The Laser Technology

The word "LASER" reads "Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation".   That is, when particular electrons are stimulated they release a beam of light often referred to as laser light or a laser beam.

Laser levels use a diode(LED) to emit just such a stimulated, cascading beam of light. Mirrors or prisms then refine and reflect this light in one direction resulting in a laser beam…Lasers are used in everyday devices from medical scalpels to industrial cutting, from digital clocks to remote controls, to televisions and cd's.   

Indoors Construction laser applications:

Use indoors wherever fast, accurate layout and level reference is required

Alignment of walls and partitions.

Level and align shelves, cabinets and trim.

Level floors, benches and plumb walls

Drop ceiling installation.

Align door and window heights

Install chair rails and wainscoting.

Match slope

Outdoors Construction laser applications:

Use outdoors for fast, accurate layout, level and grade (slope) reference

Basic survey and land elevation.

Site layout.

Grade for roads, culverts and driveways.

Drainage and irrigation.

Align and level masonry, brickwork, pre-fab.

Level posts and beams.

Level and align patios and decks.

Align fences.

Lay pipe for sewer, water.

Landscaping.

Contour farming.

It generally pays to price up rather than price down. Less expensive laser levels have limits. List your needs and planned uses before buying.

Manual versus Electronic Self Levelling Lasers

Manual Levelling Lasers – Hand level the unit by using inbuilt bubble vial.

Self and partial Automatic Levelling Lasers – Models combine manual and limited self levelling features.

Full Automatic Self Levelling Lasers – Set the unit to within 6% of level. The electronic servo motor then levels the unit. Some models feature automatic shut-  off if bumped or jarred too far off level to then accurately re-level automatically.  Avoids costly delays.

Horizontal Lasers

These lasers emit a horizontal plane beam.

Dual-Beam Lasers (Split Beam Lasers)

Dual-Beam Lasers (Split Beam Lasers) generally emit a horizontal plane beam or vertical plane beam at a time. They can also emit a horizontal plane beam with a vertical plumb up or plum down points.

Fixed versus Variable Speed Rotary Lasers

RPM (Rotation Per Minute) reveals the number of times a Rotary Laser rotates each minute.

Fixed RPM Rotary Lasers have limits.  

Faster RPM is best outdoors. It’s dimmer but travels further.

Slower RPM is best indoors. It travels less but is brighter.

For a solid dot reference set the laser at 0 RPM.

Laser Detectors require a minimum 600 RPM.

Laser Detectors (Laser Receivers)

Laser Detectors are essential to using Line and Rotary Lasers outside, or inside under particularly bright conditions.   

Mounted to lightweight Level (Detector, Receiver) Rods (Staffs) they detect the laser beam when bright light renders the laser beam invisible to the naked eye.

Detectors significantly increase the distance of beam detection.

Most Laser Detectors have an LCD screen and or audible alarm to advise when close to and when on level.

If using a Rotary Laser with variable speed capability, know your Laser Detector requires a minimum RPM of 600.