Help with getting a new laser.

After much searching for a laser, i found the cheapest, best quality laser i could find, the 150mw green laser from optotronics. When i received it i was satisfied, but no more. At first it couldnt light a match at all (due possibly to a storm blowing through, high humidity) and eventually it started lighting matches, but only very close up. I sent my laser back to jack (very good guy, good customer service) to see if maybe my lens was dirty or something was keeping it from its true power. I wondered if i should have gone after one of those more expensive ones. After more searching, this is what i found.

I finally figured out why it would be worth it to buy a weaker laser for more money, other than better build quality. Took me awhile to find out that diameter of beam makes a huge difference in being able to burn things, as there is a more concentrated area. So most the lasers i looked at before yours (such as nova's alpha 105) though more expensive, have better build quality AND better beam diameter. So a alpha 105 which averages about 125mw(might actually be higher? let me know.) with a beam diameter of about 1mm, while your 150mw pen laser, averaging 157mw, have a diameter of about 1.5mm. So now im seriously considering getting a laser with better build quality, as diameter will make a huge difference. But im not sure how that will work out...If your Cheapest Rpl was not 500$ i would consider an upgrade...But im not sure what to do. Also the nova alpha laser takes AA, and comes in a nicer case.

So its 157mw, 1.5mm, 200$ vs. 125mw(maybe higher), 1mm, higher quality, 270$. I would really like to hear what you laser experts have to say! Thanks.

*If i got the alpha instead I would have to dissapoint Jack, and not get the entire 200$ back :l

You just need to shine your laser through a lens to focus the beam for burning. A simple magnifying glass will do.

Peace,
dave

Well that didnt quite answer my question :l, and its not very cool to have to aid your laser to help it burn easier

rtyrty100 said:

Well that didnt quite answer my question :l, and its not very cool to have to aid your laser to help it burn easier

Click to expand...

You're right. It didn't. I was trying to save you some money.

Not cool to help?!? What do you think all of those lenses inside the laser are doing?


Most greens are focused to infinity. If you want to burn, you have to focus to a particular distance.

I can light matches and pop balloons with 35mW of well focused violet light. That was with a $30 module

But, HEY! It's your money. Spend it however you want.


Peace,
dave

Hey you match burners --- Keep the laser away from the match at least a foot (12"). When the match ignites, crap and smoke go everywhere including toward your precious laser output lens. Keep it clean at all costs.

HMike

So, all you want is to burn things? You want a nice case and AA batteries. Hey, I have a Bic lighter, a nice case (of course that's in the eye of the beholder), and an unopened pack of AA batteries. Yours for $200.00!

Kidding, of course - couldn't help but razz ya. But one can do so many other awesome experiments and things with a nice laser. Besides burning things. You can also burn things with a much smaller monetary investment.

Hey daguin, yesterday you commented on my thread about a new laser, and It turns out i didnt understand what you were trying to tell me. But now thinking about it, your right, you could save me a huge amount of money. Since you are not a company, and just a single man making lasers, you can sell them for so much cheaper. With you i can get about 1mw per $, whereas companies cost about 1mw per 2$. Looking at your 6x and 8x you have left, I and EXTREMELY interested in purchasing one. I just have some questions. What color are they? Will they not last as long as company lasers because they are single man made? What are beam diameter lengths in mm? I would love the 440mw powerhouse, but if i dont want to spend that much the 220mw tool is pretty sweet too.

I am leaving this weekend for a football game, wont be back till LATE saturday. Looking forward to a response!

Sent this as a pm also ^^