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Why use a laser?

Transferring levels and line with conventional tape measures and dumpy levels has always been a two-man operation, now with the lasers that are available today, the same results can be achieved on your own.

Which laser do I need?

Basically there are three main types of rotary laser level and they are either with a visible beam or without.

Manual Type Laser - Where the laser is levelled manually using Spirit Bubbles, but has no safeguard against errors in movement of the laser. If the laser was to go out of level, the laser would still rotate, the onus would be on the operator to continually check the laser for correct levelling.
Auto Type Laser - Where the laser is levelled with the aid of a Spirit Bubble, but will automatically shut off the transmiited beam should the laser go out of level. ie. Compensator (See below) with rough in bubble.
Fully Self-levelling Automatic Laser - Where the laser's levelling system is Servo or Motor driven and can be switched on and left to level themselves.

Fully Automatic or Compensating?

Fully Automatic

Fully self-levelling - switch on and go. Servo systems are more complex electronically, draw more power and have been prone to drift with temperature change.

Compensating

Whilst you may have to initally level a spirit level, and then let the self-compensating mechanism kick-in, and this can be quicker, than a fully automatic system. Benefits of the particular compensator systems in the Pro Shot range is the accuracy and reliability, hence have some of the most accurate systems available on the market (+/- 1mm Accuracy per 30m (7sec)).

This choice is totally down to the customer and their application, we can advise on the benefits of both systems as really there are only benefits in each and no disadvantages.

Why do I need to level using footscrews on a laser described as Self-levelling or Automatic?

These models self level via wire hung compensators, these are gravity pendulum levelling mechanisms that must be rough levelled. Once the instrument is within its self-levelling range the compensator makes sure the beam is level. The term "automatic" derives from the automatic optical levels which employ compensators for self-levelling. These auto-levels also have to be rough levelled. Servo-motor and fully automatic levelling systems have a wider self-levelling range and allow the user to turn the laser on without having to roughly level with the footscrew system.

Interior or Exterior?

The main difference is the visible beams, the Pro Shot range has a number of lasers which can be used for both interior and exterior applications. Primarily if you are indoors use a bright visible beam, which you can vary the rotational speed. Most outdoor lasers will have an infra-red beam and invisible to the human eye and therefore require the laser sensor/receiver to catch the beam.

If you are unable to decide or you require more information, please call our sales team, who can advise on the the most suitable laser for the application and your budget.

Health & Safety?

The maximum allowable power output in a rotating construction laser is 5 milliwatts or less. A milliwat is 1/1000th of a watt, a very small amount of power. The light is concentrated however, and laser equipment if used correctly can be safe and following a few simple guidelines below will ensure a trouble-free work environment. Visible beam lasers should be set so they are not flashing in any person's eyes. Having the beam flash in one's eyes occasionally will not do any damage, but will be irritating in the same fashion as a camera flash.

DO NOT stare into a laser beam or view it directly with optical instruments.
DO NOT disassemble the laser or attempt to service it.
DO NOT use the laser until you have read the instruction manual and you are familiar with the operation of the instrument.
TAKE CARE where you mount or point your laser
WARN people in the vicinity of laser use, possibly using signs as below

Useful Info

Grade Chart