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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Finding a Laser

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Hey everyone! I have posted this on multiple sites, and am about to on this one. I'm in search of the right laser, for the right price. Below I'll post my requirements and budget, so please when giving suggestions try to stick to that as best possible.




REQUIRED

1. A visible beam. For example, not just a dot on the wall, you can see the beam leading up to the dot. I'd like for it to be as visible as it can possibly get, meaning whichever color of laser is most visible will do just fine.

2. Distance. I want it to be powerful enough to be viewed from an impressive distance, beam and dot both.

3. Burn-ability! It absolutely has to have the ability to burn through papers, pop balloons, the works. That's the whole fun of it! Preferably powerful enough to burn from a fair distance, not when it's practically touching the paper or balloon.

4. Portable. I don't want the beam to weigh 50 pounds, take up a full backpack, and require two people and a stand to hold. I'd like something handheld, and moderate in size.






BUDGET

I'm a working teen without bills or the like, with a steady job. I make $9.10 an hour (Not great, but hey, not bad for someone of my age).

Budget: $1000 MAX. If necessary to find what I'm after, you can go over that number, but please try to keep it as close as possible to cheaper than a grand. That's more than enough for a laser-pointer.



What I've Seen

I've currently looked at the website "wickedlasers" as a main site for my needs. The "Arctic" and "Krypton" are supposed to be very high quality. The reasons I haven't bought either are as follows.

1. I'm not sure which to spend the $ on, between the two lasers offered.

2. I'm not sure if there's a higher quality one, for a better or equal price someplace that I haven't heard about.





Sooo, basically I'm looking for you all to gather your knowledge on the world of laser-pointers, and help me to find what I'm looking for. Don't go out of your way to to my bidding, but if you happen to have any recommendations or sites that I can visit to get something like what I'm after, all of oyur suggestions would be appreciated.


~Thanks in advance! Cody Darnell, U.S., OR.
 





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Sounds like you've got more money than sense :) You can get a laser that ticks all the boxes for a fraction of the cost. Have a look in the sales threads Filling out your profile would help too like where you are

You can get a laser better than WL (not too popular round here) for a couple hundred $$$
 
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Sounds like you've got more money than sense :) You can get a laser that ticks all the boxes for a fraction of the cost. Have a look in the sales threads Filling out your profile would help too like where you are

You can get a laser better than WL (not too popular round here) for a couple hundred $$$

Appreciate it, I'll get started making my profile look a little nicer. And yeah, Wickedlasers being the only site I've had to go off of, I'd assumed the "$1000" pricetags were all I'd find for what I'm looking for. Glad to hear I won't have to break the bank nearly as bad as I'd expected.
 
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Edit: Looking at the 2W - 2w Blue Laser | 445nm 2W Laser pointer of Luna Series

What I've assumed, as someone new to messing with expensive lasers, is that the higher mW, the more visible the beam and the faster it burns. I'm not really looking to make lasers in to a hobby, more of trying to find one cool one to mess with. I want the most visibility and burn-ability I can get for my money, and with so many options, finding one is a bitch.
 
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Green is the most visible for the least amount of power. You will need safety glasses if you're going to be burning stuff too. You should read up on Laser safety as these are not your typical $$ store laser pens.
 
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Green is the most visible for the least amount of power. You will need safety glasses if you're going to be burning stuff too. You should read up on Laser safety as these are not your typical $$ store laser pens.

How visible is it in comparison to blue, because as far as I understand blue are less visible but with more burning power for a cheaper price.

Also, "laser safety" sounds like "common knowledge" in my opinion. Wear the safety glasses, don't shine it directly at any living thing, don't leave it on for an incredibly long time, don't burn shit that'll start major fires, etc. Shouldn't be a problem at all.

I really am clueless as to what exactly to go pick up and get. Honestly if someone were to reply "___________ will light a match just by passing over it quickly, is clearly visible, can burn things with ease, has multiple lenses and free safety glasses, and all for only $400!" I'd go pick it up. That's the type of suggestions I need. Sorta trusting the memberbase not to stick me with a laser I end up hating.

Edit: http://cdn100.iofferphoto.com/img/i...blue-laser-pointer-with-safety-glass-76d5.jpg

Blue beam, insanely easy to see. So I mean, I'm having trouble putting together how dramatic the difference between green and blue beams are as far as visibility. I know the human eye detects green FAR better, but I'm not visually seeing that difference as I browse images and videos.
 
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Sorry for all the spam, just try'na find the right laser for me.

I know damn well a 1w laser will light things fairly fast. Doubling that to a 2w, will that make it light from a further distance, make it more visible, etc?
 
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Greens are more expensive mW for mW against the blue, sounds like you've made your decision to get a blue. Have a look at the companies section so you can make an informed decision yourself. I'd hate to recommend a laser and end up you hating it.

And use Edit as to not double post, people don't like it on here ;)
 
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x1l7.jpg


Be careful with your super-visible-burny-beam, bro.

:)
 
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Alrighty, I've been doing more and more research and I'm almost certain I'd like to go for that 2w Luna Series (Blue) laser.

Although browsing these forums, I notice all of it's active members list the lasers they own, and none of them have one over 1w, it seems. Is there any specific reason to this? Money just to tight for most adults to buy expensive lights, or is there something about the more powerful lasers that's turning most off of them?
 
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Not everyone put what lasers they own or update them, it's not all about power either most just like the low powered exotic lasers too, I just havent got round to building any yet but have parts on route :)
 
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I build and sell 2W+ 445nm(blue) lasers that are much higher quality than WL at a fraction of your budget. Currently I am on vacation so I don't have any left but I will be home on the 16th and will be making several more lasers. If you would like, there is a link to my sales thread in my signature.

Holy cow I just realized where XxCodyDarnellxX is located. I am currently on vacation in Coos Bay Oregon which is only a few miles away LOL.
 
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Hold up a moment... warnlasers? They aren't ranked very highly around here...

Try laserbtb.com, a custom build right here on LPF takes the #1 spot to get a laser. laserbtb.com offers a good compromise between price and quality, try jetlasers.org too. Good luck
 
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Well, ApexProxy, if you can't get him to bite on one of your lasers, send him my way.

I do so miss Oregon. I used to live in The Dalles, on the side of Mt. Hood.
 

Pman

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Laser safety isn't as common sense as you may think. Very easy to accidentally hurt yourself or others (especially the eyes). There are a very large number of members here that own multiple powerful units. They need to be treated with much care and respect.
Not only will you need the proper quality safety glasses but multiples if you are showing the unit to others. Quality batteries and charger especially for a high powered unit. realize that you are excited about this but you need to slow down some. These are not "toys".
$1000 is plenty to buy some really nice things but really overkill especially for a first unit. All lasers can be easily broken too so I wouldn't recommend tossing all your eggs in one basket. Just accidental putting the batteries in the wrong way could be death to a unit.
Take a moment to breathe and we can steer you in the right direction with lots of options. Look more at all the safety stuff (I'm serious) and assume you know nothing. Look at the review, builds and Buy/sell/trade sections to get a better idea of what's out there.
There are members here that already have what you are looking for or can build for you IF they feel confident that you will not break our/their trust. We take this very seriously. Doesn't look like you have any idea just how good the units are that are custom built here by extremely reputable members. My favorite units are not the ones I bought from a company but from members.
There's also a few good companies out there still if you feel the need to go that route.
Unless the laser is already built, it can take a hours to months to build depending upon whether parts have to be ordered and many other factors. Most companies take quite a bit of time to build and send theirs out also as plenty are built to order and are not just sitting on a shelf waiting to be stuffed into a box and mailed.
DON'T assume anything about the quality of ANY companies brag. There are not many here who would recommend Wicked Laser products.
Again, take a breathe and slow down and we can help.

Take a look at Kookapeli has that says "New LPF'ers please read this" if you are serious and want our respect. This is THE site for most things laser related so you are in the right place if you can take what we do seriously. It's not an exaggeration to say there has been hundreds before you with basically the same first posts. Some stay and become great assets and some go or get banned because they wouldn't respect forum rules and etiquette. Hoping you will be a keeper (honestly).
 
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@Pman - I visited that link on Koo's signature previously, and it was helpful and informative.

@Apex - Yeah, Oregon is amazing. Check out Bandon, as it has some of the most scenic views in the state by far. Coos Bay is nothing in comparison to the Bandon coast, and the famous "Face Rock". If you're interested in staying out in this town for a night or two, I'd recommend "Sunset Motel", it's very high quality, and it's where I work, so I can harass you a little. ;)

@Everyone - I have been doing nothing but research on lasers in my free time. While it makes sense the quote "Don't put all your eggs in one basket", I would like something impressive as my first laser. Anyone can get a laser pointer at dollar tree, but to have a blue one, with a visible beam, that BURNS THINGS. That's a major step up. The problem I'm having is truly finding the right one. It seems my "perfect laser" doesn't exist for under $2,000, which I'm NEVER spending on a laser. So I need the best I can get for a much cheaper price. As mentioned to Apex, I'm strongly considering getting one of his.

Edit: Doing more research, my conclusion --- Alright you convincing bastards. You've talked me off my ledge of "LETS BUY A DEATH RAY!", and I'm now considering perhaps a 150mW or so "Green" laser. Honestly I think the visual effect I'll get from that is more suited for me, for now. I previously just wanted ONE laser to show off, but now I'm sure to end up with buying 1 more each paycheck (which is every 2 weeks), so 2 lasers a month. Congratulations, you've turned me in to a laser hobbyist.

Edit2: Could anyone refer me to a maker, or a forum topic, of someone who makes GREEN 5mW -> 150+mW lasers? I think I've settled upon a 5mW and a larger, at minimum 150mW one.
 
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