Hi, I'm new here.

[Joshua1998]

Hi, my name is Josh and I've just started using lasers as a hobby.
My first laser was a red 1 mw, which doesn't sound like much but it definitely surprised me with it's power and capabilities.
I hope to be able to learn how to use my lasers safely, and to experiment with them in controlled environments.

 

[Blaster]

Well welcome from south Australia, if it was an eBay pen it's very likely it's a lot more than 1mW hence it's look and power to you ,probably at least 10 to 20 times that power .

 

[Joshua1998]

It was a ebay pen, and you're probably right. Although I'll have no way of knowing until I get a LPM. If it is likely to be 10-20 mw, I presume I should use safety glasses while using it?

 

[Tmack]

Welcome. Just be conscious where it's pointed. Ideally one should always wear glasses, but I think you'll be ok as long as your careful. Not to say accident don't happen.

 

[SerpantSlayer]

Hi, my name is Josh and I've just started using lasers as a hobby.
My first laser was a red 1 mw, which doesn't sound like much but it definitely surprised me with it's power and capabilities.
I hope to be able to learn how to use my lasers safely, and to experiment with them in controlled environments.

Welcome to the forum! I recommend you get a 5mW green laser. If your 1mW red surprised you, youll be amazed with the green.

 

[Joshua1998]

Welcome to the forum! I recommend you get a 5mW green laser. If your 1mW red surprised you, youll be amazed with the green.

Thanks, I'm currently waiting for a couple of green pens to arrive. As Blaster said they're most likely overspec, but I won't know for sure until I get/make a LPM...


Also I was wondering, how difficult are DIY projects for novices? (I'm not asking for anyone to explain any processes) I just want to know if it would be viable for someone with limited experience with the inner workings of electronic devices to attempt to build their own laser.

 

[SerpantSlayer]

Thanks, I'm currently waiting for a couple of green pens to arrive. As Blaster said they're most likely overspec, but I won't know for sure until I get/make a LPM...


Also I was wondering, how difficult are DIY projects for novices? (I'm not asking for anyone to explain any processes) I just want to know if it would be viable for someone with limited experience with the inner workings of electronic devices to attempt to build their own laser.

I mean it's not very hard at all. There are a lot of tutorials out there and it just soldering for the most part.

 

[ryansoh3]

Welcome to LPF! :wave:

Hopefully the stringent customs won't get your lasers.

 

[cantthinkofone]

DIY is pretty easy. Just get yourself glasses and lase carefully. :beer:

 

[NightExplorer96]

Welcome to the forum! I recommend you get a 5mW green laser. If your 1mW red surprised you, youll be amazed with the green.

He "can't" get 5mW, Australian laws prohibit over 1mW, he could try but a very strong chance it wouldn't make it

 

[Tmack]

Blaster has a pretty substantial collection, but he has gone through a lot to get his units. Also other Aussie members. If they can do it, so can the op.

 

[NightExplorer96]

Blaster has a pretty substantial collection, but he has gone through a lot to get his units. Also other Aussie members. If they can do it, so can the op.

Of course he can, never said he couldn't. I was just pointing out the fact that Australia has some of the toughest laws when it comes to lasers.

 

[Joshua1998]

Thanks guys.
I've just been buying 1 mw lasers to start off with, anything higher I'll have to make myself.
A friend of mine tried to get a 5 mw from overseas and ended up with a letter from customs.

 

[NightExplorer96]

Thanks guys.
I've just been buying 1 mw lasers to start off with, anything higher I'll have to make myself.
A friend of mine tried to get a 5 mw from overseas and ended up with a letter from customs.

Haha, 1mW is good to start off :angel: And don't worry 5mW lasers aren't too hard to make(only common wavelengths). Goodluck

 

[Joshua1998]

I'm going to try and build a 10 mw on a 445nm wavelength, I'm just waiting for the diode module. I know I'm starting small, but the strict laws (regarding lasers) here make it very difficult to start anywhere else.

 

[NightExplorer96]

I'm going to try and build a 10 mw on a 445nm wavelength, I'm just waiting for the diode module. I know I'm starting small, but the strict laws (regarding lasers) here make it very difficult to start anywhere else.

Haha, don't worry. 10mW is still pretty good to start off, goodluck and be careful