Laser level from scrap materials. How to make a homemade laser level or level Do-it-yourself electronic level

Laser level – useful invention, which makes the process of tapping the level quick and convenient. To use it, you don’t need to have any special knowledge; just install it on the floor (some models on the wall) and turn it on. The built-in laser emitter will begin to act and instantly project strictly horizontal or vertical lines onto the surface of the room. The mentioned advantages have been appreciated in practice by many construction crews, but the convenient device has not found wide use among home craftsmen. A high-quality laser level (with a small measurement error!) is expensive, so buying it for one-time work and then throwing it on the mezzanine is not reasonable. For these purposes, you can make a laser level with your own hands from inexpensive and accessible parts.

Components of the structure

The main element of an industrial laser level is a special laser emitter. In a homemade level, its role will be successfully played by a cheap laser pointer, which can be bought in any office supply department. This is only the main detail, but not the only one; the entire list of what is needed is as follows:

laser pointer;
building level(bubble);
a peg with a square or round diameter (d=5-6cm) 1-1.3m long (you can use a shovel holder);
thick plywood or board;
a piece of porous rubber.

A laser pointer and a building level are the basis of a homemade laser level

Stages of creating a homemade product

1. Laser pointer conversion

The first step is to make an emitter from a pointer that will project a clear point on the wall (unfortunately, in any case, it will not be able to “draw” a continuous line on a plane, like expensive purchased tools; special lenses are needed). To do this, take the simplest nozzle, without a pattern, cover it with cardboard and pierce a small hole in the center. Now, when we screw the attachment onto the pointer and turn it on, a bright, clear dot will appear on the plane.

2. Fixing the laser at the building level

We secure the laser pointer to the building level with clamps. Place a piece of rubber between the pointer and the level. Shock-absorbing material is necessary so that in the future it will be possible to adjust the angle of inclination of the laser.

Homemade laser level: 1 - construction level, 2 - laser pointer, 3 - piece of rubber, 4 - fastening clamps

3. Making a tripod stand

The stake should be pointed at one end and leveled horizontally at the other to form a small platform. We attach a board (plywood) to this area with a nail or screw so that it can be rotated in a circle during the measurement process. It turns out to be a very convenient rotating stand.

4. Assembling laser level elements

We drive the stake with its pointed end into the ground (of course, this is only possible outdoors; indoors, it makes sense to replace the stake with a tripod). At the same time we align wooden stand horizontally, using a building level for control. Place a level on the platform and turn on the laser.

The principle of operation of a homemade laser level: 1 - stake, 2 - stand made of board or plywood, 3 - construction level, 4 - laser pointer, 5 - screw, 6 - laser beam, 7 - wall, 8 - laser point on the wall

After turning on the device, a dot will be visible in the place where the laser beam meets the wall. We make a mark at this point. Now we turn the rotating stand and mark the next point on the same wall. After connecting these two points we will get an absolutely flat horizontal line. In the same way, horizontal lines are drawn on all other surfaces of interest to us.

Adjusting the laser level

The principle of operation of a laser level is clear. However, you can proceed to the direct drawing of horizontal lines only after adjusting (checking) the tool. This activity must be carried out every time after installing the stand with a level in a new place and before starting work. Adjustment can be done like this:

1. Screw a screw (l=100-120 mm) into the stand board so that its head coincides with the laser line. We aim the level with the laser at the wall and turn on the beam. We make a mark at the point obtained on the wall and screw another screw there.

2. Place a thin strip between the screws, for example, metallic profile for drywall. We put a homemade level on it and try to align the level bubble horizontally (in the center of the window). To do this, raise or lower the end of the profile that is closer to the wall. As soon as the level bubble indicates the horizontal position, we make a new mark on the wall according to the new position of the profile. Now, if we connect the head of the screw screwed into the wooden stand to a new point on the wall, we will get a perfectly horizontal line.

3. Install the homemade laser level on the stand. In order for the device to work correctly, we need to combine the point projected by the beam with the new point that we obtained using the profile. To do this, we adjust the position of the laser pointer using fastening clamps. As soon as the beam points to the previously obtained mark, you can begin to work - the level is set correctly.

Adjusting a homemade level: 1 - stake, 2 - stand, 3 - building level, 4 - rubber, 5 - screw, 7 - wall, 8 - point on the wall

This homemade laser level appearance and convenience is certainly inferior to its analogue industrial production. On the other hand, its price is mere pennies. In addition, the most important thing: with careful assembly of all the parts, the resulting lines will coincide with the horizontal just as accurately as when using a modern, expensive level.

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 in a positive way affects the savings of financial resources that go towards the construction and repair of various premises.

Device design features

The device is compact and ergonomic. It can be easily 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 a plane are equipped with a special type of 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. Other details auxiliary purpose It is quite possible to make it 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, it is enough to complete 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 and sent to the right side and mark the required distance along the length of the beam projection. 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 items:

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 you neglect these rules, the materials will be lost required properties. Next, actions are performed that do not require particularly large material and time costs. All of them are described below.

A clean container (a large saucepan, bucket or bowl made of any material) filled to the brim with water.
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.
Select the height required for marking and place a container of water there.
The pointer, fixed to the foam, is placed in the reservoir.
Turning on the pointer.
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 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.

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.
Ensuring free lifting of the device to the required height.
The discs are carefully glued together and installed on the drive from the player.
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. TO positive characteristics instruments include:

long length beam;
minimum error;
high marking speed.

The use of equipment is fully justified for walls, floors, ceilings and other supports 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.

Video on the topic

Buying an expensive level for home needs does not make sense, since this device costs a lot of money, and it does not need to be used often. If you need to draw an even horizontal line on the wall, or install the structure parallel to the ground, you can make a laser level with your own hands, using available materials that can be found in any private home. This will not take you a lot of time and money, but you will get good tool which you will use long years. Next we will provide two simple master class To make a homemade level by hand, the work will take you no more than half an hour.

Option No. 1 – Use a flat stand

In the first case, in order to make the device ourselves, we will need the following materials:

a regular laser pointer, which is sold in kiosks and on the market and is not expensive (shown in the photo below);
bubble building level, can be bought at a specialty store;
wooden peg, 1 to 1.3 meters long, 5 to 6 cm in diameter;
a small piece of rubber;
a sheet of plywood or board along the length of the level.

Having prepared all the materials, you can proceed to assembly. homemade device. To make it clearer to you how to make a laser level with your own hands, we provide step by step guide:

That's all the manufacturing instructions. As you can see, making a simple laser level with your own hands is not difficult, but the problem is that such a homemade product cannot be installed on a hard surface, for example, concrete screed or wooden floor. It is usually used outdoors. To solve this problem, you can also screw a stand made of plywood sheet perpendicularly from the second end of the peg. In addition, you can make a support of a special design, like a real level, but making a tripod will take more time and effort.

Using such a homemade laser pointer device is not difficult. First, the stand is driven into the ground or placed on the floor, after which it is leveled bubble level– the bubble should be strictly in the center. Next, you need to turn on the pointer and mark the point projected on the wall with a pencil. After this, the stand carefully rotates along its axis in a horizontal plane, and new marks are placed. All the points are connected to each other and that’s it – the straight line on the wall is ready, you can proceed to other equipment!

It should be noted right away that you should not rush and start important marking work without calibrating the device. First of all, you must make sure that the homemade product works correctly so that the result does not become unexpected for you. To do this, you need to adjust the homemade laser level (in other words, check the accuracy of its operation).

You can make the adjustment yourself like this:

With the help of such a homemade laser device, you can independently draw horizontal lines in your home. However, you should not rely on high measurement accuracy. The device is homemade and has some error, which must be taken into account.

Video review of a more complex self-regulating cross-type model

How to make a level with your own hands

Option No. 2 – Use a container of water

The second way to make a laser level with your own hands is to use a water surface. All you need is to select a container of suitable size, for example, a basin, and pour water into it under the rim. The liquid forms a plane that will be parallel to the horizon. Next, you need to take a piece of polystyrene foam and secure the pointer strictly in the middle. After this, the container must be set at the level of the future line and the foam with a pointer must be placed in the water. We turn on the homemade product and mark points on the wall, turning the laser in the desired direction. Then we connect them and get a straight horizontal line. The video example shows in detail all the stages of assembling a homemade water level:

Master class on creating a simple device

The disadvantage of this level is that you need to correctly and very evenly attach the pointer to the foam. Otherwise, it will be slightly skewed to one side, which will negatively affect the accuracy of the device. You also need to choose only even pieces of foam in the form of a plate, the sides of which are parallel.

By laser level we mean quite useful device, used in any construction, which allows you to very quickly and at the same time accurately mark the level on any surface. You don't need any skills to use this tool. professional builder– just install the laser level on the floor or wall, turn it on and wait until the device projects lines in accordance with the horizontal or vertical level on the marked surface.

However, such a device in stores is not cheap and therefore it is advisable to learn how to assemble it yourself, especially since it will not be difficult.

Design features of laser levels

Visually, a laser level resembles a small device that can be mounted on various surfaces. The most popular methods of mounting the device are through the following elements:

magnetic element;
tripod stand;
special fastening belts.

In addition to the mounting method, construction levels differ in the projection of the laser beam onto the surface: the construction of a plane or direction. Instruments used to indicate direction create a point projection on the surface. In turn, the levels projecting the plane are equipped with special optical systems that turn the beam into the plane. Today, experts highlight several types of laser levels:

A rotary type device that is capable of rotating around its own axis to form a clear line. Such a device is produced in a reliable housing, qualitatively protected from various external factors. This product is perfect for any construction project, from pouring the floor to constructing the ceiling.
A positioning device consisting of two radiating sources allowing the creation of a visible plane. This device is mainly used when carrying out finishing work indoors.
A self-leveling device is a level equipped with internal pendulums and capable of emitting up to five beams. This laser level is additionally equipped with a cross-shaped sight.

The main disadvantage of such universal devices is their relatively high price. The cost of the simplest device is not always affordable; the average consumer is ten times higher than the price of a regular bubble or water level.

The simplest level from a laser pointer

If we consider the price of a homemade laser level, then a person will only have to spend money on buying a pointer. Other structural elements devices can be made with your own hands from scrap materials that can be found in every home workshop. The main task when creating a homemade laser level is pointer mount so that it can rotate freely around its own axis. But first you need to stock up on the following consumables:

laser type pointer;
wooden beam measuring 25 by 25 mm and half a meter long;
construction cord;
regular electric drill;
support in the form of a stick for the finished laser level.

To assemble a laser level with your own hands you need perform a certain sequence simple actions.

In a pre-prepared block, holes parallel to each other are drilled from both edges. One of them is designed for mounting a laser pointer, and the other for a construction cord.
After the laser emitter is fixed in place, attach a rope, which is designed to suspend the device above the level of the floor surface. A hole is drilled from the opposite end of the beam so that the cord can pass freely through it.
A rope is passed into the prepared hole, which is tied to the block and tightened tightly.
The support can be any convenient stick, including a shovel stuck in the ground.

The main thing is that the support used is securely and firmly fixed. If this rule is neglected, then it will not be possible to set the level correctly.

Checking the functionality of the laser level

Using a laser level assembled with your own hands from a pointer, you can make markings on any surface, but it is better to do this when low light so that the light beam is clearly visible. To begin marking, the device is suspended with a rope in the center of the room in which the work is being carried out. The homemade level is turned in the required direction and the required distance along the length of the beam is marked, after which a stick is installed on which Convenient marking.

After carrying out such simple manipulations, the level can be directed in any direction where it is necessary to make marks. Moreover, if the position of the support stick remains unchanged, then all marks will be located at an identical height. After marking individual points, they can be connected with a construction cord, along which a marking line can be drawn using a construction meter.

Laser level made of foam plastic and a container of water

To create a laser level of this design with your own hands, you need to prepare a convenient container, a piece of plasticine or a patch, in general, any substance or material with which you can secure the main part. Naturally, you will need laser pointer and a piece of polystyrene foam. The procedure for assembling the device itself occurs in accordance with a certain action plan.

Despite the fact that such laser levels can hardly be called ideal, however clarity of markings high enough and such homemade structures have a right to exist.

Homemade laser cross design

This is another type of laser level that you can assemble with your own hands. This level is very convenient to use when hanging cabinets in the kitchen or paintings in rooms, as well as in many other situations. To make such a simple tool, a person will need video camera tripod, an old player and a couple of unnecessary discs.

A cross made of laser pointers is mounted on a tripod so that it rotates around its axis. For this purpose, you can use the drive from the player.
It is also important to ensure that the laser level can move vertically to the required height.
The discs glued together are installed on the old player drive.
At the finishing stage, a cross of laser pointers is attached to the discs. To attach it, you can use tape or any other material at hand.

Due to the fact that the device is placed movably on a tripod, it can be rotate in any direction without changing the marking height. Thus, by setting the necessary parameters for marking, you can accurately mark the level on any surface in the room without the need to adjust the device each time.

The main advantages of a homemade tool

Naturally, you shouldn’t expect a laser level you assembled yourself to perform ultra-precise and complex marking operations. But for everyday use, such a device is quite suitable and will even surpass the factory water level in many ways. Plus, it will be able to provide the following functions:

sufficiently long beam length;
minimum level of error with comparative ease of use;
increasing the speed of marking.

But the main advantage of a laser level is the ability of the device project rays along a horizontal plane. Thanks to this, the builder can accurately control the quality of the vertical and horizontal levels both when marking wall, floor or ceiling surfaces. In addition to construction, the level can be used for marking personal plot, facade finishing building or erecting a fence.

Therefore, when thinking about adding a laser level to your home workshop, you should not rush headlong to the store to buy an expensive device. With a little ingenuity and dexterity, anyone can assemble a level with their own hands from scrap materials. In this case, the maximum monetary cost will be the purchase of a regular laser pointer.

When, during work, it becomes necessary to mark one line over a long distance, a conventional bubble level will be ineffective. But professional construction equipment is not cheap, so you should try to find alternatives to it, for example, use a convenient, affordable tool for making marks - a laser level. You can make it with your own hands from any available materials in a minimum period of time.

Advantages of using a laser level

A homemade light indicator allows you to apply mirror-like, symmetrical markings and mark spatial points at a large distance. The range of action of such models does not exceed 10 meters, but this distance is sufficient to perform most of the necessary marking work. Professional devices (construction level, cut indicator) have greater functionality, but many of the available capabilities are not always in demand. Therefore, at home you can get by homemade design.

The characteristics of such a level are quite sufficient to satisfy the basic requirements and apply the necessary markings, because it:

provides the required beam range, up to 10 m;
increases measurement speed;
guarantees an acceptable minimum error.

The main advantage of the device is its positioning light beam in the horizontal plane, which allows you to effectively mark structures and control levels, including vertical levels on the wall. In addition to conducting repair work in an apartment, house and interior design, it is used to carry out a breakdown garden territory, supervise the construction of fences and façade finishing.

Leveling from a laser pointer and bubble level

One of available options Making such a tool at home is an upgrade to a conventional bubble level. The idea is to attach a light pointer to the body of the level, which will expand the possibilities of using the instrument and allow you to place points on distant planes. If you additionally adapt a tripod with a rotating platform, the efficiency of its use will increase noticeably.

During production you will need:

bubble level, medium size;
laser pointer;
rubber, hard foam rubber, polystyrene foam with dimensions 40/15/5 (length/width/height in mm);
for fastening, worm clamps, nylon ties in the amount of 2–3 units.

The level should be taken with handles in the middle of the side edge, through which it is more convenient to attach the laser pointer with clamps or ties. The requirements for the indicator are simple - the light point at any distance must remain clear and not blur. To do this, rotate the cap on the laser side, under which the focusing lens is hidden. Depending on the direction of rotation, the outline of the point will change. The adjustment is carried out in such a way that deviations from the original shape of the light spot are minimal, regardless of the distance.

1 – laser pointer; 2 – rubber backing; 3– clamps, ties.

The device is attached to the top, where the insert with the bubble is located. First, lay the substrate, a prepared piece of rubber, foam rubber, or polystyrene foam. Then there is a light indicator, which is tightly secured with nylon ties and worm clamps.

The direction of the beam is set strictly parallel to the edge of the level. The adjustment is made by placing the instrument on any long, flat surface, this could be the top of a table installed against the wall. The height of the light beam from the base should be the same throughout.

If there are no holes suitable for attaching the handle, then in order to securely fasten the light indicator, they are drilled independently in the most suitable place drill 3 mm. Further actions fastenings are similar to those listed above.

To carry out marking in different planes, the tool is applied to a base that is set strictly horizontally or vertically. By rotating it around its axis, the marks are transferred to the walls, ceiling, and floor. Instead of a surface, it is allowed to use a tripod with a rotating element with a fixed flat board or metal plate.

Setting up a homemade pointer

Before starting important marking work, any device made independently, for example, a do-it-yourself laser level, must be calibrated and configured. You can do this yourself as follows:

A self-tapping screw up to 120 mm long is screwed into the base on which the level is fixed. Deepening it so much that its cap coincides with the line of the laser pointer.
Having turned on the pointer, the beam is directed at the wall, after which the projection location is marked with a pencil and a second screw is screwed into it.
A profile is installed on the screw heads or flat piece drywall, any plank.
Laser on top. If necessary, the bar is aligned relative to the horizon, taking into account the readings of the bubble, tilting the edge located closer to the wall.
After alignment, screw in new screw and the profile is removed.
Having installed the homemade device on the stand, make its final adjustment, focusing on the head of the last installed hardware.
If the device is level, begin marking.

Application of the gimbal

Any suspended massive object will rotate freely around an axis pointing straight down. If the pointer is fixed perpendicularly, its beam will draw a horizontal line on all boundary walls.

Taken wooden block, into the upper end of which two screws are screwed into the edges. Their caps should protrude by about 1 cm. Any thick thread, preferably one that stretches slightly, or thin copper wire is tied to them. Another piece is tied in the middle of the thread, with which the workpiece will be suspended on a tripod or hook.

Using rubber bands, worm clamps attach the laser pointer to the bottom of the block, ensuring its perpendicular position. The direction is checked with a regular bubble level. By changing the length of the suspension thread, the beam is set relative to the first mark on the wall. By turning the beam with the pointer attached to it, further marking of the longitudinal line is carried out.

To view its location in the plane, the beam with the suspension thread is slightly twisted in one direction. When released, it will begin to spin in the opposite direction under the influence of gravity, and the pointer will draw a strictly horizontal line along the walls. The error is no more than 1–2 mm.

Using a water container

Do simple design With high degree Precise markings can be made from materials available at home. To do this, you will need to prepare a water tank, a piece of foam plastic (expanded polystyrene), a pointer, any sticky material - plasticine, adhesive tape.

First, the container, which can be used as a bucket or pan, is filled to the brim with water.
The laser pointer is installed on foam plastic, trying to place it evenly, and secured with plasticine, adhesive tape, and rubber bands.
The container is installed at the required height.
Styrofoam with a pointer is placed in the tank.
Move it to the on position.
By changing the direction of the light pointer and rotating it around its axis, the beam is projected onto the marked surfaces and the projection locations are marked. All points relative to the horizon will be strictly in the same plane.

Homemade laser devices can hardly be called ideal, but the clarity of the markings applied is very high. Another advantage is that anyone can assemble such a tool with their own hands from available materials, spending a little money and time on its production.