Most powerful handheld laser?

NoobHaq · Aug 2, 2015

Hey everyone! I am new to LPF but so far can tell that it's a great community :yh:

To begin with, I just want to say price isn't really a big deal for me. I am looking for the best possible handheld laser that will burn with ease. My main objective for buying the laser is to use it for burning :lasergun:

So far I have come across these 2 handheld lasers:

Arcane 2.0 445nm (6W-7W) - Arcane 2.0 445nm

PL-E Pro 445nm (4W Focusable, 4.5W-5W Fixed Focus) - most powerful blue laser handheld, 5w 6w blue laser 445nm portable, 445nm 3.5w 4w blue laser pointers jetlasers

Which of these would you recommend for my purpose? Is there another laser out there that would be a better option? I've noticed that all the high powered handheld lasers are usually 445nm, why is that? Is it the best for burning?

Also would you recommend me getting a focusable laser over a fixed focused? By focusing, does it mean changing the site of the dot or shape of the dot?

Lastly I want to say that I live in Australia so would ordering from the 2 sites above or any other site/s you might recommend be a problem?

Any help is greatly appreciated :thanks:

Gabe · Aug 2, 2015

It looks like the Arcane uses the higher powered diode. They're not all blue by choice, it just happens that it's easiest to make high-powered visible diodes in 445nm blue. You want focusable for burning, so you can make the dot as tight as possible. DONT FORGET SAFETY GOGGLES!!! 'Course, not a lot of this matters because I hear Aussie customs are one tough sunuva to get completed lasers over, no matter the power. So your best bet might be to order parts and assemble it yourself, which I believe is legal.

NoobHaq · Aug 2, 2015

Gabe said:
It looks like the Arcane uses the higher powered diode. They're not all blue by choice, it just happens that it's easiest to make high-powered visible diodes in 445nm blue. You want focusable for burning, so you can make the dot as tight as possible. DONT FORGET SAFETY GOGGLES!!! 'Course, not a lot of this matters because I hear Aussie customs are one tough sunuva to get completed lasers over, no matter the power. So your best bet might be to order parts and assemble it yourself, which I believe is legal.

Damn that was a quick reply!

So would you say the Arcane 2.0 445nm (6W-7W) would be the better choice?

And I will for sure be getting a pair of safety goggles, I am just not sure which would be best (in terms for comfortability and purpose). Any recommendations?

Thanks again!

APEX1 · Aug 2, 2015

What kind of safety glasses do you own for such a strong laser? It honestly scares me seeing such new members asking about these type of lasers with no experience in the hobby! No offense to you at all but why go for the strongest laser with out the knowledge

Gabe · Aug 2, 2015

Yeah I would say thenArcane is the better bet, so long as you're willing to risk getting it stopped at customs which is a big risk in Austrailia. And these OD4+ fit the bill, good for looking at the dot for up to 10W. But still, NEVER LOOK INTO THAT BEAM, as tempting as it may be.

NoobHaq · Aug 2, 2015

noobphaser215 said:
What kind of safety glasses do you own for such a strong laser? It honestly scares me seeing such new members asking about these type of lasers with no experience in the hobby! No offense to you at all but why go for the strongest laser with out the knowledge

Well I don't currently have any safety goggles but I will be getting a pair that is safe to use with the laser I end up getting. I know I might not be that experienced but I will be taking all the safety precautions necessary. I have just always wanted an extremely powerful burning laser and feel like now is the time to take the plunge!

Gabe said:
Yeah I would say thenArcane is the better bet, so long as you're willing to risk getting it stopped at customs which is a big risk in Austrailia. And these OD4+ fit the bill, good for looking at the dot for up to 10W. But still, NEVER LOOK INTO THAT BEAM, as tempting as it may be.

Thanks for the recommendation on safety goggles, I will definitely look into those :drool:

As to getting the laser in Australia, I might have to organise to get it shipped in parts if that's the only way that customs wont seize it.

So to clarify, there isn't a more powerful handheld than the Arcane 2.0 445nm (6W-7W)? I have been looking a round for a bit now and haven't seen anything stronger :yabbem:

Also would it be harmful towards my eyes if I were pointing such a laser into the sky and looking at the beam without safety goggles? That goes for burning objects too, would I have to wear safety goggles even if I am just trying to light a match/pop a balloon? At the end of the day safety is my #1 priority but I am just curious if it is possible to look at the beam/dot without safety goggles.

Sorry for so many questions!

Gabe · Aug 2, 2015

You may look at the beam, In fact it's recommended you don't wear goggles only when stargazing so you know where the beam is going. However, wearing goggles while burning and doing up close work is a must. Just about any use with the laser indoors requires the goggles. And you should note, that's an insane amount of power, I think more than you realize. That laser can and will char anything in its path, even the paint on your walls of not terminated properly. Even I'm scared of that kind of power!

RedCowboy · Aug 2, 2015

NoobHaq said:
Well I don't currently have any safety goggles but I will be getting a pair that is safe to use with the laser I end up getting. I know I might not be that experienced but I will be taking all the safety precautions necessary. I have just always wanted an extremely powerful burning laser and feel like now is the time to take the plunge!

You should get a good pair of certified safety glasses, but if you choose to get cheap safety glasses it's a good idea to get 2 pairs and double them up, you can use some hot glue and attach one lens over the other. They will let you see how well you have the laser focused as sooner or later you will want to burn something up close and you absolutely must wear attenuating glasses every time, sunglasses or squinting won't work and with these power levels there are no second chances if you get hit in the eye. Even looking at the spot up close can damage your retina without safety glasses.

Pi R Squared · Aug 2, 2015

Keep in mind that a laser of that power will not just pop balloons and light matches. It is a serious fire hazard, you can't go pointing it around inside like you see in so many photos and videos.

Alan

NoobHaq · Aug 3, 2015

RedCowboy said:
You should get a good pair of certified safety glasses, but if you choose to get cheap safety glasses it's a good idea to get 2 pairs and double them up, you can use some hot glue and attach one lens over the other. They will let you see how well you have the laser focused as sooner or later you will want to burn something up close and you absolutely must wear attenuating glasses every time, sunglasses or squinting won't work and with these power levels there are no second chances if you get hit in the eye. Even looking at the spot up close can damage your retina without safety glasses.

Yea I will definitely be getting a pair of certified safety glasses/goggles.

Pi R Squared said:
Keep in mind that a laser of that power will not just pop balloons and light matches. It is a serious fire hazard, you can't go pointing it around inside like you see in so many photos and videos.

Alan

Thanks Alan, I will make sure I take all the necessary safety measures that ensue having such a powerful laser :angel:

Is there anything else you guys would recommend me for a first time laser owner?

Cheers guys :beer:

Laser Chick · Aug 3, 2015

Hi NoobHaq, welcome to the forum :wave:

A first time laser owner and you want a 6 to 7 watt laser? By the questions you are asking you have no clue what you are getting into and no working experience with a laser. By all means ask questions but good God, 6 to 7 watts?!? I do not mean to be rude but you are setting yourself up or an innocent person near you for an accident. A burning laser usually starts around 100mW Why not start out with a laser around 200mW? Of course any laser over 5mW can cause harm but you are starting out right off the bat with a monster of a laser. Please reconsider and start off with a 200mW to 500mW laser.
Also, Australia is a very difficult country to import a handheld laser into. You will probably have to order parts and build it yourself.
Again, I am not trying to be mean or rude but a 6 to 7 watt laser is an incredibly powerful laser.

Sanfasteryler · Aug 3, 2015

NoobHaq said:
Well I don't currently have any safety goggles but I will be getting a pair that is safe to use with the laser I end up getting. I know I might not be that experienced but I will be taking all the safety precautions necessary. I have just always wanted an extremely powerful burning laser and feel like now is the time to take the plunge!

Thanks for the recommendation on safety goggles, I will definitely look into those :drool:

As to getting the laser in Australia, I might have to organise to get it shipped in parts if that's the only way that customs wont seize it.

So to clarify, there isn't a more powerful handheld than the Arcane 2.0 445nm (6W-7W)? I have been looking a round for a bit now and haven't seen anything stronger :yabbem:

Also would it be harmful towards my eyes if I were pointing such a laser into the sky and looking at the beam without safety goggles? That goes for burning objects too, would I have to wear safety goggles even if I am just trying to light a match/pop a balloon? At the end of the day safety is my #1 priority but I am just curious if it is possible to look at the beam/dot without safety goggles.

Sorry for so many questions!

I believe that there are no commercially available laser that is pretty assembled and is more power. You can make more powerful handheld laser by buying parts and assemble it by yourself (DIY)
Even for burning tests, you will need safety goggles. If you want to look at the dot, use a camera with filters on.

NoobHaq · Aug 3, 2015

Laser Chick said:
Hi NoobHaq, welcome to the forum :wave:

A first time laser owner and you want a 6 to 7 watt laser? By the questions you are asking you have no clue what you are getting into and no working experience with a laser. By all means ask questions but good God, 6 to 7 watts?!? I do not mean to be rude but you are setting yourself up or an innocent person near you for an accident. A burning laser usually starts around 100mW Why not start out with a laser around 200mW? Of course any laser over 5mW can cause harm but you are starting out right off the bat with a monster of a laser. Please reconsider and start off with a 200mW to 500mW laser.
Also, Australia is a very difficult country to import a handheld laser into. You will probably have to order parts and build it yourself.
Again, I am not trying to be mean or rude but a 6 to 7 watt laser is an incredibly powerful laser.

I appreciate the concern Laser Chick. Maybe you are right, I am new to the whole laser world and hobby but it does sure look interested and fun

Sanfasteryler said:
I believe that there are no commercially available laser that is pretty assembled and is more power. You can make more powerful handheld laser by buying parts and assemble it by yourself (DIY)
Even for burning tests, you will need safety goggles. If you want to look at the dot, use a camera with filters on.

I wouldn't mind building my own laser but I really have no clue what parts I need or how to assemble it! I don't own any tools like a soldering iron so I think I would need parts that are "plug 'n' play" if I were to build my own.

I have a hard time deciding what I really want since there are so many options out there! I have always liked the idea of owning 3 lasers in RGB but I can't find any companies that make them in the same host and same power!

Any more recommendations/opinions are greatly appreciated :thanks:

Laserbeamk · Aug 3, 2015

Arcane doesn't look too good in my opinion. Because it looks a little plain and very big. I would recommend building a 6W laser in a custom krypton groove host.
(http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/updated-prices-new-kryton-groove-fs-thread-85693.html)

Gabe · Aug 3, 2015

I think I have just the thing for you. Here are the red laser part bundles: Red Laser Part Bundles
From Survival Laser, and here are the violet: Violet Laser Part Bundles
They come ready to assemble, no soldering required. Insanely simple, even I figured it out

. 660nm red will be brighter than violet, and 635nm will be brighter than that, but violet will burn better. Also, they're all in the 300-500 mW range. Great starter burning lasers, also great starter assembly kits.

NoobHaq · Aug 3, 2015

Laserbeamk said:
Arcane doesn't look too good in my opinion. Because it looks a little plain and very big. I would recommend building a 6W laser in a custom krypton groove host.
(http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/updated-prices-new-kryton-groove-fs-thread-85693.html)

Thanks Laserbeamk, that host actually looks amazing, I will definitely have to do some research on it! Although it looks a bit daunting to build, I think it would be worth it!

Gabe said:
I think I have just the thing for you. Here are the red laser part bundles: Red Laser Part Bundles
From Survival Laser, and here are the violet: Violet Laser Part Bundles
They come ready to assemble, no soldering required. Insanely simple, even I figured it out . 660nm red will be brighter than violet, and 635nm will be brighter than that, but violet will burn better. Also, they're all in the 300-500 mW range. Great starter burning lasers, also great starter assembly kits.

Hey Gave, I was just looking at those actually! I've also started to do research on invisible lasers that can burn since it would be ok to look at the burning point/dot without glasses right? Maybe you could help me understand better about those wavelengths (while I continue doing research)?

Cheers :beer:

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