1st Laser Safety Concern

[psi seeker 34]

Last I knew 50mw would get hot enough to pop black baloons and melt through black garbage bags.

 

[goninanbl00d]

And that's about it.

For real burning, such as tape, matches and paper, you need much more power.

 

[plexus]

I'll tell you back in 1986 i put together my first laser, a 1mW HeNe. I accidentally caught my eye with the beam and it was so bright it instantly gave me a spot that didn't go away for about 30 mins. That was 1mW.

I think the rule of thumb is that anything 5mW or over is an eye sight hazard meaning it can cause permanent damage. You are not alone as a person who is fascinated by lasers and wants get one but is concerned about the hazards.

I commend you for searching out advice on this rather than just buying a laser and finding out the hard way. There is a famous post somewhere from a guy that was cleaning the lens of his, i think 75mW or so pointer, with the batteries in it and accidentally engaged the beam straight into his eye. It took months for his eyesight to recover and I don't think it fully recovered.

So yes, the truth is that in order to "enjoy" a laser you will have to get one that will be an eye hazard and you should observe all safety protocols when using it otherwise accept the risks.

But, if you do decided to a laser that is a hazard, no matter what the power, if you observe smart recommended safety protocols, you will still enjoy the amazing virtues of the laser.

One suggestion is this: start out with a 5mW pointer until you are familiar and comfortable with it. then graduate to say 50mW and up from there. you can always sell your old lower power laser to recoup some costs.

 

[TTerbo]

And that's about it.

For real burning, such as tape, matches and paper, you need much more power.

YouTube - 50mW green laser burning Tape and Popping balloons made a video of my 50mW just for you

 

[goninanbl00d]

Mmm...

My module's underspec, in that case.

I stand very corrected.

Just ignore everything I've said so far excluding the bit about goggles.

 

[psi seeker 34]

Though you have to admit the possibility that his may be over specs.
The lasers on Deal Extreme are according to either this thread

http://laserpointerforums.com/f45/dx-true-5-a-42294.html
or this one
http://laserpointerforums.com/f45/new-dx-green-modules-42299.html

green laser pointers are commonly either above or below specs and typically
can be POT moded to 30mw or more above their original output. (disclaimer) "POT moding laser pointers has a chance of ruining your laser pointer and may make more powerful than the legal limit for hand held lasers that don't have any safety features if you live in the US." In spite of this had no trouble doing this to two <5mw $7 (with S&H) green lasers off of ebay (though their cases look like crap because I had to cut them). Now both lasers are 2-4 times as bright as their original condition,the lasers run as well on more completely dead batteries as their original,the beam can now be seen at night,and at close range the beam gets slightly warm. The down side of this is I can't just hand one of these to just anyone because people tend to be stupid enough to intentionally shine these in each other's eyes as a prank. :tsk:

 

[Lane]

Hey, a great starter laser is a 5mw greenie although slightly overspec ones will be over the blink reflex as long as you use caution ie. no reflective surfaces, pets or small children around this laser would be good: 5mw Green Laser Pointer Visible Beam Ship Fast From USA - eBay (item 110530400620 end time Aug-06-10 18:31:04 PDT) it is cheaper than the WL and you will be amazed at the beam if this is your first greenie. It is a U.S. shipper and I bought both that item and a 5mw blu-ray which is also great for a starter laser as you can play with flouresence and glow in the dark items such as the glow in the dark sheet from modwerx.com. Whatever you choose even if it comes labeled as below 5mw treat it as if a indirect hit would cause blindness, so you can prepare yourself for higher powered lasers.
Good Luck,
Lane

 

[Lane]

Pot modding is generally a bad idea as basically you are running a module at most likely above the current it was rated for and then when you pot mod it, it will increase the current even more. This will cause a shorter lifetime, heat problems, and without a laser power meter you have no idea if that laser is blinding or not. Whichever you choose remember to keep these in a safe place and do not let others use them.
Good luck,
Lane