How to use the construction laser level

Not so long ago, just 10–15 years ago, builders used only water-borne mechanical devices to determine horizontal and vertical surfaces. At the beginning it was a water hose with glass graduated flasks at the ends( hydro level).Then - bubble spirit level. Today, both of them are beginning to literally be forgotten, because they have been replaced by a laser multi-purpose construction level.

device designed and classification of laser

building level on the principle of the construction lasers are divided into several classes.

1. Point, which project into space a straight beam that represents a point on any intersected obstacle.
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   The dot laser level creates a straight horizontal beam that is displayed as a point on any object in its path

2. Positional, based on the use of the refraction of the light flux in optical prisms. The outgoing beam creates a flat line, precisely oriented in space.

   The position laser level can build a plane in any desired direction with an opening angle of up to 110 degrees

3. Rotary, outlining the plane with a rotating beam.

   The rotational laser level creates a plane with a beam rotating around its axis

Laser levels are also distinguished by the type of alignment, the number of projected planes and the type of emitters. The alignment type refers to the method of setting the tool in the working position.

1. Manual type means setting the device by the user. For this purpose, one or two bubble levels are located on the body. Bringing the level to a horizontal position is carried out with screw vernier.

   . Manual adjustment of the laser level is carried out using the built-in bubble levels and adjusting vernier

2. . Electronic alignment is based on the analysis of information from the bubble hydraulic sensors. Changing the position of the device in space is carried out by servomotors located on the "legs" of the device. When preparing for work, the electronic laser level is able to independently compensate for the error in the deviation of the supporting surface from the horizon up to 15%.

   The laser level with electronic alignment independently determines the horizontal position on surfaces with a gradient of up to 15%.

3. Pendulum alignment independently compensates for a 5% deviation from the horizon. Levels of this type contain a mechanical system that is stabilized by a permanent magnet. Inside the pendulum is mounted an optical device, consisting of LEDs, refracting prisms and focusing lenses. Alignment occurs under the action of the own weight of the pendulum.

   The pendulum self-leveling laser level is adjusted to the horizontal plane by means of a pendulum controlled by an

4. neodymium magnet. Combined devices combine several alignment methods described above simultaneously, for example, electronic horizon alignment plus manual vertical alignment.

By type of radiation, construction laser levels can be divided into two categories.

1. Instruments with a red beam having a wavelength of 635 nm. This is the most common type of laser level, which is mainly used indoors. Depending on the model, the range of the device can vary from 10 to 500 m.

   Laser levels with a red beam are usually used when carrying out construction work in

2. rooms Levels with a green beam whose wavelength is 532 nm. This is a more powerful and long-range type of radiation( up to 1000 m), which is better perceived by the human eye.

   Laser levels with a green beam have a greater range and are used on objects of increased length

Video: laser level principle

Preparing the laser level for operation

Before directly turning on the LED, which creates the laser beam, the device must be prepared for operation. Preparation is to install the device on a tripod or just on a flat surface. Many models are designed so that their working position can be adjusted only on a tripod - there are bubble levels for the primary alignment and all the pivot levers for fixing the beam in the desired position. Rotary tools are equipped with additional types of attachment to the wall or ceiling. This is due to the fact that their use often requires installation in a suspended state, for example, when installing a large suspended ceiling.

Before switching on the laser level, it must be installed on a stationary tripod.

The main task during installation is to give a stable position to the laser level. Its oscillations or falls during operation are unacceptable, so the tripod is located at the right level with the maximum solution of the legs, then the attachment point is leveled and only after that the level itself is fixed.

The LED is powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries. In case of insufficient charging, the device may not work properly, so the condition of the power supply elements must be monitored. Some models are equipped with a battery charging indicator, which makes it easier to monitor their status.

Construction laser levels are usually powered by replaceable batteries or

batteries. Instruments with a pendulum leveling device are designed so that the pendulum locking mechanism is turned off only when the power is turned on. For additional control of the vertical position in many models there is a sound signal, which stops as soon as the device is in the desired state.

Electronic leveling also occurs after power up. It is necessary to give a certain time to the sensors for self-leveling. The support of the level consists of 3 legs, by setting the length of which the servomotors bring the instrument to a horizontal position. The laser beam is switched on only after the rumble of the motors stops. The same happens with the rotational level fixed on the wall or ceiling, but instead of the horizontal position of the support legs, the verticality of the axis of rotation of the LED is regulated.

How to work with the

level Since the laser level is still an unfamiliar tool for many, the manufacturer attaches a detailed instruction manual for each product. It specifies the conditions in which the device can be operated, its technical characteristics, range, error, etc. There you can also find a detailed description of how to work with the level.

No matter how simple and intuitive the instrument was to operate, the instructions must be carefully reviewed, because each model has its own design and operation characteristics, and their ignorance can lead to premature failure or inadequate use of the tool.

How to set up an

level The laser level is set up right at the moment of its use. It consists in the task of the necessary mode of operation in a particular situation. This is due primarily to saving power supply element. Since all construction levels are portable devices and their operation depends on the state of the battery or accumulators, you should always choose the most economical mode of operation.

For example, in a pendulum laser, when switched on, all the rays at once light up. Horizontal and vertical lines appear on the wall, the laser plummet indicates the points above and below the instrument. But more often than not, the user only needs one of these visual landmarks - a vertical or horizontal. In such cases, it is recommended that all other beams be turned off - this will save battery power by half.

To increase the laser level from one set of batteries, it is recommended to turn off all currently unnecessary modes of its operation.

In the level of the rotational structure, in addition to turning off the unused beams, the beam rotation frequency or scanning angle is adjusted.

The same applies to the duration of measurements. The smaller the device will be on in time, the longer it will last. Therefore, experienced users turn on the laser only for the time needed for marking. The ray readings are duplicated with a pencil or marker, after which the power to the level is turned off. In addition to the energy savings of nutrients, this also reduces the risk of damage to the eyes, since the constant luminescence of the laser beam can adversely affect vision.

The laser level is turned on only for the time of marking on the surface of the walls.

The operating mode is set using the buttons located on the device body. You can not press the buttons with sharp objects, all switching must be done by hand.

Since the construction laser level is designed to operate in the “harsh” conditions of the construction site, when choosing and buying a device, you should pay attention to the IP index( ah-pi), which reflects the characteristics of the instrument case protection from dust and moisture. The first figure shows the level of dust protection, the second - the degree of moisture resistance according to the six-point system. For example, for internal repair work, IP52 or any other level is sufficient with the first digit not less than 5. But if the device is operated in open areas, it is desirable that its IP index is maximum, that is 66.

Summing up, we can formulate the basic rules for using the tool.

1. There should be no foreign objects between the device and the marking surface that interfere with the passage of the rays.
2. The distance from the level to the wall, floor or ceiling must comply with the technical characteristics of the device; it must not be exceeded. Otherwise, the measurement error may exceed the permissible limits. An error of up to 0.2 mm per 1 running meter of the measured surface is considered acceptable.
3. Do not shake or move the device during operation. The tool must be properly secured in a stable position. A particular danger is the fall of the level from a height.
4. In the area of ​​propagation of rays it is necessary to ensure the absence of unauthorized people and animals( for safety reasons).

For the convenience of users, additional accessories have been developed, with which it is easier to mark. These include:

• mirror receiver of the laser beam, which increases the range of the device;
• target for beam localization;

  The target allows you to clearly receive and position the signal from the laser level at large distances

• rail, which allows to produce several parallel lines.

  Using a laser rail will help you quickly draw several parallel lines located at different distances from each other.

Sometimes these accessories are included in the laser level package. Otherwise, they can be purchased separately.

Using the laser level when working on the floor

When leveling the floor, as well as the ceiling, use the function of building a horizontal plane using a laser level. We can say that this is one of the most common ways to use the device.

Control of horizontal plane of the floor is one of the most popular tasks solved with the help of a laser level

The procedure is quite simple. It is necessary to turn on the device and project the beam along the measured surface. Using a tape measure or a ruler to measure in several places. On a flat surface, all results will be almost identical. If the plane of the floor( or ceiling) is curved, then noticeable discrepancies will be traced in the series of measurements.

In addition, a laser level can help with sticking ceramic tiles on the floor or decorative tiles on the ceiling. To do this, gently tilt the device without turning off the power. The pendulum will lock in a fixed position. Rays, depending on the need, can be combined. The most used combination in practice is the intersection of two rays at a right angle. They can be projected anywhere, thus obtaining an excellent opportunity to mark any surface at your discretion with respect to the geometric proportions. Different clips on the tripod allow you to fix the device in any desired position.

The laser level allows you to check the perpendicularity of any surfaces during construction

Despite the fact that the pendulum level is very reliable and rarely breaks, they need to be used with caution. The fact is that from the battery to the pendulum fit the thinnest threads of power wires. With a sharp concussion or impact, they can simply tear.

What can be done on the walls of the

Without exaggeration, we can say that the laser levels in full solve all the problems of marking on the walls. With their help today is the alignment of the walls when plastering, sticker wallpaper, borders, markings for installation and hanging furniture. In addition, the laser level is very convenient for installing ceramic tiles on the wall, when building inclined planes, etc.

Consider just some basic features that not only facilitate the work of the builder, but also make comfortable home repair with their own hands.

1. Vertical wall control. It can be produced by direct or indirect measurement:
   • with direct measurement vertical laser beam is directed to the corners of the wall. According to the laws of geometry, if the two corners of one wall are in a vertical plane, the wall must also be vertical. This, of course, in theory. In practice, it happens that with straight corners the line of the wall “walks”, but that is another question. The directness of the wall is measured by the rule and has its own tolerances( 1 mm per 1 running meter of the surface);

     With a direct measurement method, the verticality of each corner of the

   • wall is checked for indirect measurement. The verticality of the wall is estimated from measurements taken in several places. A beam of a level direct along a wall. This must be done in such a way that they are parallel at least at the extreme points. After that make several measurements with a ruler or tape measure. Usually take the extreme upper and lower points. According to the difference of testimony, one can judge the degree of deviation of the wall from the vertical.
2. Sticker ceramic tiles on the wall. When performing this work include two beams simultaneously - horizontal and vertical. Their intersection is directed to the desired section of the wall and secured with clips on a tripod. As a rule, the first row of the tile is laid out on the level, the rest fall automatically due to its correct shape and intermediate plastic crosses.

   When using a laser level, the laying of ceramic tiles will be made perfectly exactly

3. Wallpapering. The device is used in the same way, only one beam is turned on - vertical. It is displayed on the wall in the right place and the first sheet is pasted along its line. The edge of the wallpaper must be pasted exactly along the line of the level, then all subsequent sheets will lie on the wall exactly, following the rule of parallel transfer. However, you can just as well glue the horizontal elements of the decor.
   

   When sticking wallpaper in a laser level include only one beam, depending on the location of the roll

4. Furniture installation and shelter cabinets on the walls. These works are also greatly facilitated when it is possible to accurately determine the location of the necessary objects in space. A crookedly hanging picture or shelf can ruin the whole impression of the interior.

   Using a laser level, you can even hang a bookshelf, picture or carpet

Video: How to use a laser level -

video instructions How to check the laser level for accuracy

Despite the fact that laser technology has a very high reliability, there are cases when devices needrepair and adjustment( adjustment).

1. The appearance of bends at the ends of horizontal lines up or down( builders call this a grim smile).The line from the straight becomes arc-shaped.
2. Vertical line curvature. The appearance of bends at the ends of the lines.
3. The wedge suspension system of the pendulum. The behavior of the rays becomes uncontrollable, they freeze in different positions.
4. Electronic circuit failure. Such a malfunction sometimes occurs in levels with electronic equalization. As a result, the measurement results are significantly distorted. The device starts to “lie” if the chip controlling the servo motors is damaged.
5. Disruption of the normal operation of the laser control buttons. They seize or sink.
6. Mechanical damage to the laser level housing. This usually happens after a tool is dropped on the floor. The tightness of the casing is broken, dust and moisture get inside. As a result, very soon the tool becomes unusable.

To clarify the diagnosis, the laser level is checked on pre-prepared reference surfaces. The easiest way is to check the accuracy of the reading with a bubble level( spirit level).Best of all, if the level length is about 2 m, then the error will be clearly visible. You can use a shorter level, but in conjunction with the building rule. With their help, you can draw a straight long line on the wall. A laser beam is induced on this line and the degree of its conformity is analyzed.

Video: how to check the laser level and calibrate it

Self-repair of the laser level

It is highly undesirable to try to repair the laser level yourself, without having the appropriate qualifications. Only mechanical damage can be repaired. Electronics and optics are best left to specialists.

Video: laser level, disassembling and calibrating at homeGetting to the retina, it can cause severe damage to the tissues and neural endings of the eyeball. Therefore, work with a laser level must be accompanied by the observance of personal safety measures.

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