Checking laser level for accuracy

**tims** · 1st January 2010, 01:57 PM

I've bought a laser level but am not sure how accurate it will be to find water levels for a large pond I want to build using a natural depression on my block of land.
The easiest way I've thought of (to check the laser's accuracy) is building a garden hose water level to check the laser against.
I would set the laser to level (at the lowest point in the depression) and then have two marker posts, one at say 2 meters and another at 6 meters distance (from the laser).
By marking the laser points on these two posts, I can then use my hose water level (on these two points) which would give me an idea of how accurate the laser is and make adjustments as required.
I figure that by checking the laser level this way I wouldn't have to move the laser level again and I could quickly mark where the pond water levels will be.
This should work?

Thanks

Tim

**terraaustralis** · 1st January 2010, 03:53 PM

Almost sounds like you've solved your pond levelling problems without the laser.
I too have a laser leveller and pretty much did as you propose to do. My usage was inside rather than outside and SWMBO would not be keen on tubes of water and funnels within. I was never really happy with it (it was of the "cheaper" variety of leveller) and bought what I really wanted in the first place - a 1.8m Stabilia - bubble only type. Before I break the news to SWMBO I have to check that my medical benefits are paid up to date.
I hope to be in a fit condition to post further replies - wish me luck.

**tims** · 1st January 2010, 04:18 PM

OK, thanks. I didn't mention it possibly might be a rather large pond (long and narrow) so using the laser level (when I know it is accurate) will be alot easier than using the hose level.

**wolften** · 1st January 2010, 05:01 PM

...another way to check the accuracy of your laser is to set up say along a fence line.
Shoot a mark in front of you(a) on the fence or building and shoot another mark preferably about 30 meters away(b).
Set up at the (b) mark and repeat the above procedure.
Measure the vertical distance between the 2 shot marks at (a), and then at (b) the height distance should be the same if the laser is accurate.

**Ratbag** · 4th January 2010, 04:45 PM

A couple of points to consider:
A laser's "level" can be verified by taking forwards and backwards sightings, which should of course be parallel if all is well. A water level is absolutely the most accurate way of determining levels, but only if the tubing is completely and utterly bubble-free.

You will have no accurate way of determining this with an opaque hose, which is why water levels are almost universally used with transparent tubing. This is available cheaply everywhere. Just measure down from the 2 ends of your water level, or fix one end at a known height above anticipated pond surface level and use a measured string & plumb bob from the other mobile end.

**Pagie** · 17th January 2010, 01:22 PM

Add some food colouring to the water level andthen you can see it easy through the clear tube.

**bricks** · 17th January 2010, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by wolften

...another way to check the accuracy of your laser is to set up say along a fence line.
Shoot a mark in front of you(a) on the fence or building and shoot another mark preferably about 30 meters away(b).
Set up at the (b) mark and repeat the above procedure.
Measure the vertical distance between the 2 shot marks at (a), and then at (b) the height distance should be the same if the laser is accurate.

Yeah this ones the one I use

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