*noob alert*

Like many others, I watched youtube videos of people popping balloons and burning things and then said to myself "I gotta get me one of those!":drool:

Of course that lead me to start looking for the cheapest, most powerful laser available.

I was already planning out my Christmas budget to include one of the low end 1W blue lasers when I stumbled across these forums. And I have to say that I'm very grateful that I did.
I wasn't real happy to see post after post after post repeating the mantra that a 1 watt laser is way too much for a newbie. I'm not a child and haven't been for a very long time and I know how to be careful. But it didn't take much to realize that my 10+ years of 5mW laser pointer experience probably didn't prepare me for 1000mW ownership.

Thankfully, I have officially cancelled my purchase plans for the "pretty blue balloon popper of death" and after spending a lot of my recent spare time researching, I'm still a bit overwhelmed... But a bit less ignorant.

So from the bottom of my retinas, I'd like to thank everyone here for your valuable input. I'm sure my wife's retinas want to say thanks as well.

Welcome to the forum! Always nice to get new members that do their research.

Lots to learn here. Have fun and stay safe!

Where are you located?

If you add that to your personal profile it will show in your threads and posts. There may be a member living near you and in person help imo is always better.

Your thread is one the many newcommers should read. For the very young especially.. going from a red cat toy laser to a 1W 445 is like going from a tricycle to a cafe racer-- ( &not thinking they dont need a helmet)

Even just a very very short direct shot to your eyes will leave you seeing yellow after-images. Many are dissappointed when I decline to let them 'play' with one like that.
When I do show people how fast these can burn it is not for the 'coolness factor' but rather, to show the danger and power they possess.

Welcome to LPF. Please make an introduction thread in the welcome section.
We love to see pics so post some when you can.


CheerZ! Len

It's very good to know that there are some people with conscience welcome

Welcome aboard :wave:
It sounds like you are not the typical noob congrats :tinfoil:
you have a very good start as you are thinking of the people around you
when considering a HP laser
Sounds like maybe you are ready for one there are many to choose from.

Do you do any soldering, it's so much more gratifying to make your own
There are several kits available here on LPF but it's buyer be ware as it
is anywhere so do your research whether buying a kit or a laser.

Have fun and be Safe

Flaminpyro said:

Do you do any soldering, it's so much more gratifying to make your own

Click to expand...

Not really. But it's never too late to learn!

ChristopherM said:

Not really. But it's never too late to learn!

Click to expand...

Love this line.. as GC says.. DIY or Die! :gun:

welcome! and +1 rep for safety and consideration of others... play it safe! cheers! :beer:

You aren't the first to look at getting the big guns instead of experiencing the little guns.

Anything over 0.5w is completely different to <0.1w because you can't even look at the dot without f*cking your eyes up!

from a pistol to a rocket launcher lol. but i dont blame you. lasers are really amazing. they can be stunning. but they can just as easily be harmful. just dont be an idiot and you'll be fine.