How to work with a laser level

28-02-2018
Measuring

When carrying out various construction works, it is very important to achieve clear horizontal or vertical lines. Until that time, the masters used a not very convenient water level for the work. Now he was replaced by a laser instrument. It gives more accurate results.

Choosing a laser level

When choosing a laser level, be guided by the accuracy and range of measurements.

The laser device has a rather complicated structure with many functions. With it, you can control the already finished objects or produce markup during their construction. The most commonly used horizontal and vertical projections, points and cross lines.

Precautions for use

Vertical Laser Level

During the work with a level it is necessary to put on special points not to damage eyes from a direct hit of a laser beam.

The laser level or level, as it is also called, is a small-sized construction emitting light. The laser is produced by diodes that are located inside the instrument. The housing is made of plastic with a rubber coating. Its installation is possible on a tripod or on any flat surface.

Do not forget that the action of laser beams in combination with direct contact can cause detachment of the eye retina. During the use of the device should observe certain precautions. This requires avoiding direct contact with the laser beam in the eyes of those present, as well as the use of personal protective equipment. In this case, the use of special glasses is appropriate. They will not only protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the laser, but also provide good visibility in sunny weather.

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We make the installation level

Before you start working with a laser level, you must fix it firmly.

Even minor fluctuations or shifts during use can lead to distorted results.

Laser level on the wall

A very convenient way is to mount to the wall with suction cups.

It is possible to fix a level on any surfaces. Sometimes this requires additional devices. There are several ways to mount a laser level:

  1. Installation on the floor, chair, countertop or any other surface.
  2. Fixation with a special tripod. It is possible to change the height of the device using tripods, in which the adjustment is made with the help of a lath. Such a tripod allows you to lift the tool up to three meters above the floor.
  3. The use of special rods inside the premises, which are installed between the ceiling and the floor. Such a device allows you to simplify the markup when installing suspended structures.
  4. Mount on the wall with suction cups, magnets or stickies.

The choice of devices for mounting is done independently by each master. Here the main thing is to ensure the immobility of the level during use.

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Adjust the position of the device

Laser level on the floor

It is better to use the laser level with the self-tuning function - this will greatly simplify any work and reduce the time for its implementation.

Before using the laser level, it is necessary to align it with the horizon. Without this action, getting the correct marks will be impossible. The smallest inaccuracy in the alignment of the laser will lead to very large errors in the work.

The budget model of the level is adjusted manually. It was equipped with several bubble levels, which you will be leveling. The adjustment mechanism itself consists of a simple three screws along the perimeter of the instrument.

More expensive models of the device are equipped with self-leveling devices. This helps to simplify the process to a large extent. The principle of self-leveling is that to begin with, you should adjust the level a little with the same cogs manually, and then enable the automation to complete the job started. Self-leveling occurs in the range of 5 to 10 degrees. After the adjustment is completed, you need to remove the fixation device and connect the device to power. After some time, the level will independently take the desired position. Do not forget that every transfer of a tool to a new place must be accompanied by re-adjustment.

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We work with a laser level

Laser level measurement circuit

Measurement circuit laser level.

A very large number of tools has a minimal set of buttons to guide them. The standard set consists of the following mechanisms:

  1. Self-locking device lock.
  2. Power button.
  3. Switch modes of operation of the level.

Sometimes devices provide regulators of the laser feed rate, as well as mechanisms to shut off those types of rays that are not used in the work at the moment. Expensive options are equipped with remote controls. They allow you to perform a management function at a distance and not touch the instrument. This is a guarantee that the instrument settings will be preserved and will not be brought down by an inadvertent movement.

The projection of the line in the horizontal plane is the most in demand in construction work. To obtain it, you must install the device at the desired height, turn it on and get a projection of the mark in the required place. There are cases when fixing the level at the required height is impossible. This happens when marking the ceiling for the construction of a suspended structure. In this situation it is required to move the mark to the highest possible position. Then with the help of roulette measure the level that you need. This method can also be used when applying several parallel lines. More preferable is the acquisition of a level capable of creating circular marks. In any case, it is desirable to have a large scattering angle of laser beams in the device.

The marking of vertical lines is made on the same principle as the horizontal ones. After switching on the level you will receive a vertical projection. For marking in the construction of various partitions, it is desirable to use a laser level with the ability to fully deploy around its axis. Thanks to such devices, you can lay a line on the ceiling or walls without using any more means.

The projection of the cross is most often used in the work of tilers. The intersection of the vertical and horizontal lines allows you to control the state of the seam between the tiles. You can also use this projection for the construction of various structures.

The principle of operation of the laser level

The principle of operation of the laser level.

The ability of the level to create a vertical projection of the beam up and down from the device makes it possible to transfer figures of even very complex shape to the surface of the ceiling. The tool is installed in such a way that the bottom line is in contact with the desired marking point. Then automatically transfer it to the ceiling. Using the device with such a function, you can easily and simply markup on the floor, then transferring it to the desired surface.

The projection of the inclined lines is used in the construction of staircases. In this case, the marking is applied at an angle. Before use, you should turn off the self-leveling mechanism and set the level at the desired angle, using a special scale on the device or tripod.

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Surface leveling

When working on the floor or planning the site, surface leveling is applied. It includes determining the height at various points. Such a process is necessary when placing beacons for screeding, mounting of supporting structures and other works. Special rails, detectors or laser targets help to do the job.

Targets are often red or green hue. Their color should match the color of the laser beam. Included with them there is a convenient stand. The surface of the targets has a markup that helps to establish the level drop. This device allows you to clearly see the laser beams, even in very sunny weather.

Fastening of the detector occurs on the leveling rail. It is an automatic device that makes sounds and starts to glow when the laser hits. The detector is used mainly at large distances. We should not forget that not all levels and detectors are well combined with each other, so you will need expert advice before buying.