The idea of possessing one of these lasers motivated me to do some research on ebay. Since I have very little knowledge about argons, it would be greatly appreciated if you guys give me some info. In fact, i am thinking of a power close to 100mw since I want a visible beam.. Cyan is so nice color =] The only problem is that i dont know which brands are good and if i can find a unit with the power mentioned above for less than $400 .. Thanks in advance..
The recommendations in the thread for "brand" are fine. Finding a small-frame, air cooled one that will do 100mW reliably and safely will be hard. Some of them will give you over 100mW, but most will be far below that. It doesn't matter what the "label" says. Manufacturers use only one or two labels. For example, EVERY JDSU laser meant to produce <10mW has a label that says >.5W I have NEVER seen one produce anywhere close to 500mW. Also, both of the JDSU lasers that I have had that have produced <100mW were rated (by model number) at 25mW and 50mW respectively
Finding a unit that will sell for less than $400 is easy, just talk to me. I have a multi-line for sale right now for $300 plus shipping. Any time you purchase an "untested" unit from eBay, you are taking a risk.
Thanks guys, i have already spoken to dave about his argons.. Lets wait for his reply here. As for the price( excluding shipping), how much minimum would i have to pay?
As with all things eBay, you never really know. I have seen laser heads alone go for <$300 and complete systems go for >$200. If you are going to go the eBay route, be patient. Be ready to feel the sting of disappointment when you loose. Be willing to take a chance that it won't work and/operate up to spec.
Bump, Daguin, can you please share some information with us? What are argons used for? Apart from the units you are selling, what are your suggestions for a 100 mw argon?
For example, how many mw's is this?
SPECTRA PHYSICS 163-A1202 ARGON ION LASER HEAD AIR-COOL - eBay (item 360231746177 end time Mar-04-10 15:08:48 PST)
Small-frame, air-cooled argons are used for a great many things. I've already said that getting a 100mW one will be a challenge. There is no way to know or even estimate the output of an individual laser from a picture of it. Also already said, it doesn't matter what the label says. The only way to know is to shine it onto an LPM.
You can do some research on the make and model number to see what you find. Ignore any articles that only tell you the "rated" power. They are just reporting what the label says. Also remember that people have a tendency to exaggerate the power of what they have for sale.
Finally, be ready for sticker shock when it comes to shipping something this heavy internationally. With the end of international "surface" shipping the shipping costs have skyrocketed. If a unit is coming from the US, be ready to spend an additional $150-$200 just to ship the laser and PSU! Argon laser systems are heavy.
Peace,
dave
