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Looking for my first laser

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PappaDon

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I've seen these lasers on the Internet for a few years now, mainly the adverts to Wicked Lasers (however I now know they're not the place I should be looking to buy one). I'm basically after something over 95mW that is very bright, looks cool at night and can burn/light matches etc.

Could anyone give advice on who the companies I should be looking to buy from, I've read the guide on here which suggests the companies may be a bit out of date. I'm looking to spend around about £150 - $200. I am from the UK, but will be going to America on 11th May which might also help getting a laser that can't be sent where I live.

Any responses & feedback appreciated.

Cheers
 





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PappaDon

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Thanks for the links.

I've now pretty much decided on lazerer as the source, now the only bit I can't decide on is (and bearing in mind I'm buying the laser for the coolness factor) should i get a 500mW green focusable or a 1W blue focusable.

What would a 1W blue lazerer be like at night against dark blue sky & which would have the greater burning capacity?
 
Gun

Gun

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Yes Lazerer are a very good company.

In coolness, I'd say a blue laser is cooler than a green as they're not as common. Both would have good burning powers, if they both were focused the exact same then I guess the blue laser would have faster burning as it is more powerful.
 
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PappaDon

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Thanks for the reply Gun.

My last question, is what's the life expectancy of these. I read the review on here and the guy edited his review 2 months later saying it died. I don't really want to pay over $100 for a laser that won't last long.
 
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Gun

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It seems strange that it would die after 2 months, I highly doubt that will happen to you, is there any warranty on the laser? As long as you stick to the duty cycles, your laser should be working for a very long time :)
 
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PappaDon

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The laser has a 30 day warranty which seems a bit crap that they don't even offer 6 month warranty at the minimum.

itay, can I ask why you suggest 100mW green as a first?

Thanks
 
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PappaDon said:
The laser has a 30 day warranty which seems a bit crap that they don't even offer 6 month warranty at the minimum.

itay, can I ask why you suggest 100mW green as a first?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I guess it's a risk you're just going to have to take if you buy the laser. A lot of people buy from Lazerer and very few seem to have problems.

I think he suggested getting 100mW as it's not quite as powerful as a 1W Blue laser which might be a bit too powerful for your first laser, but it's up to you :)
 
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PappaDon

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Il give it a go then.

I'm going to go with the 1W blue from lazerer.

Fingers crossed it doesn't get nicked by customs.
 
scumbagatheist

scumbagatheist

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This is why I do not buy packaged lasers from these vendors. We WILL kill diodes from over-driving. Returning a laser to Laserer for a diode replacement is a pain in the ass.

With a DIY or member built laser, when you kill a diode, you just yank the dead one out and slap a new one in there...done! It costs less, doesn't have to ship to China, support from members, etc...

I suppose manufactured lasers are fine for those who aren't interested in working on them, building them, etc. But, that's not me.
 
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PappaDon

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How long would it take to learn to build your own 1W blue laser in your opinion?

I'm all up for learning & if it means parts are easily replaceable then I'm willing to try that route too.i can solder so that's not an issue.Do these come as kits or is it usually a case of buying all components separately ?
 
scumbagatheist

scumbagatheist

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There are many options. You can buy a JAD (Just Add Diode) kit from a trusted vendor (Survival Lasers and the like), or you can go whole hog and even press your own diodes. The level of complexity is entirely up to you. I started out even hand machinging heatsinks for drivers, pills, etc.

Time is just a matter of getting all your bits shipped and assembly isn't terribly time consuming.
 
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