The Construction
Laser device projects a continuous laser beam to form a solid line at a
level point on horizontal and vertical areas, eliminating the need for drawing
an imaginary line or bringing in a yardstick to connect the lines. Typically,
the laser level will be fixed to particular spot on the wall or a central point
in a room. Fixed laser levels throw a level beam against a wall or floor, while
rotary lasers cast a beam around 360 degrees. Laser levels also offer options
for manual or self-leveling.
When you select a Construction
Laser to purchase, it is important to think about how you intend to use it:
Indoors or outdoors? For small distances or large ones? Will you require a laser
level on a whole room or plot? Would you need to measure or set a grade or even
compound one? When you are clear on the functions you need, you can look for the
features you would like for greater convenience and function. You might need laser
detectors, a wall/ceiling mount platform, or a trivet for a side mount. You
may like the convenience of options like self-leveling, displays, remote
controls, rechargeable battery packs, or AC chargers. Or you may the most basic
model you can buy that will get the job done. Whichever situation you find
yourself in, here are some key terms to know when shopping for a construction
laser level.
Manual
laser levels
Fixed manual laser levels are useful on small jobs. Their low cost puts them
in reach of Do-It-Yourselfers who want to assure a straight line when building
shelves, or a who need to get beams align for an outdoor deck. Those jobs do not
require the greater range and accuracy of electronic self-leveling lasers or
rotary lasers.
Just like traditional levels, manual laser levels depend on a vial of
liquid that the user looks to make a determination. But while the low-tech level
can guide you to a straight line for that extends as far as the level itself,
once you get beyond that 3 or 4 foot range, you can lose your line and,
consequently, your accuracy. In contrast, the laser level projects a beam that
draws the line for you, so you can get an accurate line for the entire length of
the wall or floor or ceiling.
Self-leveling
laser levels
The general rule about self-leveling laser levels is that they do cost more
than manual ones, but that the time and uncertainty they save you offsets the
expense.When working on larger projects, like the installation of multiple
walls, doors, or window, self-leveling devices offer the assurance of greater
accuracy and faster results. Most depend on an internal pendulum to establish
the level, while others use a n electronic servo motor to establish the level.
Self-leveling devices are design to alert the user or even shut off if they get
out of level by 3% or more (depending on the model) to prevent stop you from
using the beam as a reference and getting a false read. A straight line laser
level suffices for most jobs with areas up to 150 feet. If the area is greater,
or the job requires a level that cover 360 degrees, then you may want to upgrade
to a rotary laser level.
Rotary
Laser Levels
For jobs that call for covering the complete periphery of an area, laying
foundation for a building, or even lighter jobs like the installation of a
fence, chair rails, or a dropped ceiling, getting an all around level read can
make all of the difference in the results. That’s when a rotary laser level is
particularly useful.
Rotary Laser Levels are usually positioned in the center of a room , often on
a tripod. From that central point, the levels casts its laser beam all around
the room to get a complete 360 degree read. Models that come with an optional
trivet, which allows them to operate when laid on the side, can also project a
vertical plane that cuts through the floor, walls, and ceiling. Rotary Lasers
are available in both manual-leveling or self-leveling models.
Laser
detector
Rotary laser models designed for indoor use may not include a laser detector,
which is essential for outdoor use because the laser line will not be apparent
outside in daylight without it. Many detectors comprise an LCD screen for a
visual guide, as well as an audible component to guide you through sound. It
would emit a short beep when you're close to the point of being on level, and a
steady tone when you've arrived at level. In addition to being absolutely
indispensable for outdoor use, the laser detector can almost double the range of
a rotary laser.
Grade
Lasers Dual Slop/Single Slop Grede lasers
For outdoor jobs that require a setting for slope, you need a rotary laser
designed to take a read on grade. Such devices cost more than standard rotary
lasers, but they are crucial to professional whose work involves establishing a
grade. Those include any form of landscaping or construction that needs to take
proper drainage into account, including site preparation, parking garages,
parking ramps, driveways, sports fields, tennis courts, or roads.
These types of lasers fall into two primary categories, the single slope
and dual slope. The lowest cost option is the single grade one, which gives you
a slope one axis at a time. Some single grade models have to be adjusted
manually. That means you would have to figure out what the grade is to be and
set your detector
and rod to that grade, then manually moving the beam up or down until your
detector comes on to center. In such models, there is no display on the laser to
read the grade. The dual grade or dual slope laser costs more than the single
one, but it also offers greater functionality and a built in display for the
self-leveling grade. In addition to the ability of giving you a read on two
slopes on separate axes at the same time, it also offers you the option of
producing a compound grade.
The second is a dual slope this type will have a display to see the
different grades on the laser and will usually be more expensive than the single
slope laser. Dual slope lasers give you the option to induce a grade in both
axes giving you a compound grade. In addition to giving you a read on level and
grade, many models give you the vertical alignment and plumb. For extra
convenience, some offer the feature of full function remote control. The ability
to make grade changes without having to return to the unit greatly reduces setup
time for better efficiency, especially on jobs that require multiple grade
reads.