my first burn

i just got a very excellent mxdl host laser. built by one of the guys here.
with a measured 230mw red, and some black electrical tape.
about 5 ft back, i focused the beam to what i thought was a tight beam and held it on the tape,
which started to smoke almost immediately.
i probably held it there for 20-30 seconds as still as i could.
i wasnt able to burn a hole in the tape.
i have seen some utube vids where the guys burn thru tape.
i havent tried matches, balloons, etc yet.

so can any one give some insight on proper burning?

At 5ft, you should use something to hold it steady.

If one of the guys here said it was 230mW, then it is (very likely) 230mW; which is more than enough for burning.

you have to hold the laser very still. i suggest a laser tripod which is very useful. if you can't afford one, then i suggest just putting it on a flat platform, like your desk.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12971

This one is 0.67" across. You might be able to squeeze an MDXL in one, I think they are about 0.7".