LT55 VS E-TEMPLATE

[Bedrockron]

We currently use the LT55 and it works well, but with business expanding we are considering purchasing the E-Template because it seems to have more features. We would like to know of any pros or cons to the E-Template VS the LT55. Thanks!

[ageless]

We recently started using an LT55. After playing with the Proliner at one of the workshops, that would be my next choice. It was so much faster than the laser!

[luke getz]

we have the lt2d3d, and it has been great! i believe the software is the same as the lt55, so it should be super easy ( and less expensive ) to switch to using the 2d3d. or you could go with the leica head and still use the laser products software.

we looked at the proliner and the etemplate as well, and decided that the 2d3d was where we wanted to go. one thing that i did not like about etemplate was the software - while it looks like it can do so much more ( i am not sure this is actually true, but the layout looks more like cad so the perception is that it can do much more) one of the reasons i like laser products is that the software is very user friendly, and I dont think i have run into anything that i could not do with it yet.

proliner looked interesting, with some advantages, but it has disadvantages as well, and for the price, we decided to go with the 2d3d ( proliner was my second choice though)

[Bedrockron]

What does it cost? Any additional software or hardware required for use?

[Dave.Scott]

We have owned the LT-55, the 2D3D, the Leica, and Proliner.
What I will say is like all other products; they all have their merits and detraction's.

All of their salespeople make good points, but, for our business:
the LT-55 was nothing more than a paperweight,
the Leica was good but, did not flow as well with our programmers as the Proliner.
We purchased a 2D3D on a bit of a deal from the salesperson but, after 10 months, we sold it here.

I believe that in a fabrication business where we are -- much highly custom work that at times climbs 6 or more different planes and needs to be able to trace and offset, and modify those lines and curves, on all of those 6 planes; the only one for us is the Proliner.

We have listened to, watched, and endured all of the salespeople. Proof is in what YOUR PEOPLE can do with it.

Unfortunately, you have to own at least 2 Proliners because when they go to their shop, they are gone for 4+ days at a cost, round-trip (for us here in Montana) of $600+, not counting lost productivity.

That said, I believe that for the custom work that we do, nothing else is even in the same time-zone as the Proliner.

If Proliner wanted to double their market share, they would integrate a Team Viewer link for remote analysis and software upgrades. To date they have not been willing to do that, that is why you must own more than one.

Remember, look at your operation's needs, people, business, and where you are going when you are considering any of these products. We are completely digital and have no need for a plotter, every "generation" the data goes through, the error can expand.

Every digital measuring device can be the exact one that you gott'a have because 90% of us are all different, the other 10% are slam-bam-thank-you-mam outfits that only need rectangles.

[Alex DiPietro]

I'm with Dave. We have two proliners and Leica. The Leica is for sale.... Nothing comes close to replicating the accuracy of stick templates like a proliner. Lasers require too much manipulation to get the desired results. Off setting targets and whatnot. The proliner still requires minor manipulation to see behind something but that's it... Worth the extra cost 10fold for the custom work we do.

[cliveyt]

proliner for me too, all custom 2cm work like alex. sometimes I will have my guys stick template then trace the templates with the proliner then send it to the saw - this works well for intricate jobs and full splash.

[Caleb]

we are considering purchasing the E-Template because it seems to have more features.

Are you talking about the hardware or software? If you're taking hardware just get a used Leica (5-6k) and use the LT software yoy already have (assuming you are using the LT software... if you are using draftsite or somthing and think the e-template software looks more usable you might try to just get the LT software seat which would be much less than purchasing software from E template.

[Dwallace]

Now I want a pro liner. Thanks Dave and alex