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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Melting stuff - Be extra careful

Joined
May 29, 2013
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So I got my first high power blue laser(1W I think). Lights matches instantly, starts smouldering even white newsprint.
Reading all these posts here has resulted in a protocol I follow.
Laser is in box without batteries inside laser. I simply wear my goggles, then insert batteries, and then switch on laser.

With the goggles on, I can see the dot on a white wall, but its very dim. Beam is invisible, I cannot see the beam with goggles even at night.

So while burning stuff, I decided to point it at a small candle. When the wax melts, it acts as a mirror, and good I was wearing goggles, so the dot just appeared a little brighter than usual, but I shudder to think what would have happened if I was not wearing goggles.

Speaking of my red goggles, I put on a diffraction cap on the laser, and shone it on the wall through goggles, no dots appeared on the wall. The goggles simply stopped the laser.

But the takeway is that if you are melting stuff, even from a distance, be extra careful, as matt wax which does not reflect anything becomes like a mirror.
 





djQUAN

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Joined
May 27, 2013
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Same thing happened when I melted solder with my 1.4W. Good thing I had eye protection.
 
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
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After I got lucky a couple years ago, I have never looked back. Took a direct hit to my right eye from a 445, though it was focused very close, so the dot that hit me was greatly unfocused. I am still very lucky to be able to see. Never used high powered lasers to burn without glasses again.
 
Joined
May 9, 2013
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I'm fairly paranoid when it comes to this after a blunt force trauma to my right eye during a snowmobile trip caused my pupil to not dialate properly. Eyes are precious and I try to always err on the side of safety when it comes to goggles.
 
Joined
Apr 19, 2013
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Yep, was in the bathroom playing with a 1W+ 445nm and the laser passed over some water. Right in the eye. Was wearing Goggles! I always wear them if there is a chance of reflections, especially with high powered Lasers.

~ LB
 
Joined
Nov 4, 2011
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Mac is right. Good job OP for actuality using your brain. You only get two eyes and one life so use them wisely. Unlike some others that think they know better. On the other hand if you don't plan on living that long screw the safety glasses and enjoy the photons up close and personnel.
 




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