Do-it-yourself laser line. How to make a laser level with your own hands. Design features of laser levels

When during work, it becomes necessary to mark one line at a great distance, the usual 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 marking - a laser level. With your own hands, it can be made from any improvised materials for a minimum time period.

Benefits of using a laser level

A home-made light pointer allows you to apply a mirror, symmetrical markup at a great distance, put down spatial points. The range of such models does not exceed 10 meters, but this distance is enough to perform most of the necessary marking work. Professional devices (construction level, cut pointer) have more functionality, but many of the available features are not always in demand. Therefore, at home, you can do homemade design.

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

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

The main advantage of the device is the positioning of the light beam in a horizontal plane, which allows you to effectively mark structures, control levels, including vertical ones on the wall. In addition to holding repair work in an apartment, house and interior design, with its help, they carry out a breakdown of the backyard territory, control the construction of fences, facade decoration.

Laser pointer and bubble level

One of available options the manufacture of such a tool at home is the modernization of the usual bubble level. The idea is to attach a light pointer to the body of the level, which will expand the possibilities of using the tool and allow you to put points on remote planes. If you additionally adapt a tripod with a turntable, then the efficiency of its use will increase markedly.

When making you will need:

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

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

1 - laser pointer; 2 - rubber substrate; 3 - clamps, ties.

The device is mounted on top, where there is an insert with a bubble. First, a substrate is laid, a prepared piece of rubber, foam rubber, polystyrene. Then a light pointer, which is tightly fixed with nylon ties, worm clamps.

The direction of the beam is set strictly parallel to the edge of the level. Adjustment is made by putting the tool on any flat surface of great length, it can be a table top mounted against a wall. The height of the light beam from the base should be the same throughout.

If there are no holes suitable for attaching handles, then 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 the base, set strictly horizontally, vertically. Scrolling it around the axis, the marks are transferred to the walls, ceiling, floor. Instead of a surface, it is allowed to use a tripod with a rotary element with a fixed flat board, a 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 adjusted. You can do it yourself like this:

A self-tapping screw up to 120 mm long is screwed into the base on which the level is fixed. Deepening it so that its cap coincides with the line of the laser pointer.
Turning on the pointer, the beam is directed to the wall, after which the projection site is marked with a pencil and the second screw is screwed into it.
A profile or a flat piece of drywall, any bar is installed on the screw heads.
Top laser. If necessary, the bar is leveled relative to the horizon, taking into account the readings of the bubble, tilting the edge closest to the wall.
After alignment, a new screw is screwed in and the profile is removed.
Having installed a home-made device on a stand, they carry out its final adjustment, focusing on the hat of the last installed hardware.
If the device is level, proceed to marking.

Hanger application

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

Is taken wooden block, into the upper end of which two screws are screwed along the edges. Their hats should protrude by about 1 cm. Any thick thread is tied to them, preferably one that is slightly stretched, or thin copper wire. In the middle of the thread, another piece is tied, with which the workpiece will be hung on a tripod or hook.

From the bottom of the bar, using rubber bands, worm clamps attach a laser pointer, achieving 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. Scrolling the bar with a pointer attached to it, further marking 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. 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 not more than 1–2 mm.

Using a water container

Do simple design with a high degree of marking accuracy, it is possible from the materials available at home. To do this, you will need to prepare a water tank, a piece of polystyrene foam (polystyrene foam), a pointer, any sticky material - plasticine, plaster.

First, the container, which can be used as a bucket, pan, is filled to the brim with water.
The laser pointer is installed on the foam, trying to place it more evenly, and fastened with plasticine, plaster, rubber bands.
The container is set 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, turning it around the axis, the beam is projected onto the marked surfaces and the projection places 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 everyone can assemble such a tool with their own hands from the available materials, spending a little money and time on its manufacture.

For people of different construction professions, the accuracy of lines and angles is of particular importance in the process of work. After all, clarity and accuracy is an indicator of quality and professionalism. Special tools help to achieve high accuracy, but even a homemade laser level allows you to get excellent results with less effort.

For specialists in the field of construction and installation, a factory-made laser level is a professional necessity. Such a tool is not cheap. For those who need it occasionally, the amount of 100-200 dollars may seem high.

It is in such cases best solution There will be a homemade laser level. You can assemble it with your own hands from improvised materials with minimal cash investment. Thanks to this, you will receive excellent construction and installation equipment that performs its function no worse than industrial counterparts.

By appearance laser levels may be different. But in all cases, this is a small stand-alone device that emits a laser beam, powered by batteries or an accumulator. Depending on the type and function, the shape of the beam may be different. By setting such a level on the selected surface, a light projection is obtained on the walls, ceiling and floor, which allows you to apply the most accurate markings or fix the irregularities and inaccuracies of the processed parts of the room.

There are three types of laser levels:

Any of them perfectly performs its function in a given area. But a do-it-yourself device is not much different from a manufactured one.

Besides, laser levels may also differ in the mounting device:

These are the most popular types of systems that allow you to install the device. Although there are less well-known, but not so popular.

Rays are also emitted differently. Some create only a direction, while others allow you to project a plane. Each option has its purpose and scope.

Self-manufacturing methods

There are several ways to make a device with your own hands. To do this, some materials will have to be purchased, but most of them can be found in almost any home.

From a laser pointer

The simplest and least expensive option can be made from a conventional laser pointer. To do this, you need to buy the pointer itself. In addition to it, you will need:

a block of wood 50 cm long and with a side size of 25 mm;
building cord or its analogues;
stick for supporting the finished level;
drill.

Holes are drilled in the beam at both ends. One of them is intended for fastening the emitter, and the second - for a cord or rope. The pointer is securely fixed at one end, and a cord is threaded at the other end so that it can fit freely in the hole.

You can use absolutely any stick for support. Even a shovel stuck in the ground will do. The main thing is to be able to freely hang the resulting structure. The support must be securely fixed, and only this will allow you to get the most accurate markings.

This level allows you to mark necessary surfaces wherever it is required, as well as use as a homemade level. When using it, it is preferable to reduce the illumination, which will give clearer marks.

Install assembled structure better within the center of the room. And you can control the accuracy with the help of a stick, on which a mark will be applied when the first point is fixed.

Styrofoam and water container

This DIY level method is even simpler. All you need to make it is:

laser pointer;
a piece of foam;
plasticine, electrical tape, plaster for fasteners;
a small container of water, such as an old saucepan.

It is necessary to attach the laser pointer to the foam as evenly as possible. In the prepared container, draw water to the very top. Gently place the foam with the emitter on the surface of the water. Now it remains only to place the resulting system at the required height.

Making the next mark, the foam is turned to the next marked place. When all the points are ready, it is enough to connect them together with a construction tape measure.

This type of device, although not ideal, allows you to get fairly accurate results.

cross emitter

A more complex, but very accurate laser level is convenient to use in any situation, especially for installing hanging furniture. Although it can be called complex only in relation to others, it is assembled simply. For this option you will need:

The use of a tripod is due to the fact that this allows you to place the pointer as evenly as possible relative to the horizon, move the installed structure horizontally by required height, rotate the emitters without knocking down the set parameters.

To begin with, you need to firmly fix the drive from the player on a tripod. Glue the CDs together and install in the drive. On them, in the form of a cross, attach laser pointers. And the device is completely ready to work.

The advantage of this model is that it can be rotated in any direction, as well as raised and lowered without loss of accuracy. This allows you to beat the level without constant readjustment.

Having made a simple laser level with your own hands, you can try to create more complex models that are as close as possible to factory counterparts. Very accurate data is given by the level using the pendulum system. Most of the work in this case will fall on the pendulum itself, while the radiating system will not take much power.

In this case, no pointer is needed. Instead, a laser module is used with prisms already installed in it, allowing you to project horizontal and vertical lines.

The module itself runs on three or four AA batteries. It is this number of batteries that is optimal: two are discharged too quickly, and more makes the system too heavy. They will need a compartment, it can be taken from an old toy.

The module, batteries and other parts involved in the process must be assembled into one block. When this part is ready, it must be installed on a pendulum prepared in advance. And after that you can think about the body of the structure.

A piece of plastic is perfect for him. plumbing pipe, in which holes for the rays are pre-cut. This is where the switch is located. This completes the level assembly.

But it still needs to be calibrated. For this purpose, you can use the water level, which makes two marks on the wall at a distance of five to six meters. If the beam coincides with the marks, then additional adjustment is not required. Otherwise, you will have to adjust the pendulum.

Advantages and disadvantages

Homemade tools always have a number of advantages, among which the price can be called fundamental. After all, a thing made with your own hands will always be cheaper at cost. And this is exactly what many craftsmen pay attention to. In addition, such a device is always tailored to the needs of the owner.

Among the main advantages of laser levels can be distinguished:

low cost;
long beam length;
low error rates;
speed when using;
fast and easy creation with a minimum of materials.

Such devices can mark not only the room, but also personal plots, facades and other areas.

There are very few cons:

the inconvenience of using some structures;
you still need to purchase something for manufacturing, for example, a laser pointer.

As you can see, there are not so many cons. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to run to the store to buy a device when you can create it yourself in a matter of minutes.

How to mount a laser level with your own hands, and is it even possible? Such a high-tech device for projecting vertical or horizontal surfaces while aligning them is manufactured using high-precision equipment. In professional models, special diode lamps are used, using prismatic glasses, they convert the outgoing light into a thin beam.

This definition sounds a bit scary. But do not despair, because this applies to professional devices used on construction sites. And for home use, such models are not very suitable. Available for sale various options for professional use, as well as for indoor repairs.

You can buy household models, but again, using them once, you put the device in a box, and it is not known when you will need it again. Therefore, we propose to consider the option self-manufacturing laser level at home.

What is this device for?

These devices are needed in everyday life when carrying out various repairs - when pouring the floor, laying tiles, installing suspended ceilings and even wallpapering. With any not very global repairs that most people do with their own hands, this level is simply irreplaceable.

Three ways to make your own level

At home, equalizers can be made in three versions, which are suitable for independent work. We will discuss these methods in detail below.

Option one

In this case, you will need:

Normal building level.
Laser pointer.
A small wooden plank 1 meter long and a bar with a section of about 5 by 5 cm.
A rectangular piece of plywood measuring 10 by 20 cm and a small piece of porous rubber.

Laser pointer

First, you need to slightly improve the pointer to make the laser point more clear. Unscrew the cap with the pointer and seal it from the inside with thick cardboard. Then carefully marking the center, make a hole in the paper with a thick needle or sharpened nail. Then screw the nozzle back into place and test it by turning it on and pointing it at the wall. If you get a clear bright dot, then everything is fine, and you can proceed to the next process.

Such manipulations can be avoided if you purchase a laser pointer with additional attachments.

We take a meter bar and sharpen it in the form of a peg on one side. On the other flat end we nail plywood. A piece of 10 by 10 cm is enough, just make sure that it is as even as possible. Then we attach a bubble level to this design. We do this along the entire length of the meter bar. We will use such a device for vertical alignment.

Now fix the pointer on the plywood. To do this, we take a clamp of the appropriate size, and under the pointer we put a rubber pad for cushioning. In addition, it is necessary to provide the possibility of adjusting the angle of inclination in the longitudinal axis.

Principle of operation

This homemade laser level is very easy to use. Before work, it must be fixed on the site or in the middle of the room. To do this, additionally prepare a special cabinet so that the bar sharpened under the peg can be freely inserted and rotated in the hole. The principle of its manufacture can be omitted - anyone can do it, showing a little imagination.

So, we inserted the peg into the platform and, using the bubble level, leveled it vertically. The pointer looks at one of the walls. We turn it on and fix the point in a certain position. We make a mark in this place and turn the peg in the right direction along the horizontal plane to the other side of the wall. Then we mark a point on it and connect the resulting segment with one even and straight line.

When turning the pointer and fixing it at the opposite point, do not forget to check the evenness of the vertical level.

Option two

Laser pointer for level

In the second case, the level can be made from the same pointer and a small container of water - it can be a deep plate or bath. You will also need a piece of foam. This is a simpler option that does not require special training, and everything is done in almost three approaches.

Take a container and fill it with water so that there is 1 centimeter left to the edge. Now fix the pointer on the foam. Before doing this, also perform the operation to reduce the laser beam exit hole. You can simply glue the pointer by first cutting out an oval recess for it in the foam or attach it with two pieces of wire, placing a rubber gasket first.

How you attach it doesn't matter. The main thing is that the pointer should hold on to the foam as tightly as possible.

The device is ready, and you can start working.

How does this mechanism work?

The container with water must be placed at the desired height, where you need to find the horizon. To do this, you can use a stool with books stacked on it to achieve greater height. We place a container of water on a stack of books and carefully lower the foam plastic into it with the laser pointer turned on. Then we direct it in the right direction to mark the starting point. Turn carefully and wait until the styrofoam stops moving through the water before making a mark.

The first point has been marked. Turn the pointer in the other direction and in the same way, after waiting a couple of minutes so that the foam does not move in the water, mark the second point. This will give you a straight horizontal line.

The third option is a suspended level

Suspended level

For this method, you will also need a 30-centimeter bar a little more than 2 centimeters thick, a rope and a drill. But it's better to use drilling machine, because you need to make an even hole. However, not everyone has such mechanisms, so you can use a vise to fix the bar before drilling.

We fix the bar and on one side we drill a hole for the pointer. To do this, select the appropriate drill diameter. It is important to insert it as evenly as possible so that the angle with respect to the beam is 90 degrees. From the other end we fix the rope.

The result should be a kind of laser plummet. It can be hung in any place and, turning in different sides, mark horizontal and vertical points. This method is more suitable for the construction of foundations, fences, pools and other outbuildings.

Which of the above methods to use is up to you. Each option is suitable for different situations. Before work, think - maybe you will get by with the usual bubble level to “beat off” the horizontal. But still, when it is necessary to make repairs on their own, and at the same time no one seeks helpers, such a mechanism will come in handy. Moreover, the manufacturing process of all three options is trivially simple.

Level adjustment

When you have made a homemade level, it must first be set up before work. There will be no problems with the second option, but when using a level on a peg with a bubble equalizer, you will have to pre-adjust.

How it's done?

Capro hanging level

Screw the screw into the stand so that the head coincides with the exit line of the laser beam. Then turn on the pointer and point it at the wall. At the point where the laser will point, screw another self-tapping screw, and then you need to put a thin rail on it and the one that is screwed on the bar in front of the pointer. After that, another level is installed on it.

With its help, the laser beam is carefully adjusted to a horizontal position until the bubble in the window is in the middle. When you have found the line, fix the peg in the stand and remove the bar with the level. Now you can use the finely tuned level as intended.

When using mechanisms that you can do with your own hands, you must be extremely careful. Never direct the laser beam into your eyes. Although such devices are commercially available, their brightness level is comparable to that of an electric welding flash, the brightness of which does not have a very favorable effect on the retina.

When marking the horizon with the help of laser levels, and even more so with self-made devices, you need to be extremely careful and, when you find a point, set it in a strictly vertical position. And if you are using the second version of the homemade level, then always wait until the foam with the pointer is fixed in one position.

Conclusion

Of course, these are not all options that allow you to make a laser level with your own hands. In fact, among professional builders there are quite a lot of talented people who are able to build levels from improvised materials that do not differ in accuracy from professional models. We brought only 3 of the most simple options, which, if necessary, can be improved for use in different rooms.

Ruslan Vasiliev

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

The cost of the presented device in various outlets is quite high. But, in the case of applying a certain instruction, showing accuracy and some patience, it is quite possible to make laser level with your own hands. This approach in a positive way affects the savings in financial resources that go to the construction and repair of various premises.

Device design features

The device is compact and ergonomic. It is easy to fit in your pocket, mounting suitcase or bag. The case is completed with fastening elements. They may be:

magnet;
fastening straps;
tripod.

The beam projected on the marking surface is built along the plane or along the direction. Construction levels, used to indicate a certain direction, give out a projection in the form of a point. Plane marking devices are equipped with a special kind of optical instrument that turns the beam into a straight line. Levels are divided into types:

rotational devices, due to rotation around their axis, are able to produce a clear line (used when pouring the floor and constructing ceilings);
positional levels consist of 2 laser radiation sources to create a visible plane (used during finishing works indoors);
self-leveling (they 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 the usual level based on liquid and air bubble.

Making a simple level from a laser type pointer

Of the entire list of elements of such a level, you only need to buy a pointer. The rest of the auxiliary parts can be made independently. The task of the presented process is to build a reliable fastener that will enable the device to rotate around an imaginary axis completely unhindered. The tool consists of the following parts:

laser pointer;
wooden beam (length - 0.5 meters, width and thickness - 25 × 25 mm, respectively);
cord intended for construction work;
drill for drilling holes;
support (a regular stick will do).

To assemble the equipment, it is enough to make simple steps described below.

The bar 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 construction cord will fit in the other.
The pointer is securely fixed in the hole and the rope is fixed, which makes 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 freely through it.
A rope is threaded into the hole that was prepared in advance and fixed as securely as possible.

The support must be fixed. Otherwise, it will not be possible to carry out the correct level adjustment. 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 be comfortable to use only in a darkened room.

How to check the performance of a homemade level

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 right direction and the required distance is noted along the length of the beam projection. After that, a special stick is installed, which ensures the convenience of marking.

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

Level from a container with water and foam

You will need these items:

convenient capacity;
plaster or plasticine;
laser pointer;
Styrofoam.

Before proceeding with how to make a laser level with your own hands from the presented parts, you need to make sure that your hands are clean and dry. If you ignore these rules, the materials will lose desired properties. Further, actions are performed that do not require particularly large material and time costs. All of them are described below.

A clean container (a large pot, bucket or basin made of any material) filled with water to the brim.
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 dense elastic band, plasticine or a clamp. The device must be mounted as evenly as possible, parallel to the mounting surface.
The height value required for marking is selected, and a container with water is installed there.
The pointer, fixed on the foam, is placed in the tank.
Turn on the pointer.
By changing the position of the device on the surface where the markup is made relative to the axis of the central view, points are indicated. They will be at the same level relative to the established horizon.

Items must be of high quality and durability. This will ensure the durability of the equipment. The presented design is far from ideal, but it gives fairly clear markup results. Due to this, such equipment is quite popular among budget or private builders.

Making a laser cross with your own hands

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

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

You will be required to follow the steps below.

A rectangular cross is made from the pointers, which is fixed on the drive from the player. This ensures free rotation of the tool around its axis.
Ensuring the 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 of pointers is attached to the disks. You can use tape or other sticky material.

Advantages of a homemade tool

Although high precision he cannot provide such a tool, it is quite profitable to use it in everyday life. In any case, the markup 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 domestic consumers. The positive characteristics of the tool include:

long beam length;
minimum error;
high sweep speed.

The use of equipment is fully justified for walls, floors, ceilings and other supports of this type with any kind of surface. An alternative scope includes markup of such objects:

personal plots;
fence structure;
facade finishing.

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

Hybrid bubble level and laser pointer

The idea is to improve on a simple bubble level. A laser pointer rigidly fixed to the body of the level will be a continuation of the instrument and will allow spreading marks to distant surfaces. If you install the level on a tripod and a turntable, you get a very effective tool for transferring marks in one plane.

What will be required:

Bubble level (40-80 cm).
Laser pointer.
A piece of rubber, a piece of hard foam rubber or foam plastic 4-5 mm thick, 40 mm long and 15 mm wide.
Fasteners. Worm clamp or nylon ties 2.5x150 mm, 2-3 pieces.

It is better to modernize the level with handles in the form of oblong holes in the middle of the side face. For them, it is easier to fix the laser pointer with a clamp or ties.

Choice of laser pointer. The simplest pointer will do, the main thing is that the point from the pointer does not spread like a muddy spot, but gives a clear round point at a sufficient distance. The button should be two-position, so that you do not have to keep it pressed all the time.

You may need to focus the laser pointer before using it. To do this, unscrew the cap from the side of the laser. Under it will be the body of the focusing lens. If you gently scroll it a third or a quarter of a turn with pliers, you will notice how the shape of the spot from the pointer changes. Adjust so that the dot is as small and regular as possible at different distances.

Mount the pointer on the edge where the main insert with the bubble is located. First, lay a substrate of rubber, dense foam rubber or a foam plate. On top of it is a laser pointer, and tighten with a worm-drive clamp or nylon ties.

1 - laser pointer; 2 - rubber; 3 - nylon clamps

The beam should be set strictly parallel to the level face. To do this, place the tool on a long, flat surface, the end of a flat floorboard, or the table top against a wall. The height of the outlet of the pointer should be equal to the height of the point above the surface of the support.

If there are no handles and other suitable holes at the level, carefully drill two holes under the installation site with a 3 mm drill bit and fix two worm collars with 6x25 mm zinc-plated screws. Next, put a gasket and a pointer in them.

If you put the level on a strictly horizontal or vertical surface, then when you rotate the level around the axis, you can move the marks along the walls or ceiling and floor.

To further enhance the design, attach a plank, plastic or metal plate to the tripod so that it can rotate on the tripod.

Hanging laser level

If you hang any massive object by one attachment point on a rope or thread, then it will rotate freely only around one axis directed straight down. A laser pointer fixed strictly perpendicular will outline the required horizontal plane on all boundary surfaces.

A wooden block is suitable as a base. Screw one screw into the ends closer to the same edge, leaving about 1 cm sticking out. Tie a thick thread to the screws, preferably shoe thread, which is slightly stretched. Thin copper wire will also work. The thread or wire should sag and, if taken by the center, from the top point to the bar should be about 10 cm or more. Tie a twine or another piece of thread to the center of the thread, which will be fixed, for example, to a chandelier hook in the center of the ceiling.

Now it remains to fix the laser pointer to the upper edge of the beam with glue or nylon ties so that the beam leaves it strictly perpendicular, which is checked using a bubble level.

Now, with the length of the thread on which the entire structure is attached, make sure that the point from the pointer points to the first mark on the wall. If you twist the beam in one direction and with it the suspension thread, then when you reverse the untwisting, the pointer will draw a line along the walls strictly in a horizontal plane with a run-up of about 1-2 mm, which is quite enough.

Also, such a builder can be made from a bubble level “modified” with a laser pointer. Just screw one screw into the plastic plugs at the ends of the tool closer to the top edge. tie a rope to them and, moving the suspension point along the rope, achieve a horizontal level.

A full level from the remnants of a laser printer and a pointer

For those who are not looking for easy ways, you will need:

laser unit from a non-working printer;
laser pointer;
a motor from any children's toy or from a broken CD drive;
rubber belt;
button and 9 V battery (krone);
slotted and cross screwdrivers;
soldering iron with solder.

Remove the cover of the laser unit. Under it, you will find a hexagon or a square mounted on a stepper drive, a curved lens and a mirror, as well as a native laser. However, the latter produces an invisible color, so it will be replaced with a laser pointer. The beam from the laser, falling on the side faces of the hexagon at an angle, is reflected into the lens, and then through the mirror into the exit slit. The hexagon is constantly rotating and the point from the laser draws a line very quickly, the flickering of which is not even evident.

It is very difficult to control the drive driver for the mirror hex. It is much easier to fix a third-party drive and connect its shaft to the hexagon using a belt.

Measure the distance from the axis of the hexagon at which you can install the motor so that the belt is slightly stretched. You get a sector that runs along the hull in a circle. Choose a location where the motor will not interfere with the laser beam and can be easily fixed with glue. If necessary, drill a hole and install the motor, connect its shaft to the hexagon axis.

Dismantle the original heatsink with the laser and its driver board. Fix the laser line so that it shines in the same direction.

It remains to power the motor. Connect the motor, button and battery in series. Optionally, a laser pointer is connected to the same battery, and parallel to the motor.

Two screws or studs made of wire 2.5 mm or more are fixed on the sides of the exit slit on the body of the laser unit. A thread is attached to them, and then the laser level can be used, as in the previous version.

In the video, a version of a homemade level using a mirror

To set the line in a horizontal plane, a bubble level is used. It is quite possible that you will have to adjust the focus of the pointer, so it is better to immediately remove the upper decorative cap and correct the shape of the beam with pliers so that you get a thin line at the exit of the entire structure.