Which laser?

[deanrg]

Would a 800 mW green (532nm) laser or a 1 W blue (447nm) laser be better and more visible for star pointing? Would both be capable of burning wood?

 

[blakegriffin]

Both would be capable of burning wood. 800mw green laser will be very bright a lot brighter than a 1 watt blue laser. A 1 watt blue laser can go as low as 140$ but a real 800mw 532nm laser will be very expensive. If you want a powerful green try out jetlasers. A 1 watt blue laser can be bought of this forum in the by/sell/trade section. You will need goggles for these lasers. If you are buying a laser for star pointing you should get a 30-50mw green laser from lazerer.

 

[bennett326]

i would buy one laser for star pointing and one for burning. a 30mW green is about perfect, from what ive herd for star pointing. and then for burning buy a 445 and some good safety goggles

 

[InfinitusEquitas]

Would a 800 mW green (532nm) laser or a 1 W blue (447nm) laser be better and more visible for star pointing? Would both be capable of burning wood?

Either is overkill for star pointing. For that you need 30-50mW MAX.

Green would be a lot more visible.

Both would burn wood when properly focused.

Chances are the green laser will not be anywhere near 800mW though, since I imagine you're looking at some cheap chinese site?

Have you invested in proper safety goggles? Even a fraction of the 1W or 800mW is enough to leave permanent damage. Literally faster then you can blink.