Goggles

I'm getting a 100mW green laser, and a 5mW red one. I don't have enough money to get special glasses, in case I accidently shine it in my eye. So, I was wondering if I could use goggles that I use with welding/torching. Would they keep my eyes safe? I'm particularly attached to my eyes. So what do you think? Should I save to buy some glasses, use the ones I have, or just be really careful? :undecided:

Hi mrbubl3s,

What you should do is not use your green laser until you have some suitable goggles.

No, you can't use your welding goggles. Unless you're welding, and you can't do that with only 100mW of green, (if it is 100mW of green and not 50/50 IR and green or similar!).

There is a, 'Safety', section that will give you more information, and the reasons for not using welding goggles can be found there. It may take a bit of time searching but search you must on this I'm afraid.

Read well and you will answer your own questions.

Good luck and respect the coherent light.

M

It will be safe enough to point at black surfaces from a distance, as long as nothing is glassy or mirror like near the black surface, and you are careful. Also, pointing into an aircraft free night sky is safe for your eyes. But really you will want goggles ASAP! -Glenn

Alright, thanks guys. I'll treat it like a gun. And I'll get some glasses.

The cheap green laser protection glasses from focalprice really do work as long as you have an IR filter on your laser. This is a demo of my (now sacraficed) FP glasses with a CNI greenie. They are under $10 shipped. I wouldn't worry too much with the 5mW red, just be careful where you point it. If your greenie is not IR filtered, personally I would suggest adding a filter. You will reduce your output, but should not reduce your visible output at all (Still just as bright). YouTube - laserchase's Channel