipers” a couple weeks ago and the HF you show in your post was suggested. We have a new HF down the road a piece so I stopped in and bought the calipers. They are giving me fluctuating readings however. I have been very careful of operator error. My next trip to Auburn I’ll be returning them.

[Jim Becker]

I started with a "not expensive" digital caliper and ended upgrading to the iGuaging version which has been excellent but still isn't expensive.