pointing device

Well my retracing season is slowing down and the new layout work is now in full swing. I've been doing my new layouts by using chalk lines but I've found since I bought the lazy liner I can almost paint a perfectly straight line without a chalk line. Still the consequences of a screwed up new line are too high to risk doing this all the time. So I'm looking for a method to mount some sort of pointing device on the machine (titan...not that that should matter). Would anyone be willing to post a picture of how they mount their pointing devices to their machines? Thanks Frank (ps. lazers aren't an option for most of my work because I can't see them during the day)

Get a green laser. You can see them in the daylight. Search the forum for more info.

I believe that is going to be tough to get into Canada. Esp. anything over 5mW. I've looked at the Z-bolt items and posted a question previously about the 5mW green lazer. If I remember properly the feedback was it would not be adequate for use in the daylight. A higher mW rated lazer would be required and THAT is the hard part of getting it into Canada because it is above the accepted power rating for use in public places.

The next best thing to a laser is the Graco pointer. I don't know how it would fit on a Titan, but I bet it wouldn't be much trouble to fit it on. Cool thing about Graco pointers is that it folds in two places when it hits a curb, and then falls right into place for the next line. A quick and dirty pointer is a piece of 3/8" copper tubing, (the flexible kind). Get a piece a foot or two long, flatten one end, and vise grip it onto the frame. Bend it around however you like... My green laser is the base model, and it shows a visible dot in bright sun.

Robert, can you see the green dot on black asphalt in bright daylight? I had read here a while back that they couldn't see the base model (5mW) green laser in the sun light. If you really can see it in the bright sun on asphalt ...well that changes things!

I can see the dot just fine. It's not real bright, I usually put it three or four ft in front of the machine. I clamp my laser to the handlebars with test tube clamps, but the best idea I have heard is Dwan's setup with copper tubing and rubber hose.

I really like the Titan hydraulic paint pumps compared to the Graco clutch systems but this season I bought an older used Graco GM3500, it has the fat track replacement front wheel and without a doubt the Graco paints a straighter line. I also use the LazyLiners and I have almost completely eliminated chalklining on new layouts because of the straightness I can achieve with the riders, even on double bay(head to head) parking and without a pointer. I do still chalkline some depending on what it is and where it is. My point is mostly this, the Titan machine I have cannot even come close to holding a straight line compared to the Graco, I may even buy a fat track and put it on the Titan...

Robert is there any pics on file of Dwans set up? SDSTRIPER, my titan paints very straight...my only issue is getting it lined up to begin with...If I push with even pressure on handle bars or better yet with my lazyliner it will paint straight. (But hey if a fat track wheel can make straight lines even easier...why not?)

Not saying your machine is any less than mine, but I will say again that my old GM3500 with the upgrade Fat Track paints straight effortlessly compared to my Titan. I would say due to the Fat Track. And I have used and painted straight lines with some pretty worn out equipment over the years, some that others could not paint a straight line with to save their (expletive). The riders help immensely and I only wanted to point out a known issue and weak point IMHO. Hope you find a pointer that suites your needs.

The green lazer is the way to go. I can follow and chalk line but my biggest thing was my starts. I have the lazer on the spray bar and then I have it pointing at the start. The rest is history -Dean

( i have done some searching,) and i like to have a pointer and curious about them ( i think it would sharpen up/tweek my striping) however i have a titan, i know they have one available (laser), is that one any good? or any feedback? i know it is costly.....and if i understand u guys right, there is no other pointer available from titan? or was there ever?(it dont make sense to me that graco does and titan dont) thanks

The Titan laser pointer is a red laser. Only works at night.

DWAN needs to show us some pixs of his laser setup!

I will as soon as I get back from vacation

I just ordered the green one for $89 with a on/off switch Now where is everyone mounting them at?