Good things and Bad things about Lasers?

Maybe, it seems a silly question, but I've been thinking following that my father forbid me to have lasers at home, and... I think that he has some reason about this.

Most people, when they hear the word laser, just they think about dangers that they entail...: Eye injuries, burns, illegality...

SO, I stopped to think. Actually, For what do we use it lasers?

And I wonder, What arguments do I tell my father about good things of lasers?

and I cannot take arguments that are worthwhile, because all are bad things.


Actually, ¿Why do you buy lasers? Do you use for something special?

I think that first thing that enters for eyes and produces curiosity about lasers, is the beam and the range of distance that it is can reach with them.
Also, for to have something quite unique, that usually people do not even know you can buy, and is a quite rare gadget. But usually people, thinks that it is absurd to spend so much money on a small light-colored, or so they think.


Why you spend money on lasers?

For what you do use them?

Do you think that is a simple hobby that borders on illegal, or believes he has more good things that bads?


Indeed, dangers are many, and I think that I can not argue with my father about why I love them because even I get to tell me that actually, I don't know can give good use. :thinking:


and the desire to buy and buy increase every day lol, maybe it's are like a drug. :thinking:


Can you help me to think on arguments to convince my father that they can also make good use of them? For example, physics experiments, or just for fun in a responsible manner? lol

The problem is that even I'm 17 years, and I don't have credit card to buy in Internet and in online shops, and I don't know another way for purchase lasers I want. Holy shit!


Greetings mates!!

it's a hobby. That's why I am on this site, and probably the majority of people on here. This is laser pointer forums, for pointing, and the fun of it.

There are TONS of applications for lasers in the world, but you personally have no valid use or explanation to give to your father why you need this laser.

You do not NEED it, you WANT it because it is a hobby.

Yes, no doubt, is a fantastic hobby. And I like very much. But, my father has little right.

Not really have a specific function, at least, in the particular field and for particular buyers.

It is difficult to explain, the feel to have a laser, explore it, see how to work, the diffrent colors of the beam, differents manufacturers, the feel to buy a NEW laser and open it .

It's the hobby, but is difficult or imposible for me, to explain another person who is not in the hobby, why I want a laser.

So, I do this question. I don't mind spend $ 300 in lasers, even more, but this for my father is a totally madness.

Definitely, I don't want lasers, to fun doing illegal things, but the image that people have from outside about lasers, is that it's to harm people. and this is all because of some IDIOTS.

Maybe, it's absurd that we like use a laser at night just to see the beam, but not only is that, it's the feel!! You know

Antoniio said:

Yes, no doubt, is a fantastic hobby. And I like very much. But, my father has little right.

Not really have a specific function, at least, in the particular field and for particular buyers.

It is difficult to explain, the feel to have a laser, explore it, see how to work, the diffrent colors of the beam, differents manufacturers, the feel to buy a NEW laser and open it .

It's the hobby, but is difficult or imposible for me, to explain another person who is not in the hobby, why I want a laser.

So, I do this question. I don't mind spend $ 300 in lasers, even more, but this for my father is a totally madness.

Definitely, I don't want lasers, to fun doing illegal things, but the image that people have from outside about lasers, is that it's to harm people. and this is all because of some IDIOTS.

Maybe, it's absurd that we like use a laser at night just to see the beam, but not only is that, it's the feel!! You know

Click to expand...

It might be a good idea to start small, $300 is very expensive. Maybe you should build a laser instead of buying one. That could show you dad that you are actually learning about electronics and gaining soldering skills. Show him that you can be safe and get some eye protection. Last, year my dad was not big on the idea of a 50mw green Novalasers x-50. One of my reasonings was if my parents let me drive a car, they should also let me have a laser. So far, I have not crashed my car, nor done anything stupid with a laser.

Lasers can be a source of entertainment when used safely. Lasers can be really fun. Fun is always a good reason.

Also, When I joined here I originally wanted a $300 WL arctic. That would never fly with my dad so I ended up buying a jayrob kit and a separate diode. Again, show your parents that you are gaining electrical knowledge from this hobby.

drevil said:

It might be a good idea to start small, $300 is very expensive. Maybe you should build a laser instead of buying one. That could show you dad that you are actually learning about electronics and gaining soldering skills. Show him that you can be safe and get some eye protection. Last, year my dad was not big on the idea of a 50mw green Novalasers x-50. One of my reasonings was if my parents let me drive a car, they should also let me have a laser. So far, I have not crashed my car, nor done anything stupid with a laser.

Lasers can be a source of entertainment when used safely. Lasers can be really fun. Fun is always a good reason.

Also, When I joined here I originally wanted a $300 WL arctic. That would never fly with my dad so I ended up buying a jayrob kit and a separate diode. Again, show your parents that you are gaining electrical knowledge from this hobby.

Click to expand...

Hi, drevil. Thanks for the tips.

The idea of building the laser, it is a very good way to try change the vision of my father about lasers. but, I don't see me, trying doing a project like this...

maybe, the best way, is wait to be 18 in few months, and manage my own money, and spend it in my hobbies. Worse is, spend the money in drugs, for example lol.

Anyway, I don't behave maturely this year's, for example, I don't get good marks in high school, and this is a con to convince my father. And it's my fault.

You have No NEED for lasers like mentioned.

But don't be mistaken Lasers are Not a toy and are Very Dangerous, so your Dad is right.

And you will never think of a "Good Reason" to convince people who don't like lasers, why you have one or spent that much $$ on. And most people will have that reaction. In fact I'd just not tell people how much they cost you, or you will always be having that conversation ( because I like them, thats why i got it... you paid how much? Whats it for? Thats Dumb. ) And the people wont be as interested in the laser.

So just show them it and avoid the $$ conversation.. And NEVER let others use your laser EVER, Most people do Not Understand how Dangerous lasers are and will dangerously miss use it. Even if you Think they are responsible and even if you have explained laser safety to them. Or you risk your eye sight or someone else's for the rest of your life. You need goggles on to play with your lasers inside.

Be careful and Never down play how dangerous a laser can be. You know they say you don't know how valuable something is until you Loose it, don't do that with your Eyes.

Krogith said:

You have No NEED for lasers like mentioned.

But don't be mistaken Lasers are Not a toy and are Very Dangerous, so your Dad is right.

And you will never think of a "Good Reason" to convince people who don't like lasers, why you have one or spent that much $$ on. And most people will have that reaction. In fact I'd just not tell people how much they cost you, or you will always be having that conversation ( because I like them, thats why i got it... you paid how much? Whats it for? Thats Dumb. ) And the people wont be as interested in the laser.

So just show them it and avoid the $$ conversation.. And NEVER let others use your laser EVER, Most people do Not Understand how Dangerous lasers are and will dangerously miss use it. Even if you Think they are responsible and even if you have explained laser safety to them. Or you risk your eye sight or someone else's for the rest of your life. You need goggles on to play with your lasers inside.

Be careful and Never down play how dangerous a laser can be. You know they say you don't know how valuable something is until you Loose it, don't do that with your Eyes.

Click to expand...

I like your vision and concept about lasers. You have all reason. It's very dangerous. And I think that it's a strange hobby , I think that we should admittedly it, not everyone likes, and isn't very normal spend much money in them. And this is so.

you have all reason. Is better not talk about money $ $, because not everyone understand the hobby, and would take us like fools, and they put their hands to their heads, and ask: Why you spend this $ $ in this shit? unfortunately, it is so.
But As I say, it's the FEEL, people don't understand this.

Hobbys, are very expensive.

Just be safe, make sure you get Good protection, don't go cheep on your protection, and if you want to show others it Burning things they need goggles as well. Spend the $$ on goggles 1st then buy/make your lasers. Never get the laser before or you'll end up using it and all it takes is 1 reflection or even you looking at the dot to close "inside your house" (depending on mW)

Otro español!!

It's bs that your dad doesn't let you have lasers, even being 17. But... you are living in his home (I guess) and he is the one that makes the rules.

Maybe if you don't tell him....

Que hay Rafa ; )

Es complicado que no se entere, pues en cierta medida, él controla el dinero que gasto y no gasto, tengo unos euros ahorrados, si desaparecen en cuestión de un día para otro, algo he comprado lógicamente, y mi padre me preguntará que he comprado. Aparte, de que actualmente no tengo tarjeta de crédito (creo que puedo hacerme una de todas formas).
Es normal que no me deje gastar tanto dinero en unos láser que además son muy peligrosos. Es lo que tiene ser menor. En un añito haré los 18, quien sabe, tal vez ya habré perdido el gusanillo al mundillo, pero tengo muchas ganas de comprar cositas nuevas. Que se le va a hacer, en el fondo tiene razón, mucha razón. ¿Qué es lo que te gusta de los láser?

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It's difficult that he not realize, because to some extent, he controls the money I spend and not spend, I have saved a few euros, if it disappear in a matter of overnight, I bought something logically,
and my father will ask me what I buy. Besides, that now I don't have a credit card (I think that I can make one, anyway). It's normal that he doesn't let me spend much money in a lasers, and that also, it is very dangerous. Is what has to be lower. In a year I will be 18, who knows, maybe in the future, I'll not like them like now, but I have really wanted to buy new lasers. Is a pity, but my father is right. What is that you like about lasers?

Krogith said:

Just be safe, make sure you get Good protection, don't go cheep on your protection, and if you want to show others it Burning things they need goggles as well. Spend the $$ on goggles 1st then buy/make your lasers. Never get the laser before or you'll end up using it and all it takes is 1 reflection or even you looking at the dot to close "inside your house" (depending on mW)

Click to expand...

Yes man, I have it present at all times. The security in lasers, is very important for me.

If you like them now, you will like them later. Stick around and learn a lot and then practice soldering stuff and then you may make a few out of your limited funds, rather than one, But practice and maybe you'll find a dvd burner and make one for free or cheep. READ Read Read tho

I always loved burning things and spent many summers with a 7 inch magnify glass I extracted at a dump... Good old days.. I always wanted a laser that could burn things, and life went by........Now I'm older and disabled for 6 years so far and the idea popped back into my head "I might be able to get a laser to burn things now"... and here I am

Great tips Drevil, +1 to you.
I'd have to say that this hobby can be insidious when it comes to your costs. I figured I would learn a bit about electronics and have probably spent almost $2000 ($1000 for laser related gear) since August.
Building your own is a great way to show that you are mature enough to have one. Buying doesn't precipitate the same level of caution as it does when you realize the power levels you work with (upper limits of what a good battery can supply sometimes).
There are a few practical uses but a few more "fun" uses.
I have balloon popping competitions with the gf where we tape a couple of balloon up to the wall (cinder block w/ white paint) by cotton strings. Whoever can cut the string (from ~10' away) and pop the balloon as it falls first wins ^_^.
I have knocked flies out of the air with the 405nm (445 doesn't work as well unless you are close) or off of the light fixtures.
They will also ignite fins (0000 'grit') steel wool instantly.
Matches are the same way, when all is said and done though, really the only practical reason for having a laser is for signaling purposes. A lighter will ignite things faster, a simple sharpened piece of metal or blow dart will pop a balloon faster/more consistently, etc.
Better to buy a beat up old car for $300 and be able to get around and/or learn how to fix it than to spend ever increasing amounts of money on a laser, glasses, batteries, charger, LPM, soldering iron, various electronic components, flashlight hosts, sleds, DMM....
You get the idea.
This is especially true when you don't have any money other than this. You should be covering your NEEDS before your WANTS ^_^

@autoxx
I think in the last sentence of your post you meant to say you should be covering your NEEDS before your WATTS :beer:

Ba-dum-tssss

Thanks for answer.

I don't think I can build a laser by myself : (, for several factors.

All the information I can find about, is written entirely in English, a language that I don't dominate correctly. All the valuable information for beginners in lasers, and build of these, is written in English too. So, the difficulty involved, increases by language. Actually, I really hard to understand many threads, because you use a specialized language, many terms and words, that I can't understand.
For these reasons, for me is more easy buy lasers.

The language is the main impediment to learn about, and it's a pity...

I would like so much, learn about build a laser, but it's very difficult for me.

I'll never express as a native English speaker, for this reason, I can not understand for example, a long text, or a long review. Translators don't help completely.