Catherine Jo Morgan wrote:

I think a small laser level would help me a lot, but I'm not sure. Let's say
that I have a curved surface, a rough hemisphere for example. I'd like to
cut the hemisphere in half, or at least slice it so the cut edge is straight
and can be fitted onto a flat surface. Could a laser level lay a straight
line onto the curved surface, so I could mark it for cutting?

Perhaps there's a better way to do such marking? I know a laser level will
give me a pretty broad line at close range. Is there a way to distinguish
among the different models to find the one that will have the thinnest line
at close range? Are the lines or dots always smaller the closer you are?

Also - would it be kind to my eyes to wear shaded glasses when using a laser
level? I do know not to point the laser AT my eyes (or at anyone else.) But
the line itself is pretty bright, right? So maybe shade 3 if I can find some
clip-ons? TIA
--
Catherine Jo Morgan
http://www.cjmorgan.com
online artist journal: http://radio.weblogs.com/0120691/

Harbor Freight sells a laser level that emits both a spot and a
horizontal fan beam. It's about $12. I've used mine to mark cut lines on
55 gal oil drums (for a Department BBQ grill . One of our Geology
instructors used it to demonstrate elevation contour lines on models of
land formations. Also, a visiting sculpture in the Arts Department is
looking at it to transfer layouts from paper or models to stone.