I recently got a laser distance meter for archery, for which I use the simplest measuring mode: from one vertical surface to another.
Might anyone have insight into whether a laser distance meter can be used effectively in leatherwork, where we are often measuring flat surfaces?
I think the answer is "No," but I want to see what others think.
I use a Leupold laser rangefinder for archery (well I did before I lost the battery cap under the workshop table the other day!), but I'm assuming you use a one designed for construction?
I don't know if the width of a laser beam is precise enough. To test it you could try measuring something to the nearest mm, then check it with a ruler for accuracy. Personally, I'm not sure it brings anything to the table, especially as a ruler is quick and accurate.
What do you shoot? I sold my compound and I'm all about traditional archery these days. Recurve specifically.
For me, the answer is no.
I mean it could be used to measure anything, but a simple ruler is way way way faster when working on flat surfaces.
I have a laser meter that I use at work (Construction-ish) and most of the time, i actually use a measuring tape instead of the laser because it is easier and faster to do so. I only use the laser for long distances.
Also, i was just thinking out loud on my screen, how much "pure" measuring do you actually do in leatherwork? As in, how much do we usualy measure something just for the sake of obtaining its measurements? We usually "Measure + Mark" in order to know where to cut/glue/skive/dance-on etc. and this requires minute adjustements to the postion of the measuringt tool for it to be properly aligned/parallel/perpendicular/tangeant etc. Doing that with a laser pointer, while doable with the help of other alignement tools is doable, it is also just pure toture.