A laser level is a fairly useful device used in any construction, which allows you to very quickly and at the same time as accurately as possible mark the level on any surface. To use such a tool, you do not need to have the skills of a professional builder - it is enough to set the laser level on the floor or wall, turn it on and wait for the device to project lines in accordance with the horizontal or vertical level on the surface to be marked.
However, such a device in stores is not cheap and therefore it is advisable to learn how to assemble it with your own hands, especially since it will not be difficult.
Design features of laser levels
Visually, the laser level resembles a small device that can be mounted on various surfaces. The most popular methods of fixing the device are carried out through the following elements:
- magnetic element;
- tripod stand;
- special lashing straps.
In addition to the method of fastening, construction levels differ in the projection of the laser beam onto the surface: building a plane or direction. Instruments used to indicate direction produce a point projection on a surface. In turn, the levels projecting the plane are equipped with special optical systems that turn the beam into the plane. Today, specialists stand out several types of laser levels:
- A rotary device that can rotate around its own axis to form a clear line. Such a device is manufactured in a reliable case, qualitatively protected from various external factors. Such a product is perfect for any construction activities, from floor filling to ceiling construction.
- A positioning device consisting of two emitting sources that allow the creation of a visible plane. Such a device is mainly used for indoor finishing work.
- Self-leveling device - a level equipped with internal pendulums and capable of emitting up to five beams. This laser level is additionally equipped with a cross-shaped sight.
The main disadvantage of such universal devices is their relatively high price... The cost of the simplest device is not always affordable for the average consumer and is tens of times higher than the price of an ordinary bubble or water level.
The simplest level of a laser pointer
If we consider the price of a homemade laser level, then a person will have to spend only on buying a pointer. All other structural elements of the device can be made with your own hands from scrap materials that can be found in every home workshop. The main task when creating a homemade laser level is mount pointer so that it can rotate freely around its own axis. But first you need to stock up on the following consumables:
- laser pointer;
- wooden bar measuring 25 by 25 mm and half a meter long;
- construction cord;
- ordinary electric drill;
- support in the form of a stick for the finished laser level.
To assemble a laser level with your own hands you need follow a certain sequence uncomplicated actions.
- In a pre-prepared block, holes parallel to each other are drilled from both edges. One of them is for mounting a laser pointer, and the other for a construction cord.
- After the laser emitter is fixed in its place, a rope is attached, which is designed to hang the device above the level of the floor surface. A hole is drilled from the opposite end of the bar so that the cord can freely pass through it.
- A rope is passed into the prepared hole, which is tied to the bar and tightened tightly.
- The support can be any convenient stick, including a shovel stuck in the ground.
The main thing is that the support used is securely and immovably fixed... If this rule is neglected, then it will not be possible to set the level correctly.
Checking the performance of the laser level
Using a laser level assembled with your own hands from a pointer, you can make markings on any surface, but it is better to do this in low light so that the light beam is clearly visible. To start marking, the device is suspended with a rope in the center of the room in which the work is performed. The self-made level turns in the required direction and marks the desired distance along the length of the beam, after which a stick is installed on which convenient to mark.
After carrying out such simple manipulations, the level can be directed in any direction where it is necessary to make marks. Moreover, if the position of the support stick is unchanged, then all the marks will be located at the same height. After marking individual points, they can be connected with a construction cord, along which, using a construction meter, draw a marking line.
Laser level made of foam and a container with water
To create a laser level of this design with your own hands, you need to prepare a convenient container, a piece of plasticine or a plaster, in general, any substance or material with which you can fix the main part. Naturally, you will need laser pointer and a piece of styrofoam. The very same procedure for assembling the device takes place in accordance with a certain action plan.
Despite the fact that such laser levels can hardly be called ideal, however clarity of marking high enough and such homemade designs have a right to exist.
Homemade laser cross design
This is another type of laser level that can be assembled by hand. This level is very convenient to use when hanging cabinets in the kitchen or pictures in rooms, as well as in many other situations. To make such a simple tool, a person will need video camera tripod, an old player and a couple of unnecessary discs.
- A laser pointer cross is attached to a tripod so that it rotates around its axis. For this purpose, you can use the drive from the player.
- It is also important to take care that the laser level can be moved vertically to the required height.
- The discs glued together are installed on the old drive of the player.
- At the final stage, a cross of laser pointers is attached to the discs. You can use scotch tape or any other material at hand to fix it.
Due to the fact that the device is movably placed on a tripod, it can be rotate in any directionwithout changing the markup height. Thus, by setting the necessary parameters for marking, you can accurately hit the level on any surface in the room without the need to adjust the device every time.
The main advantages of a homemade tool
Naturally, you should not expect from a laser level assembled by yourself to perform ultra-precise and complex marking operations. But for use in everyday life, such a device is quite suitable and even in many ways surpasses the quality of the factory water level. Plus, it can provide the following functions:
- sufficiently long beam length;
- the minimum level of error with a comparative ease of use;
- increasing the speed of marking.
But the main advantage of the laser level is the ability of the device project rays horizontally... Thanks to this, the builder can accurately control the quality of the vertical and horizontal level both when marking wall, floor or ceiling surfaces. In addition to construction, the level can be used when marking a personal plot, facade decoration of a building or erecting a fence.
Therefore, thinking about how to replenish your home workshop with a laser level, you should not rush to the store to buy an expensive device. Having shown a little ingenuity and dexterity, everyone will be able to assemble a level with their own hands from scrap materials. In this case, the maximum cash cost will be the purchase of a conventional laser pointer.
When performing various types of repair and construction work, the need to use laser levels invariably arises. With the help of such a tool, ideal horizontal and vertical structures are ensured, which, in turn, guarantees the quality of construction and repairs performed. You can purchase the level you need in hardware stores or make it yourself.
Doing such a tool with your own hands is not particularly difficult, which will allow each homeowner to save significantly if it is necessary to carry out finishing and repair work in the house.
The laser level is a versatile tool that is widely used when performing various kinds of finishing and repair work in the house. For example, without using such a tool, it is impossible to perform the following work:
The main difference of such a laser level from construction bubble modifications is the excellent quality of the measurements. That is why today such accurate and easy-to-use tools have gained popularity among both professionals and ordinary homeowners who do their own repairs.
The tools used today are compact in size and can be easily mounted on a variety of surfaces. The simplest devices consist of the following elements: special fastening belts; tripod stand; magnetic element.
The most popular today are the following types of laser levels.
It should be said that purchased levels have a high cost, so the average consumer simply cannot afford them. However, you can easily make them yourself, significantly reducing the cost of purchasing a tool.
Manufacturing options
There are several options for equipment that you can make yourself. We will analyze in detail each method of producing a laser level with our own hands.
From a laser pointer. Today, inexpensive laser pointers can be found on the market, from which the simplest level of accuracy can be easily achieved. In fact, you only need to spend money on the purchase of such a pointer, the cost of which usually does not exceed 1000 rubles.
You need to perform a high-quality attachment of the pointer, which should rotate around its own axis. For this job you need the following:
A step-by-step guide for assembling the level will be as follows.
- In the prepared bar, holes are drilled parallel to each other, which are intended for attaching a construction cord and installing a laser pointer.
- Having fixed the emitter in a block of wood, a construction cord is attached, which will allow the device to be suspended above the surface to be leveled.
- A rope is passed through the drilled holes, tied to a bar and tightened tightly.
- The support and plumb bob can be made from any stick with the dimensions you need.
With the help of such a self-made level from a laser pointer, you can mark any surface. The room should be twilight, which will improve the visibility of the light beam, along which horizontal and vertical marks are made.
The device is suspended by means of a stand on a rope in the center of the room, after which the highest point on the plane is determined, along which the surface leveling will be carried out. Next, you will need to alternately place such a level in each of the corners of the room and draw a line along the resulting light beam.
From a container with water and foam
The easiest level to use can be made from a laser pointer, a small container of water, and a piece of Styrofoam. The assembly algorithm for such a tool is as follows.
Such a simple device will allow us to get accurate markings, and in terms of the accuracy of the work performed, such a tool is practically not inferior to expensive purchased levels. The easiest way to make the holder is from a small piece of foam or other lightweight materials.
Cruciform device
A cruciform level is another simple type of laser device that you can easily assemble with your own hands.
The cross level can be used not only in construction and decoration, but also in determining the level for placing furniture, installing paintings and so on.
You can perform such a simple tool using a laser level bar with your own hands from a camera or camcorder, a couple of unnecessary disks and an old player.
- The head element, made of laser pointers, must be fixed on a tripod for a laser level with your own hands, ensuring its free rotation around its axis.
- To perform such a mount, you can use a drive from an old player.
- The level should move vertically to the desired height.
- The glued together discs are attached to the player's drive.
Already directly to the disks and the mount from the drive, pointers are fixed, which can be wound on tape or fixed with plasticine and sealant.
The advantage of such a tool is the presence of a telescopic arm, which makes it possible to rotate it in any direction. At the same time, you do not change the marking height, which allows you to beat off the exact level on the surface and subsequently, according to the calculations, perform the necessary work, ensuring the ideal horizontal and vertical surface.
Such levels are easy to use, which allows every owner, who has even minimal experience in repair and finishing work, to use this tool, providing the necessary accuracy and quality of measurements.
When using these rulers, you must be careful not to direct the laser beam into your eyes. This can damage the retina, temporarily blinding you, leading to vision problems for several days.
Using a level floating in the water on the foam, do not let water hit the pointer, this can lead to its rapid failure. Therefore, it will be useful to additionally seal the floating level with ordinary silicone.
The advantages of a homemade tool
You should understand that such a home-made tool will still not be able to provide marking accuracy at the level of professional models. However, most of us simply do not need such micron accuracy when doing home repair and decoration.
The completed instrument will provide much better measurement accuracy than the factory water level. If we talk about the advantages of such home-made laser levels, then we note the following.
- minimum measurement error;
- ease of making a homemade tool;
- ease of working with him;
- long beam length;
- the electronic instrument does not require adjustment;
- the speed of measurements and room marking.
Such devices are capable of projecting beams along the vertical and horizontal plane. Accordingly, the functionality of such levels is significantly expanded, which can be used when carrying out various kinds of construction and finishing work.
The geography of use of such a level is extremely wide, it can be used on a personal plot when erecting a fence, various facade finishing, finishing work, as well as during the repair and construction of a house.
If you want to save money without losing the quality of the construction and finishing work performed, we recommend that you make a laser cut pointer with your own hands, which will serve you for many years, providing the necessary measurement accuracy. At the same time, the cost of the parts and components used will be at an affordable level.
The laser level is a useful invention that makes the process of bouncing a level quick and convenient. To use it, you do not need to have special knowledge, just install it on the floor (some models - on the wall) and turn it on. The built-in laser emitter will begin to act and at the moment will project strictly horizontal or vertical lines on the surface of the room. The aforementioned advantages have been appreciated in practice by many construction crews, but among home craftsmen, the convenient device has not found wide application. A high-quality laser level (with a small measurement error!) Is expensive, so it is not wise to buy it for one-time work and then throw it on the mezzanine. For these purposes, you can make a laser level with your own hands from inexpensive and affordable parts.
Component parts of the structure
The main element of the industrial laser level is a special laser emitter. In a homemade level, its role will be successfully played by a penny laser pointer, which can be bought in any stationery department. This is only the main detail, but not the only one, the whole list of necessary items is as follows:
- laser pointer;
- building level (bubble);
- a peg with a square or round diameter (d \u003d 5-6 cm) 1-1.3 m long (you can use a shovel holder);
- thick plywood or board;
- a piece of foam rubber.
Laser pointer and building level - the basis of a homemade laser level
Stages of creating a homemade product
1. Converting a laser pointer
The first step is to make an emitter from the pointer, which will project a clear point onto the wall (unfortunately, it will not be able to "draw" a continuous line on a plane, like expensive purchased tools, anyway, special lenses are needed). To do this, take the simplest nozzle, without a pattern, glue it with cardboard and pierce a small hole in the center. Now, when we screw the tip over the pointer and turn it on, a bright, clear point will appear on the plane.
2. Fixing the laser at the building level
We attach the laser pointer to the building level with clamps. Place a piece of rubber between the pointer and the level. The damping material is necessary to further be able to adjust the angle of inclination of the laser.
Homemade laser level: 1 - building level, 2 - laser pointer, 3 - piece of rubber, 4 - fastening clamps
3. Making a tripod stand
The stake should be pointed at one end and horizontally aligned at the other to create a small area. To this site, we fix the plank (plywood) with a nail or screw in such a way that it can be rotated in a circle during measurements. The result is a very comfortable rotating stand.
4. Assembly of laser level elements
We drive the stake into the ground with a pointed end (of course, this is only possible on the street, in the room it makes sense to replace the stake with a tripod). At the same time, we align the wooden stand horizontally, using a building level for control. We set a level on the platform and turn on the laser.
The principle of operation of a homemade laser level: 1 - stake, 2 - stand made of board or plywood, 3 - building level, 4 - laser pointer, 5 - screw, 6 - laser beam, 7 - wall, 8 - laser point on the wall
After turning on the device, a dot will be visible in the place where the laser beam meets the wall. At this point we make a mark. Now turn the rotating stand and mark the next point on the same wall. After connecting these two points, we get an absolutely flat horizontal line. In the same way, contours are drawn on all other surfaces of interest to us.
Adjusting the laser level
The principle of operation of the laser level is clear. However, you can proceed to the direct drawing of contour lines only after adjusting (checking) the tool. This activity should be carried out each time after installing the level stand in a new location and before starting work. Adjustment can be done like this:
1. Screw a screw (l \u003d 100-120 mm) into the board-stand so that its head coincides with the laser line. We direct the level with the laser to the wall and turn on the beam. At the point received on the wall, we make a mark and screw in another screw there.
2. Between the screws we put a thin strip, for example, a metal profile for plasterboard. We put a homemade level on it and try to set the level bubble horizontally (in the center of the window). To do this, raise or lower the end of the profile that is closer to the wall. As soon as the level bubble points to a horizontal position, we make a new mark on the wall at the new position of the profile. Now, if we connect the head of the screw screwed into the wooden stand with a new point on the wall, we get a perfectly horizontal line.
3. Install the homemade laser level on the stand. In order for the device to work correctly, we need to align the point projected by the beam with the new point that we got using the profile. To do this, we adjust the position of the laser pointer with the mounting clips. As soon as the beam points to the mark obtained earlier, you can start working - the level is set correctly.
Adjusting a self-made level: 1 - stake, 2 - stand, 3 - building level, 4 - rubber, 5 - screw, 7 - wall, 8 - point on the wall
Such a homemade laser level in appearance and convenience is certainly inferior to the analog of industrial production. On the other hand, its price is mere pennies. In addition, the most important thing: with the careful assembly of all the parts, the resulting lines will just as accurately coincide with the horizontal, as when using a modern expensive level.
The laser level or level is used in the field of construction and cladding works for the purpose of accurate marking on any type of surface. The procedure is easy and fast, which significantly saves time in the work process. Even an inexperienced master can use the tool: just fix the device on a support (floor, ceiling, wall) opposite to the marking surface, turn it on. On the surface where the marking takes place, the projection of the laser beam will appear horizontally or / and vertically.
The cost of the presented device in various retail outlets is quite high. But, in the case of applying a certain instruction, showing accuracy and some patience, it is quite possible to make a laser level with your own hands. This approach has a positive effect on saving financial resources that are spent on the construction and repair of various premises.
Design features of the device
The device is compact and ergonomic. It fits easily into your pocket, utility case or bag. The body is equipped with fastening elements. They can be:
- magnet;
- lashing straps;
- tripod.
The ray, projected on the marking surface, is constructed along a plane or in a direction. Building levels used to indicate a certain direction produce a projection as a point. Plane markers are equipped with a special type of optical instrument that turns the beam into a straight line. The levels are divided into types:
- rotary devices, due to rotation around their axis, are able to produce a clear line (used when pouring floors and constructing ceilings);
- positional levels consist of 2 sources of laser radiation to create a visible plane (used during interior finishing work);
- self-aligning (can emit up to 5 beams and are equipped with a sight in the form of a simple cross and pendulums located inside the device).
The price of the presented equipment is several times higher than the cost of the usual level based on liquid and air bubble.
Making a simple level from a laser type pointer
From the entire list of elements of such a level, you only need to buy a pointer. The rest of the auxiliary parts can be made independently. The task of the presented process is to build reliable fasteners that will enable the device to rotate around an imaginary axis completely unhindered. The tool consists of the following parts:
- laser pointer;
- timber beams (length - 0.5 meters, width and thickness - 25 × 25 mm, respectively);
- cord for construction work;
- drill for drilling holes;
- support (a regular stick will do).
To assemble the equipment, it is enough to perform the simple steps described below.
- The bar is drilled on both sides. As a result, neat holes are formed, which must necessarily be parallel to each other. One of the holes made will be used to securely fasten the pointer, and the construction cord will fit in the other.
- The pointer is securely fixed in the hole and the rope is fastened, which makes it possible to install the device above the floor surface. The hole drilled specifically for the cord must be of the optimum diameter to allow the cord to pass freely through it.
- A rope is threaded through the hole, which was prepared in advance, and fixed as securely as possible.
The support should be fixed. Otherwise, the correct level adjustment will not work. The pointer must be of high power so that the beam can be clearly displayed on any surface. If the presented parameter is insufficient, the equipment will be comfortable to use only in a darkened room.
How to check a homemade level for performance
Using a simple rope, the device is suspended from a support in the center of the room. The equipment is turned on, directed in the right direction and the required distance along the length of the beam projection is marked. After that, a special stick is installed, which ensures the convenience of marking.
After such important events, you can start using the device and point it in any direction. If you leave the position of the stick unchanged, then the same height of marks will be provided. After marking with laser points, they are connected with a construction cord. Next, using a measuring meter, preferably rigid, draw a marking line.
Level from a container with water and foam
You will need the following items:
- convenient container;
- plaster or plasticine;
- laser pointer;
- styrofoam.
Before proceeding with how to make a laser level with your own hands from the presented parts, you need to make sure your hands are clean and dry. If you neglect these rules, materials will lose the desired properties. Further, actions are performed that do not require particularly large material and time costs. They are all described below.
- A clean container (a large pot, bucket or bowl made of any material) filled to the brim with water.
- The laser-type pointer is attached to a pre-prepared piece of foam. You need to use a regular point as a nozzle. The fastening can be a dense elastic band, plasticine or a clamp. The device should be mounted as evenly as possible, parallel to the mounting surface.
- The value of the height required for marking is selected, and a container with water is installed there.
- The pointer, fixed to the foam, is placed in the reservoir.
- Turning on the pointer.
- By changing the position of the device on the surface where the marking is made relative to the axis of the central view, points are indicated. They will be at the same level relative to the established horizon.
Elements must be of high quality and strength. This will ensure the durability of the equipment. The presented design is far from ideal, but it gives fairly clear marking results. Due to this, such equipment is quite popular among budget or private builders.
Making a laser cross with your own hands
Such a tool is convenient to use for various cladding work and the installation of hanging furniture. For this reason, it is not only popular among professionals, but is often an integral element in the toolbox of the owner of a city apartment or private house. The following parts are required for the manufacture of the device:
- laser pointer;
- tripod from a camera or video camera;
- outdated player;
- several unnecessary disks.
You will be required to follow the steps below.
- A rectangular cross is made from the pointers, which is fixed to the drive from the player. This ensures free rotation of the tool around its axis.
- Ensuring free lifting of the device to the required height.
- The discs are carefully glued together and installed on the drive from the player.
- A cross of pointers is attached to the disks. You can use tape or other sticky material.
The advantages of a homemade tool
Despite the fact that such a tool cannot provide high accuracy, it is quite profitable to use it in everyday life. In any case, the markings will be more accurate, and the process itself is much easier than using a water level. It is for this reason that such equipment is in demand among household consumers. The positive characteristics of the tool include:
- long beam length;
- minimum error;
- high speed of marking.
The use of the equipment is fully justified for walls, floors, ceilings and other supports of this type with any kind of surface. An alternative scope includes markup for such objects:
- personal plots;
- fence structure;
- finishing of facades.
Your ingenuity, accuracy and strict adherence to the above instructions will help you save money and time. Before spending money on expensive equipment, an economical person should think about whether it is worth making the device on his own, saving money? Moreover, its quality and ease of use in everyday life correspond to an expensive device.
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Sometimes during repairs, I need a laser level, but I was not going to spend a very impressive amount on what I will use from time to time. Therefore, I decided that making the laser level myself was not difficult.
To make the level with my own hands, I used the tools at hand and a few tools. I decided to set my level on the frame, because I wanted to make the most accurate device. To make the frame, I decided to use an old hard drive case.
Step 1: assembling the frame, the first axis
First you need to disassemble the hard drive into its components. For this I used TORX screwdriver bits H6 and H8.
When the disc was disassembled, I began to think about how to use the drive motor assembly in the frame of my device.
The first thing that attracts attention when looking at the drive is the threaded holes on the wide drum, to which it will be convenient to attach an aluminum angle.
On an aluminum corner 25x25x1.5 mm, you need to drill holes that match the holes on the drive motor. For the hole pattern, I used a flange that holds the hard drive plates in place.
Step 2: assembling the frame, the second axis
To build the second axis, I used the read and write arm mounts.
First, we cut the bolt to the desired length, attach the head spindle to the cut bolt, also add a couple of nuts as a spacer and for additional heat dissipation. Then we fix the second axis to the aluminum corner.
Now you can connect the first and second axes.
Step 3: Assembling the frame, laser pendulum
The laser will be attached to the pendulum. In an aluminum profile with a square section of 19 mm, you need to make a core from chipboard. In order for the core to sit as tightly as possible, the chipboard can be hammered in.
Using a drawing square, mark the middle on both sides of the profile, then drill holes in these places. I also added a nut for the adjusting bolt. I inserted the nut into a small hole, knocking a little with a hammer, it sits tightly in its place.
If you want to drill a similar hole on the opposite side of the profile, it is best to first drill the pilot holes on both sides and then re-drill them with a larger diameter drill so that they are symmetrical.
Step 4: install the laser
I have installed an old laser pointer.
Step 5: making the case
I made the body of a homemade level from a cut of 3 mm aluminum composite panel, for the walls I took another old hard drive.
With a slide saw, we saw through 2 mm channels in the composite panel so that you can bend it around the frame and form the body.
I decided to add a circular spirit level to make it look more impressive. It is also useful if the level is too far from the reflective surface.
Step 6: do the wiring
For the wiring, I used wires from old headphones because of their lightness, strength and thinness. Their weight does not affect the operation of the support frame, you just need to leave the loop for free play.
Before soldering the wires, you need to strip the insulation on them. To do this, you need to hold the wiring a little over the flame of the lighter and when the insulation begins to melt it will be easy to remove it.
Step 7: Calibration
To adjust the laser level on the pendulum there is an adjusting bolt and a screw, they change the angle of inclination of the pendulum, shifting the center of gravity. Distances greater than 20 m will give a large tilt angle.
To test my level, I made a mark on the garden post and a hairline on the gate post using a water level.
To adjust the laser level, I brought it up to the mark line on the gate post and began to turn it until the laser hit the garden post. It took some time to line up the marks, the reflected laser signal is strong enough.
Turning the adjusting bolt a little, I raised the laser to the level of both marks. The laser is visible at a distance of more than 20 m.
I attached a screw on the bottom to be able to set the DIY laser level on a tripod.