Setting Slope With a Laser Level
Laser levels are great tools for delivering laser lines. They are the go-to tools for accurate measurements and are ideal for vertical and horizontal level lines. However, some situations require working with a slope instead of vertical or horizontal lines. This happens when you need steps or ramps for access to drain an area to prevent stagnant water. While laser levels can be used to achieve slopes, you need the right one! This is because not every laser level can be used to set slopes.
With numerous laser levels available on the market, choosing a laser level that can work for your needs is difficult. Even if you do, they usually do not have easy-to-understand instructions on how to use them for slopes. This article will highlight and explain the two laser level types you can use to set slopes. We are also going to give a detailed guide on how to use a laser level for slope!
What are the Types of Laser Levels that Can Execute Slopes?
Two various laser level types can do sloping levels. These are the grade(dual and single) and slope-matching laser levels. We will explain both grade lasers and the best ones for setting slopes.
1. Grade Laser Level
A grade laser level uses a laser receiver and a staff to operate. And grade laser levels are available in two types: Single and dual. Grade laser levels usually self-level to the horizontal. You must type the particular grade you want to work with into the laser level, which will automatically adjust the beam to the set grade.
A single-grade laser level allows a grade to function with a single axis of the laser level. A sighting line will then appear on the laser level’s top. This line usually indicates the axis line that can be set. Markings will also appear, indicating the direction the slope will fall.
On the other hand, a dual-grade laser allows the desired grade to be set on its x or y-axis. Additionally, you can set both axes at the same time. It’s also notable that careful alignment and setup are required when a dual-grade laser level is used.
2. Slope Matching Laser Level
The self-leveling feature of slope-matching laser levels is usually manually altered to attain a specific slope. It is also a horizontal laser level. When switched on and off, the slope matching laser level typically reverts to the horizontal plane.
Best Laser Level To Use For Setting Slope
The best laser level for setting slopes between slope matching and grade laser levels is the slope matching laser level. It is more accurate than a grade laser level. This section will provide a step-by-step guide on how to use a slope-matching laser level to set slopes.
What You Will Need
Before you begin to set slopes with your slope matching laser level, there are some crucial tools you would require. Here are the tools to set slopes with a slope-matching laser level.
- Slope-matching laser level with a laser receiver.
- A staff or rod you will attach the laser receiver to.
- Wooden pegs or paint to mark your measurements.
- A laser tripod
Step-By-Step Guide to Use a Slope-Matching Laser Level to Set Slopes
Here is the ultimate guide you need to set slopes using a slope-matching laser level.
Step 1: Set up your laser tripod. Also, ensure it’s level and stable before attaching your slope matching laser level.
Step 2: Then, carefully attach your slope-matching laser level to your laser tripod and let it face the direction of your slope. You also have to ensure your slope-matching laser level is set to level.
Step 3: At the point in front of your laser level where you want your slope to begin, do a swift ground level. You will then mark this location with your paint or peg and call it point A.
Step 4: Involves going where you want your slope to be or will end and mark it. You will call this location point B.
Step 5: You will slide your laser level up and down your rod or staff to locate point B. Attach your laser receiver to the rod or staff immediately after the laser level engages your point B. Doing this will produce a level line from your laser level area to your point B.
Step 6: You will move the laser receiver down or up the rod or staff by the slope rise or fall you require. For example, if the fall you want is 150mm, you must move your laser receiver down your rod or staff by 150mm. Also, if you want the slope to rise by 150mm instead, move your laser receiver up the rod or staff by 150mm.
Step 7: After setting your laser level to rise or fall as required, the next step is to secure the rod and laser receiver at point B. You can secure your laser receiver at point B by taping or clamping the rod to the stick peg. Alternatively, you can find another person to hold the rod at that point.
Step 8: Go back to point A, where you positioned your laser level. Then, you will look for the laser alignment button located on your slope-matching laser level and press it. This will allow you to direct the emitted laser line from the laser level downwards or upwards, depending on the location of your laser receiver.
Step 9: Once you observe the laser level at point B, trying to engage with the laser beam, click on the lock button located on your laser level to keep it stable and fixed to a point. This implies that your laser level will be established parallel to the slope you set out. So, it will grade your slope 100mm over a 10 meters distance.
Step 10: You can return your rod and laser receiver to point A. You will then adjust your laser receiver upward or downward until it engages your laser level. After it has engaged your laser level, you will take the measurement that will give you the required cut or fill. Alternatively, you can keep your laser receiver in the established position and execute excavation works to reach the required depth where the laser receiver engages your laser level.
Step 11: Finally, we advise you carry out steps 9 and 10 over a set distance. For example, 2 meters over 20 meters. This will allow you to obtain a uniform slope.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to use a laser level for slope requires lots of patience. This is because there are numerous steps involved. As stated earlier, slope-matching and grade laser levels are the only ones you can use to set slopes. They are better because they are more accurate. Following the simple step-by-step guide in this article will present you with no issues setting a slope using a slope-matching laser level.
