Any way to get more than 5mw in USA?

[ElektroFreak]

[quote author=ElektroFreak link=1226258600/0#14 date=1226346927][quote author=pullbangdead link=1226258600/0#13 date=1226343972][quote author=ElektroFreak link=1226258600/0#10 date=1226334942]If a person is interested in owning a laser with a power output over 1/2 watt, then laser pointers are out of the question anyway.

thats not true actually, there is a DIYer on here somewhere, i cant find the thread right now, who made a 1 watt hand held, i believe a 4 watt also, and is going to soon make a 20 watt[/quote]



By out of the question I mean a laser pointer more powerful than 500mW is too dangerous to just be shining around all over the place.

I'm not sure why someone would believe it's OK to place a laser that powerful in a handheld device. Not to mention, to remain affordable it would have to be IR, which is even more dangerous. People who work with lasers responsibly know that even an indirect reflection (which you wouldn't even see if it's IR) at those power levels can blind you. A 20-Watt handheld?? What do you want to do, light people on fire from 300 feet away?

Sometimes its amazing to see how little people care about their vision, or how little they respect how dangerous lasers can be. Just because you've been hit in the eye by a 20mW laser a few times and haven't had any vision loss means nothing. The game changes drastically above around 750mW or so. Then even a blink reflex isn't enough to protect you. And that's assuming it's visible light.

You can buy safety goggles, but unless you're willing to buy a pair for every person that will be within range of your laser both now and in the future, then I wouldn't recommend using a handheld laser over 1/2 Watt.

 

[billg519]

I think that I am the individual that Liberty1992 is referring to. However, I can't be of much help here on US importing as I live in Canada, and so far have never had any trouble with customs up here at all. I have purchased laser pens, handhelds, diodes, and all manner of components with no problem. Yes, I was going to make a 20w IR handheld, but I have since upgraded it to a 40w 808nm handheld. This is a very complex, involved project that will take me at least 4 to 6 more weeks to complete. It will be large (3" dia by 14.5" long), but will be able to be held in one hand. It will have FDA type safety features on it. (Key lock, aperture shutter, power on delay, etc.) Also it will have battery voltage, diode operating current, and diode temperature displays. I have made more normal IR handhelds as well. (1w 808 nm, 2w 808nm, 4w 808nm, 4w 960nm) When I finally complete this 40w beast, I will make a full report on it, including photos and video of it in operation. I'll also post construction details and schematics in case anyone else who has diode bars and access to machine tools ever wants to do something crazy like this. Oh well, I did want to challenge myself with something difficult ... I guess that it will be my Christmas present to myself this year. (A merry, flaming Christmas?) Wish me luck ...

Aliasneo07 - Stick with this forum, read, search, and you too will build lasers yourself based on the valuable information found all through this forum. Try maybe a dvd red first. I made my first laser only one year ago. Now, I have lots of lasers. Most important, laser goggles !!!!! Get them. Do not do without !!!!! Do not think that sunglasses are "good enough". We only get one pair of eyes ...

Bill. (Who should think of getting a big crystal set to stick on the front of the 40w when it's done ...)

 

[Fenderbender]

So this service by Sawt_al_Hurriyah is Legitimate? I was interested in this service, but i wanted to make sure it is not a scam.

 

[rocketparrotlet]

Hey, i live in the USA.

I wanted to get a 30mw green laser to see the beam, and maybe a 200mw red laser for burning fun.

Is there ANY way to get one of these in the USA?

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

I have found that the best way to achieve these goals is to read for up to 5 minutes.

I know this may sound like a momentous task, but believe me, YOU CAN DO IT!

-Mark