Similarly to a jigsaw? Only very slowly and with fine motors to more the piece. You're taking about the difference between a 1 dimensional cut and a 2 dimensional cut. Even the slight jerking caused by moving it by hand will cause it to skip over small areas. Perhaps with a smaller diameter.
Damn,
I got to make one of those with a 8 foot light tube and my desiccated breath. I read how to do it long time ago. Easy as: HV circuitry, Vacuum Technology, Glassworking, electronic impedance matching, optical alinement, material procurement and week of good luck and money to burn.!
That laser is money well spent man, bravo!
I read if your beam goes through a 1/2 wave plate or something, it's stops the destructive feedback to the OC. As is (your setup)the beam bounces back with circular polarization.
really awesome! now thats what i have in mind when talking about "burning laser"! nothing with "what match works best?" and "what sharpie is the blackest?"..
i love the near instant hole and smoke through the wood!