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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

laser question

Joined
Dec 10, 2013
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8
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1
Hi I am new to laser pointers I mean I have bought crummy $5 laser but I was wondering what is needed to make a laser that will be able to light things like fireworks also does it matter which colors I use. Also will laser protective glasses need to be used for a laser that can burn/light things. Any help will be greatly appreciated as I have never built a laser.
Thanks
 





Joined
Sep 5, 2013
Messages
8,549
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Hey ricardo!

Welcome to LPF! :p

To be able to light a firework you are going to need at least 250mW-300mW. And yes color does matter, different colors take longer to burn materials then others.

I would recommend a 1W 445nm unit since these can be had for relatively cheap and pack a punch. Just take a peek at the B/S/T to see if any are currently for sale.

Best of luck!
 
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Joined
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As for the safety glasses question. Yes, you will most definitely need them. If a laser can light fireworks, burn paper, pop balloons, etc. Imagine what that can do to your eyes. You only have one pair. Don't let a stupid mistake screw up your vision.
 
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Joined
Dec 10, 2013
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Hi thanks a lot you guys but what color would you guys recommend and how do I know what driver I need by the way I think the part I am thinking about is called a driver.
Thanks
 
Joined
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Messages
8,549
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Hi thanks a lot you guys but what color would you guys recommend and how do I know what driver I need by the way I think the part I am thinking about is called a driver.
Thanks

I would recommend you go with 445nm(blue). These lasers are some of the cheapest available and are offered in high powers.

I.e: 1W,1,5W,2W

Be careful as Flutter has posted, goggles are a must :beer:
 
Joined
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Messages
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Hi thanks a lot you guys but what color would you guys recommend and how do I know what driver I need by the way I think the part I am thinking about is called a driver.
Thanks

Right now you just need to read a lot about lasers so you have a firm understanding. The "color" of a laser is also known as nm (nanometers). Like "Tha Greenlander" suggested 445nm. That is a good choice, but personally I would have recommended 405nm. Also check out the "Buy, Sell, & Trade" section. You can find a lot of great deals there.
 
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Please do realize no member will sell a Class IV laser if you are under 18 years old or do not understand laser safety :)

Also, if you would add your location on your profile it would help out lots.
 
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Messages
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Please do realize no member will sell a Class IV laser if you are under 18 years old or do not understand laser safety :)

Also, if you would add your location on your profile it would help out lots.

You already recommend a super powerful laser to someone that doesn't have a good grasp on lasers, and laser safety. Even if he is 13 and has determination, you know he could get one. I think a 405nm would work better for you OP. Maybe a 6x bluray would be best for your needs. I really hope you take laser safety seriously.

Threads you should check out:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f53/get-some-safety-goggles-now-75799.html

http://laserpointerforums.com/f53/hit-eye-1000mw-445nm-blue-laser-69469.html
 
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Joined
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You already recommend a super powerful laser to someone that doesn't have a good grasp on lasers, and laser safety. Even if he is 13 and has determination, you know he could get one. I think a 405nm would work better for you OP. Maybe a 6x bluray would be best for your needs. I really hope you take laser safety seriously.

Alright agreed.

If you have the money OP you can check out JetLasers.org, they have some pretty good quality lasers for great prices! Plus Gray is an awesome guy and will make sure you are satisfied.
 

djQUAN

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Joined
May 27, 2013
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I've been wondering, why do we push so hard for a user's location?

So that we could make a more informed suggestion. For example, a person asks about buying a battery, how do we know if we would suggest a seller from China or US whichever is local to him?
 

Arshus

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Dec 14, 2010
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My advice: Don't build a laser at first. Buy one or two, learn to use them safely. Then after some research, you can start taking them apart putting them back together, and enter the DIY world if that's your aim.

-Sal
 




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