We have a fascinating discovery to share with you a new kind of laser level that's self-leveling and small enough to fit in your pocket. But, first a bit about older technology, for purposes of comparison.
Ten years ago, when we built the showroom and offices for our remodeling firm, we decided that the entry ceiling would be the suspended type the kind that looks like a tic-tac-toe board. We hired a contractor who specializes in suspended ceilings for the installation. Two men did the job. While one was connecting wires to the roof rafters, the other mounted a large device to the rafters. It looked like a small space ship, but was, in fact, a laser level, used to ensure that the ceiling frame would be perfectly level.
The operator told us that the light beam emitted from the tool would remain at the exact same level regardless of the direction (360 degrees) in which it was pointed. Wow! A tool that looks like a space ship, that turns like a lazy susan and uses laser technology. He told us that the machine costs more than $3,000 and that it has to be professionally calibrated several times a year at a cost of about $300 per adjustment. We decided that we would wait until they come out with a plastic model before we purchased our own.
Well, it finally has happened. Pocket-sized and in a plastic housing, the new breed of laser level is now available to the masses. No worry about expensive recalibration. No worry about whether the machine is perfectly level before it is used. It is "self-leveling." And, you can even drop this instrument without breaking it. With laser technology such durability is unusual.
All one has to do is to place the self-leveling laser on a reasonably flat surface and flip on the power switch. With the device in normal position, a laser beam is projected horizontally to within one-quarter of an inch of accuracy in 60 feet. At the same time, a plumb beam is projected upward to the same degree of exactness. In this position, the level can also act as a plumb bob. But, unlike a plumb bob, the laser is not affected by the wind.
When placed on its side, and given a moment to relevel itself, the laser can be used as a giant squaring device. Imagine it as a carpenter's square with blades that extend 60 feet. In this position the laser can be used as a guide to snap lines to lay out tile. It can also be used to square forms for walks, patios and foundations.
There are two basic models. Those that have high intensity beams and those that emit lower ones. The low-intensity model is designed for use indoors. The model with the high-powered light source also can be used outside in the brightest sunlight. The price for the former is about $400 and for the latter, about $600.
