is this a good first laser

i found it on ebay and only paid 1 dollar i have not received it yet but i want to know if it is a good first laser and how far can you see it. here is the link to the laser Mini 5mW 2 in 1 LED Laser Pen Pointer Flashlight Torch Emergency Keychain New | eBay :lasergun:

that would be your typical dollar store laser,, if you go to school and have ever seen your teachers use one that is probably like this one.

it wont be very bright but it will go probably to the end of the street or 500-600 feet. in the dark

it may or may not be 5mw so dont aim it in to yore eyes

green lasers are alot brighter but usually over 5mw

so not a bad beginner laser,, you can mess up with it and accidentally hit yourself in the eye and probably still be fine
but still avoid it

will i be able to pop a baloon with it

I got one of these to play with my cats, theyre not powerfull at all and I had to do some re soldering as the connection was a little dodgy, please introduce yourself in the new comer section and read all the stickies

Ty32 said:

will i be able to pop a baloon with it

Click to expand...

I doubt it will pop a balloon but you'll get some fun from it .

Those lasers are crap. Look into getting a better laser.

will i be able to modify it to pop one

Nope. Try a google search on the Forum (at the bottom of the page), there's loads of information on here.

what lasers are good for popping balloons and lighting matches that are legal in the us and does color matter

Don't listen to the pot modding videos on youtube.

Do some reading on this forum before you decide on which laser you get. Safety goggles are required when working with lasers above 5mw.

Laserbtb and Laserglow sell lasers that are legal in the us.

For popping balloons and lighting matches, you will want a 50mw+ laser that is focusable.

Color does matter. The closer to 555nm the laser is, the brighter it will be. A 5mw 532nm will be brighter than a 5mw 650nm.

Remember, safety goggles are required when using any laser above 5mw. (unless using for astronomy)

blue lasers are the best for burning but way out of your league as a newbie to lasers..

i would recommend getting a simple red 100-200mw laser as a first burner..
R608 A 650nm Adjustable Focus Red Laser Pointer Laser Torch Astronomy Military | eBay
this one is called 5mw but is really like 200mw
if you dont have too much money to spend this will light matches and pop balloons
this laser will also shine a mile in darkness and actually produce a decent beam. i have this one and it works well


if you have a bit more money have someone here build you one for probably a little over 50...and it will be much better quality

before you do any of that you should get goggles and play with that laser you have so you know what is reflective or not.. that one probably wont hurt you but the burning ones will if you mess up

405nm is an even better burner but is less bright..

a 100mw green will also burn and be very bright but will be the most expensive if you want to burn..

and blue, dont get blue yet until you are experienced with lasers, blue have some serious power to them.

Uvex S0360X Ultra-spec 2000 Safety Eyewear, Orange Frame, SCT-Orange UV Extreme Anti-Fog Lens - Amazon.com
these will work well for all lasers except red lasers but if you have the money you realy want an eagle pair of goggles

also please watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9pO9AgrzAc very important