If you want to build something like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, then you don't need a laser level or a plane builder for nothing. Start making markup by eye, and you will definitely succeed. Perhaps the result will not be as elegant and beautiful as Antonio Gaudí's, but it will certainly absorb the elements of curvature and non-parallelism of all the architectural elements of your design.
And in order to get corners and surfaces that are minimally contiguous with the horizon line, you will definitely have to use some kind of plumb line or level. To draw perfect lines for walls and ceilings, you need a modern plane builder. The laser device will provide 100% hit in the horizontal plane and help you get absolute vertical lines.
The following article contains information that will help you navigate the world of modern laser technology.
How laser equipment works
Any modern laser marker has two main components:
- Laser light source.
- Automatic or manual beam alignment system relative to the horizon line.
The output laser light source produces a powerful and thin beam of light. And the alignment system automatically balances this beam relative to the horizon line. For simple models, this is done by special pendulum compensators. More sophisticated instruments use built-in inclinometers and electric servos.
With automatic adjustment, beam alignment occurs without human intervention. The only thing that the master needs to do initially is to set the laser level with a maximum horizontal deviation of 3-5%. Plane Builder requires the same preinstallation.
If the device has no automation elements, then the built-in bubble level is used to set it horizontally. Alignment is done manually. Most often, such simple laser devices look like long rulers to get straight lines of any inclination.
What is the difference between a level and a plane builder
In everyday practice, such an established concept as a laser level, or level (niveau - French) is usually used. To understand the general meaning of this is quite enough. In professional construction, laser levels are used for marking at large distances and areas. Plane Builders have a shorter beam radius.
This is due to the fact that the level does not build a light line, it gives a point. Due to this, the concentrated energy of the light beam hits further in the distance. And the scattering of light energysolid perimeter lines do not allow this.
Therefore, where it is necessary to make markings over long distances and very large areas, a laser level is used. And in small rooms - the builder of planes. The builder's laser beam draws solid lines of light on floors, walls and ceilings. This is very convenient, although not as long-range.
By the way, a traditional optical level gives a point in the same way, more precisely, a sighting mark. It is clearly visible in the eye of the device. Therefore, when the laser device works only pointwise and does not draw a solid line, it would be more correct to use the word "level".
There are devices on sale that combine both methods of constructing a beam - linear and point. For advanced models, a special laser radiation receiver is included with the device. This allows you to expand the range of the device several times. For example, the laser plane builder Bosch GCL 25 builds lines in the range of 10 meters. With the receiver, its range increases to 30 meters.
Laser levels
Most commonly used in construction are the so-called rotary laser levels. What it is? These are devices in which the light beam moves in a circle thanks to a special rotational mechanism. Hence its name - rotational, that is, rotating (rotatio - rotation, lat.).
Rotary head automatically aligns to the horizon. The rotation speed of professional models is regulated withusing the remote control. Up to step-by-step movement with a full stop.
In addition to horizontal rotation, some devices allow vertical operation. That is, the same head of the rotary mechanism describes a full circle with a laser beam in a vertical plane.
To fix the light beam, the package includes special monochrome glasses and a laser radiation receiver. With the help of the receiver, the beam can be precisely positioned on the surface. After that, a mark is made with a marker or pencil.
Once again, pay attention to the fact that it is laser levels that are used to mark large spaces. Plane builders are more interesting for small spaces. For example apartments.
Laser Planers
Their appearance significantly increased the speed of construction work and improved their quality. Why are they so interesting?
The laser builder draws solid lines of light on the surface. On the ceiling, walls and floor. For example, the laser plane builder Bosch GLL 3-80 R draws one horizontal line and two vertical ones. A horizontal line is projected onto all walls of the room, outlining the full perimeter. And the vertical ones go perpendicular to each other, starting on the floor and converging on the ceiling.
In addition to drawing lines, professional models mark one light point below them on the floor, and make another on the ceiling. Thus, building a light vertical plumb line. For example, suchthe laser plane builder ADA 3D Liner 3V has the functionality.
Most models sweep lines within 120-160o. But the builder of planes laser 3d-drawing of lines has already appeared on sale. Such a tool can draw solid lines without breaks in all planes. For example, the previously mentioned Bosch GLL 3-80 R does a great job.
Laser axle builders
The essence of this device is hidden in the name itself. He builds static lines of light in space - the axis. The axle builder doesn't draw anything on the surface, it projects a point of light. Due to this, the beam range is much greater than that of the plane builder.
Older simple models may not have automatic alignment. But this is already a rarity. In modern devices, level adjustment occurs automatically. And if desired, the beam can be rigidly fixed. This is useful when working with slanted layout.
The device has a small size, so it is very easy to wear on the belt. For the builder, the axle builder is a good auxiliary tool that can replace the plane builder if necessary.
What can be done with laser tools
Everything that was previously done at a construction site using water, bubble or other levels can be easily replaced with laser devices. For example, with their help you can:
- Install supports, columns and anyvertical designs.
- Assemble walls and partitions.
- Glue tiles.
- Install multi-level ceilings.
- Set slope angles for various building elements. For example, sewers, storm drains or stairs.
- Expose window and door blocks.
- Align the line of windows vertically and horizontally.
- Install hinged elements. For example, furniture.
- Control accuracy at all stages of construction.
And much more. For example, imagine installing a door frame. What was before? Plain metal plumb line. You can work with it with good accuracy. But after using a modern laser level, the desire to use a metal plumb line completely disappears.
How can you return to a metal plumb line after trying a modern plane builder at least once? A laser device installed in the doorway immediately draws all the lines around the perimeter. They are perfectly balanced vertically. Setting up the box is a pleasure.
Disadvantages of laser devices
To date, no significant shortcomings have been identified in laser technology. All plane builders and levels work quite reliably. The accuracy of drawing lines and points is very high. Professional laser levels work with an error of no more than 2-3 mm at a distance of 50 meters. This is very high accuracy.
Sometimes quality defects may appeardevice assembly. For example, loose contact of the batteries in the connectors. For this reason, batteries may not be fully charged and, as a result, lose charge capacity. But this happens quite rarely.
Laser plane builder. How to choose?
First you need to decide - for what purposes you need the device. The functionality of the tool and its cost will depend on this. According to the classification, all laser devices are divided into three types:
- Household.
- Semi-professional.
- Professional.
The main differences will be in the radiation power and the ability to build closed loops. For example, a 3D laser plane builder is very useful for professional interior decoration. 3600 circular drawing lines will be in great demand in this case.
Main criteria for choosing laser instruments
For home use, a household plane builder is quite suitable. The laser beam of the device will calmly draw lines and put the points you need anywhere. The solid contour will lie within 120o. You will be able to build verticals and horizontals with a single intersection. This is enough for home repairs and other household needs.
Semi-professional laser tools will be needed if you are engaged in repair or construction on an ongoing basis. They have more advanced functionality. For example, they can simultaneously build one horizontal and four vertical lines. Dot. Have a laser light receiver included.
Professional laser tool speaks for itself. It is the most expensive, the most accurate and the most long-range. With a large set of additional functions that in domestic conditions, as a rule, will not be in demand.
Laser plane builder. Reviews and Recommendations
Any person who has encountered a laser tool at least once in his activity begins to understand that this is just a different level of any repair and construction work. Markup is done so quickly and accurately that there is no desire to return to the old methods.
The only case where the skill of working with the same water level can really come in handy is to check the calibration of the laser device. It is advisable to remember this recommendation and periodically check the device settings. You never know.
Laser levels are a new stage in the development of building technologies
Summing up, we can say that today any laser device greatly simplifies the life of a builder. High accuracy and minimum installation time, followed by marking, make any such device simply an indispensable assistant. Including a laser builder of planes. Reviews about him and similar devices are only positive. These devices really determined a completely different, higher and higher quality level of modern construction.
