DIY laser level. Homemade building level

Usually this question is asked by home craftsmen: at the start of any construction on suburban area or repair household work In a residential area, you can’t do without splitting the axes. Perform correct geodetic marking of the area and calculation of elevations earth's surface or mark vertical and horizontal guides for perfect installation of the cornice, washing machine or a bookshelf, gluing the first strip of wallpaper and many other household tasks is called upon by a fairly easy-to-use device - a level.

Based on the type of design, levels are divided into two main classes:

• optical, the operation of which is based on the refraction of the incoming image in a system of prisms and reflection from the mirror surface;
• laser, the operating principle of which is based on a laser emitter and the construction of one or two planes.

The decision to make a level yourself may be caused by the significant high cost of professional brand tools, the lack or very limited choice necessary devices in provincial retail outlets, and just curiosity. Spare parts for homemade levels can be bought in stores without any problems and very inexpensively. building materials and even stationery.

DIY optical level

When thinking about how to make a level with your own hands, you should purchase the following components necessary for the device:

• optical plastic sight of the required magnification (in most cases, four times will be enough). The higher quality the sight is purchased, the more accurate and convenient it will be to work with the future level;
• the simplest bubble level (spirit level) with two (horizontal and vertical) or, if this is really necessary, three (the first two plus a rotary corner) bubbles;
• a small piece of aluminum strip about 4 mm thick;
• two suitable bolts with corresponding nuts;
• standard locksmith tool.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Two small fastening blanks of the type “ dovetail", designed to serve as a support stand for the purchased optical sight and elements connecting it and the level. The dimensions of the workpieces should be correlated with the dimensions of the sight legs and the distance between them.
2. Using a hacksaw, deep enough cuts are made in aluminum plates to accurately make a groove into which the sight will be inserted. The groove is made with a tetrahedral file; the resulting edges must be strictly perpendicular to each other - the optical sight will be securely fastened in this slot. The width of the groove depends on the size of the sight body.
3. Holes for bolts are made in the plates and in the spirit level, aluminum blanks are mounted on the surface of the level. Of course, other mounting options are also possible, even by attaching it with adhesive tape or adhesive tape - the main thing is that the sight is securely fixed and does not dangle relative to the building level.

For all work if you have at least some skills construction tool it will take half an hour at most, and the cost of such a simple optical level will not exceed 500 rubles.

Making a laser level

Despite the rather serious design of professional laser tools, a simple laser beam builder is quite possible to make yourself.

So, we make a level at home. What you will need:

• a small laser module, which includes a special light filter that draws a crosshair of rays on the surface. The adjustable module head allows you to focus the beam to the desired sharpness. The cost of such a module is 250-300 rubles.

A simple Chinese laser pointer of varying power will also work (it should be understood that the range of a high-quality beam will depend on it), which can produce both a simple beam and a cross.

• as a base, you can take a smooth and flat foam wall from the packaging of any household product, the wall thickness is about 1-2 cm;
• four small nails and fairly thick wire;
• glass bowl with water or oil.

The sequence of design actions is as follows:

1. A wire is wound around the laser module in the form of a spring; two sufficiently long tails should be left on the left and right for more reliable subsequent fixation of the emitter.
2. The laser module is placed on a foam base and fixed on both sides with nails - two on each side.
3. Water is poured into a transparent bowl, and the foam platform with the emitter is carefully launched into swimming: no matter how uneven the surface on which the bowl stands, the liquid will always find and level its ideal horizon - an excellent and fairly accurate natural level, which is always at hand if available plumbing system or water bottle.

The undoubted advantage of such a device is its simplicity, speed of execution (no longer than 10 minutes) and obvious low cost - the cost of the entire device is equal to the cost of an azure pointer. Using powerful laser pointers you can significantly increase the leveling distance.

Video instructions for creating a laser level

Pros and cons of homemade levels

Such fairly home-grown geodetic technology, of course, does not provide exceptional accuracy, like industrially produced levels. But it can be made literally from what is on hand or without any problems purchasing the missing components at the nearest store. And there are a great many ways to create your own levels, invented by Russian craftsmen.

The cost of homemade levels is orders of magnitude lower than factory ones, and the measurement accuracy is more than sufficient for household repairs. construction work. Therefore, if necessary, think about it: maybe you shouldn’t buy an expensive tool, because, as it turned out, designing your own level is easy, simple and interesting.

Laser level or the level is a convenient and useful tool, the need for use of which arises not only when carrying out repair work. However this tool has a fairly high cost, which makes it inaccessible to some of the craftsmen. If you can’t purchase one, you can make a laser level with your own hands. Moreover, the manufacturing procedure is not particularly difficult, so any home craftsman can handle it.

The principle of operation of a laser level is that a projection is created on the required object or group of objects. The role of the laser beam is played by an LED emitting a luminous flux. Special prisms and lenses make the beam bright and directional. Such equipment is simply irreplaceable when carrying out finishing and construction work both indoors and outdoors.

A homemade laser level is an excellent alternative to an expensive laser level. Manufacturers supply mainly 2 types of levels: static and rotary. The main difference between them is that the rotary one is equipped with an electric motor, through which the laser rotates, and a focusing lens, while the static one consists of a prism onto which the rays are projected.

The diagram above shows how the level works. The operating principle of the device is actually not complicated, but accuracy is very important. The high cost of such instruments is due to the high cost of components that are used for the production of levels. If you need a laser level to use at home, you can make it yourself.

How to make a laser level with your own hands

The easiest way to make a level is to use a laser pointer. The costs of manufacturing such a device will be insignificant, since you only need to buy a laser pointer and make all the other parts yourself.

When starting to make a level from a pointer, it is necessary, first of all, to ensure reliable fastening element, which could then rotate around its axis. For the manufacture of homemade device You will need a list of the following materials, tools and parts:

• laser pointer;
• a wooden beam measuring 25x25 cm and about 0.5 m long;
• drill or screwdriver with drill function;
• cord;
• support.

Let's start making a laser level from a pointer:

1. It is necessary to drill two holes in the block on both sides parallel to each other. One hole is intended for securing the pointer, and the second for the cord.
2. After fixing the laser pointer, you need to fix the cord. The cord is intended to hang the resulting device. The hole for the cord must be of sufficient diameter so that the rope passes through it freely.
3. After the cord is pulled through the hole, it should be tied to the block and tightened tightly.
4. As a supporting surface, you can use any stick (sharpening one side into a point, you can stick it into the ground), a shovel, a tripod, etc.

An important rule when using a homemade level is reliable fixation of the support. After manufacturing such a device, it should be checked for quality of operation. It is recommended to perform the check in evening time days so that the point is clearly visible. Initially, you should hang the instrument by a cord in the center of the room. After this, the level should be turned in the desired direction, and then a mark should be made on the wall. Such a self-leveling level can be directed in any direction where marks are needed, and then begin work.

The second option for manufacturing a laser level involves using foam plastic and a container of water. Initially, you need to take a small container, as well as a piece of plasticine or tape. You will also need a laser pointer and a piece of foam.

The manufacturing process is as follows:

1. The container should be filled to the brim with water.
2. Attach the pointer to a piece of foam.
3. Place a container of water at the height required for marking.
4. The foam along with the pointer should be placed in water.
5. After this, you should turn on the pointer.
6. When the location of the foam relative to the central axis changes, points are marked. All points will be located directly on the same level.

It is quite difficult to call such a design ideal, but, nevertheless, this level will have a high degree of marking clarity.

Testing a homemade laser level

Now you can resort to testing your homemade device. To do this, you will need to secure the product with a pointed stick. With help bubble level should be aligned horizontally.

After switching on laser pointer, it should be aimed at the surface. After projecting the first point, you need to make a mark. By rotating the homemade device, marks should be made. All obtained points are connected using metal profile and a pencil.

Pros and cons of homemade levels

After the laser level is ready with your own hands, you should not expect it to perform any complex tasks. This unit is intended for one-time work, so if your type of activity is related to construction, then it is better to purchase a professional tool. The advantages of a homemade device include:

• obtaining a sufficiently long beam length;
• speed of production;
• no need for financial costs;
• increasing the speed of marking work.

The disadvantage is the fact that it homemade instrument, therefore high precision and performance complex work You shouldn't expect anything from him. With a little ingenuity, you can make a level with your own hands, without resorting to purchasing expensive factory models.

Making a level with your own hands is quite simple, but using a laser device will be even easier. Practical laser levels simply need to be placed on the floor or mounted on a wall and turned on. The required level will be displayed in a matter of seconds.

Such a device is not a cheap pleasure. If it is necessary for professional use, then such large expenses are justified. However, if the level is needed for a one-time renovation in an apartment, then you can act more rationally and make it yourself. The parts required for this will be much cheaper and can be purchased in many stores.

Design Features

The main operating element of the device is a laser emitter. IN homemade design An inexpensive laser pointer can be used as an emitter. In addition, you will need:

• bubbly building level;
• board or thick plywood;
• a peg 1-1.3 m long with a square or large cross-section of 5x5 cm or a diameter of 5-6 cm;
• a piece of rubber with a porous structure.

Manufacturing process

Through simple transformations, the laser pointer turns into an emitter, from which there will be a clear point on the wall. To do this, use a regular nozzle without a pattern. The hole needs to be sealed with cardboard and a neat small hole made in it. After this, the pointer with the nozzle will leave a clear, small dot on the wall.

Next, the laser is attached to a building-grade housing. Clamps are used for this. A piece of rubber must be placed between the pointer body and the level. This will provide the cushioning needed to adjust the laser angle later.

Then the device is installed on a tripod stand. To make it, you will need a stake, one side of which needs to be sharpened and the other side leveled so that a flat area is formed. A piece of plywood or board is screwed to the flat side with a screw. You do not need to tighten the fasteners all the way so that you can unfold the board if such a need arises during the measurement process.

The peg-stand is driven into the ground; if the work is carried out indoors, then a tripod should be used instead of a peg. At the same time, the rotating stand is aligned horizontally. A level is placed on it and the laser is turned on.

To mark walls using a similar level, you should mark a luminous point on the wall, and then turn the laser in the direction to which you want to draw the marking line.

There will be a second point on the wall. If you connect them, you get a horizontal line.

Thus, the laser level greatly simplifies construction and renovation work. It is easier to use than a regular construction one, desired result will be received much faster. Self-production laser level is an opportunity to save significantly, since the cost of the necessary elements of such a design is much less than the price of an industrially produced device.

It is not difficult to make a laser level with your own hands. To make it, you do not need to purchase expensive materials, and the manufacturing process itself is quite quick and simple. The end result will be a small homemade laser level with a small error.

The industrial laser level is equipped with a beam that helps to measure the exact horizontal line.

The industrial-style laser level is equipped with a special beam, with the help of which the horizontal line is reflected. As for a homemade device, it will be enough to purchase a laser ruler that will fully satisfy all the requirements. So, for design you need the following details:

• laser pointer;
• bubble building level;
• a wooden block, square or round (shovel holder);
• tripod;
• board or plywood;
• awl;
• pencil;
• porous rubber.

Almost everyone has all these parts at home, but even if you have to buy something in addition, the cost of a homemade laser level is significantly lower than an industrial standard.

Manufacturing Process Stages

There are 2 options for how to make a laser level with your own hands, and in both cases the main component of the design is a laser pointer.

The result will be a device that will mark one point on a plane, and not project a horizontal or vertical line onto the wall, like industrial laser levels.

For such projection of rays, special lenses are used.

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Homemade laser level on a tripod Initially, you need to convert the laser pointer. Take a nozzle without a pattern and seal it with a piece of cardboard. Make a small hole in the center of the cardboard as accurately as possible. round hole

The next stage of manufacturing a laser level is attaching the laser pointer. It must be secured using clamps to porous rubber, which, in turn, is attached to a bubble building level. The rubber will serve as a shock absorber and adjust the laser angle.

As a tripod, you can use a tripod (if you have one) or make it from a wooden beam.

They take a beam and attach plywood to one edge with a bolt to form a stand. It should rotate. The second edge of the beam is sharpened and driven into the ground. Using a tripod allows you to use this level indoors.

We drive a stake or install a tripod according to the horizon line of the bubble building level. When the tripod is at full zero, you can turn on the laser. The point of light of the beam on the wall is marked with a construction pencil, and then we turn the stand a little and make another mark on the wall. By making several such marks and connecting them into one line, we get a horizon line.

A laser level or level is used in the field of construction and facing work for the purpose of precise marking on any type of surface. The procedure is easy and quick, which significantly saves time in the work process. The tool may not even be used experienced master: Simply fix the device on a support (floor, ceiling, wall) opposite the marking surface and turn it on. On the surface where the marking occurs, a projection of the laser beam will appear horizontally and/or vertically.

The cost of the presented device in various retail outlets is quite high. But, if you use certain instructions, show 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 go towards the construction and renovation of various premises.

Device design features

The device is compact and ergonomic. It can easily be placed in a pocket, mounting case or bag. The case is equipped with fastening elements. They may be:

• magnet;
• fastening straps;
• tripod.

The beam projected onto the marking surface is constructed along a plane or in a direction. Construction levels, used to indicate a certain direction, produce a projection in the form of a point. Devices for marking the plane are equipped special kind an optical instrument that turns the beam into a straight line. Levels are divided into types:

• Rotary devices, due to rotation around their axis, are capable of producing a clear line (used when pouring floors and constructing ceilings);
• positional levels consist of 2 laser radiation sources to create a visible plane (used during finishing works indoors);
• self-leveling (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 a conventional level based on liquid and air bubble.

Making a simple level from a laser pointer

Of the entire list of elements of such a level, you only need to buy a pointer. It is quite possible to make the remaining auxiliary parts yourself. The task of the presented process is to build a reliable fastener that will allow the device to rotate around an imaginary axis completely unhindered. The tool consists of the following parts:

• laser pointer;
• wooden beams (length - 0.5 meters, width and thickness - 25x25 mm, respectively);
• cord intended for construction work;
• drill for drilling holes;
• support (an ordinary stick will do).

To assemble the equipment, just follow the simple steps described below.

• The block is drilled on both sides. As a result, neat holes are formed, which must be parallel to each other. One of the holes made will be used to securely fasten the pointer, and the other will fit the construction cord.
• The pointer is securely fixed in the hole and a rope is secured, making it possible to install the device above the floor surface. The hole drilled specifically for the cord must be of the optimal diameter so that the cord can pass through it freely.
• A rope is threaded into the hole that was prepared in advance and secured as securely as possible.

The support should be fixed. Otherwise, it will not be possible to adjust the level correctly. 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 only be comfortable to use in a darkened room.

How to check if a homemade level is working properly

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 desired direction, and the required distance along the length of the beam projection is noted. After this, a special stick is installed to ensure ease of marking.

After such important events, you can begin to use the device and point it in any direction. If you leave the position of the stick unchanged, the same height of marks will be ensured. After marking the laser dots, they are connected with construction cord. Next, using a measuring meter, preferably a hard one, draw a marking line.

Level made from a container of water and polystyrene foam

You will need the following elements:

• convenient container;
• plaster or plasticine;
• laser pointer;
• Styrofoam.

Before you begin 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 these rules are neglected, the materials will lose the desired properties. Next, actions are performed that do not require particularly large material and time costs. All of them are described below.

1. A clean container (a large saucepan, bucket or bowl made of any material) filled to the brim with water.
2. A laser-type pointer is attached to a prepared piece of foam. As a nozzle you need to use a regular point. The fastening can be a thick rubber band, plasticine or a clamp. The device should be mounted as evenly as possible, parallel to the mounting surface.
3. Select the height required for marking and place a container of water there.
4. The pointer, fixed to the foam, is placed in the reservoir.
5. Turning on the pointer.
6. 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 designated. They will be at the same level relative to the established horizon.

The elements must be High Quality and strength. This will ensure the longevity of the equipment. The presented design is far from ideal, but it gives fairly clear marking results. Thanks to this, such equipment is quite popular among budget or private builders.

Making a laser cross with your own hands

This tool is convenient to use when various works facing type and installation of hanging furniture. For this reason, it is not only popular among professionals, but is also often an integral element in the toolkit of the owner of a city apartment or private house. To manufacture the device, the following parts are required:

• laser type pointer;
• tripod from a camera or video camera;
• outdated player;
• several unnecessary disks.

You will be required to follow the steps below.

1. A rectangular cross is made from pointers, which is attached to the drive from the player. This ensures free rotation of the tool around its axis.
2. Ensuring free lifting of the device to the required height.
3. The discs are carefully glued together and installed on the drive from the player.
4. A cross made of pointers is attached to the disks. You can use tape or other sticky material.

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 marking will be more accurate, and the process itself is much simpler than when 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 marking speed.

The use of the equipment is fully justified for walls, floors, ceilings and other supports of a similar type with any type of surface. Alternative applications include marking the following objects:

• personal plots;
• fence structure;
• facade finishing.

Ingenuity, accuracy and strict adherence to the instructions described above will help to significantly save money and time. Before spending money on expensive equipment, a thrifty person should think about whether it’s worth making the device yourself, saving money? Moreover, its quality and ease of use in everyday life corresponds to an expensive device.

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