Yes it does have a laser, I didn't see that in the online description.  Good
point about the emissivity.  I often compare things like one coolant hose vs
another, the 4 different exhaust headers, one front wheel vs the other,
different parts of the same radiator or transmission case, etc.  Measuring
relative temperatures rather than an absolute value.  Play around with it
and you can probably get a feel for how accurately different surfaces read.

Edward

On Tue, Jul 5, 2011 at 9:34 AM, Larry Alofs <lalofs@gmail.com> wrote:

> One important issue to keep in mind is the emissivity of the surface.
> You may get inaccurate readings when measuring the temperature of a
> shiny object.  A surface that reflects the IR away rather than
> absorbing it as heat will also give off less IR than normal for a
> given temperature.  One solution to this problem is to apply a piece
> of black tape to the object in question.
>  HF used to sell a small IR thermometer for about $10 coupon price
> that had a tutorial about this in its manual.  Unfortunately that
> instrument was powered by expensive button cells.
>   These things are great for physics teachers!
>
> Larry A.
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 5, 2011 at 8:50 AM, John Meeks <vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Now that we have these shiny new laser guided temp guns, does anyone know
> > the best places to take measurements and what the expected temps should
> be?
> >
> > John Meeks
> > '91 Vanagon MV
> > Northern Michigan
> >
> > Vanagon Rescue Squad
> > www.vanagonauts.com
> >
> >
> >
> > On Tue, Jul 5, 2011 at 6:19 AM, John Reynolds <transporterjr@yahoo.com
> >wrote:
> >
> >> It does have a lazer beam!
> >> PS - my brother is the one who passed this lead to me - he'll be happy
> to
> >> hear all the people taking advantage of it.
> >> "I'm confused now.... Does the one on sale at Lowes NOT use a laser
> beam?
> >> Thanks, Anthony
> >> '89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)"
> >>
> >
>