Making laser levels with your own hands: types, assembly and the principle of operation of homemade systems

For people of different construction trades, the accuracy of lines and angles is of particular importance in the process of work. After all, clarity and accuracy is an indicator of quality and professionalism. Special tools help to achieve high accuracy, however, even a homemade laser level allows you to get excellent results with less effort.

Types and purpose of levels

For specialists in the field of construction and installation, a factory-made laser level is a professional necessity. Such a tool is not cheap. For those who need it occasionally, the amount of $ 100-200 may seem high.

It is in such cases that a homemade laser level will be the best solution. You can assemble it with your own hands from scrap materials with minimal financial investment. Thanks to this, you will receive excellent construction and installation tools that perform their function no worse than industrial counterparts.

In appearance, the laser levels can be different. But in all cases it is a small, self-contained device that emits a laser beam and runs on batteries or a rechargeable battery. Depending on the type and function, the shape of the beam can be different. By setting such a level on the selected surface, a light projection is obtained on the walls, ceiling and floor that allows you to apply the most accurate markings or fix irregularities and inaccuracies of the processed parts premises.

There are three options for laser levels:

1. Rotational - rotating around its axis and projecting rays in the form of lines. Such devices have a reliable case and are capable of performing almost any construction function within the limits of specificity.
2. Positional - emits laser light in the form of a plane. Best suited for controlling the decoration of a room.
3. Self-leveling - in its device it has pendulums that allow it to self-level itself relative to the ground. It is equipped with five beams and a cross-shaped laser sight.

Any of them perfectly fulfills its function in a given area. But a hand-made device is not much different from a manufactured one.

Besides, laser levels may also differ in the mounting device:

• tripod;
• magnet;
• belts.

These are the most popular types of systems that allow you to install the device. Although there are lesser known ones, they are not so popular.

The rays are also emitted differently. Some create only a direction, while others allow you to project a plane. Each option has its own purpose and scope.

Self-manufacturing methods

There are several ways to make a device with your own hands. To do this, some materials will have to be purchased, but most of them can be found in almost any home.

From a laser pointer

The simplest and cheapest option can be made from a conventional laser pointer. To do this, you need to buy the pointer itself. In addition to her, you will need:

• a block of wood 50 cm long and with a side size of 25 mm;
• construction cord or its analogs;
• stick to support the finished level;
• drill.

Holes are drilled in the timber at both ends. One of them is intended for attaching the emitter, and the second is for a cord or rope. The pointer is securely fixed at one end, and at the other end, a cord is threaded so that it can fit freely in the hole.

You can use absolutely any stick for support. Even a shovel stuck in the ground will do. The main thing is to be able to freely hang the resulting structure. The support must be securely fixed, and only this will allow you to get the most accurate markings.

This level allows you to mark the required surfaces wherever you need it, and also use it as a homemade level. When using it, it is preferable to lower the illumination, which will give clearer marks.

It is better to install the assembled structure within the center of the room. And you can control the accuracy with a stick, on which a mark will be applied when fixing the first point.

Styrofoam and water tank

This DIY level method is even easier. All you need to make it is:

• laser pointer;
• a piece of foam;
• plasticine, electrical tape, plaster for fasteners;
• a small container of water, such as an old saucepan.

Attach the laser pointer to the foam as evenly as possible. Fill the prepared container with water to the very top. Carefully place the foam with the emitter on the surface of the water. Now all that remains is to position the resulting system at the required height.

Making the next mark, the foam is turned to the next marked place. When all the points are ready, it is enough to connect them together with a construction tape.

Although this type of device is not ideal, it allows you to get fairly accurate results.

Cross-shaped emitter

A more complex, but very accurate laser level is convenient to use in any situation, especially for installing hanging furniture. Although it can be called difficult only in relation to others, it is assembled simply. For this option you will need:

• four laser pointers;
• a tripod from a video camera;
• three CDs;
• old drive from a player or computer;
• fastening material: adhesive tape, plaster, electrical tape.

The use of a tripod is due to the fact that it allows you to place the pointer as evenly as possible relative to the horizon, move the installed structure horizontally to the required height, rotate the emitters without knocking down the installed options.

First, you need to firmly fix the drive from the player to the tripod. Glue the CDs together and install them in the drive. On them, in the shape of a cross, attach laser pointers. And the device is completely ready to work.

The advantage of this model is that it can be rotated in any direction, as well as raised and lowered without loss of accuracy. This allows you to hit the level without constant readjustment.

Pendulum system

Having made a simple laser level with your own hands, you can try to create more complex models, as close as possible to factory counterparts. The level using a pendulum system gives very accurate data. Most of the work in this case will have to be done on the pendulum itself, while the emitting system will not take away a lot of forces.

In this case, a pointer is not needed. Instead, a laser module is used with prisms already installed in it, allowing horizontal and vertical lines to be projected.

The module itself is powered by three or four AA batteries. It is this number of batteries that is optimal: two are discharged too quickly, and a larger number makes the system too heavy. They will need a compartment, you can take it from an old toy.

The module, batteries and other parts involved in the process must be assembled into one unit. When this part is ready, it must be installed on a pendulum prepared in advance. And after that you can think about the body of the structure.

A cut of a plastic plumbing pipe is perfect for him, in which holes for the rays are cut in advance. A switch is also installed here. This completes the assembly of the level.

But it still has to be calibrated. You can use the water level for this purpose, with which two marks are made on the wall at a distance of five to six meters. If the beam coincides with the marks, then additional adjustment is not required. Otherwise, the pendulum will have to be adjusted.

Advantages and disadvantages

Homemade tools always have a number of advantages, among which the price can be called fundamental. After all, a hand-made thing will always be cheaper at cost. And this is what many craftsmen pay attention to. In addition, such a device is always tailored to the needs of the owner.

Among the main advantages of laser levels can be distinguished:

• low cost;
• long beams;
• low error rates;
• speed when using;
• fast and easy creation with a minimum of materials.

Such devices can mark not only the premises, but also personal plots, facades and other territories.

There are very few cons:

• inconvenience of using some designs;
• you still need to buy something for manufacturing, for example, a laser pointer.

As you can see, there are not so many downsides. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to run to the store to buy a device, when you can create it yourself in a matter of minutes.