Beginner in the laser hobby, wondering what I can upgrade to eventually.

[lasergolub]

Hi everyone! I ordered a laser 303 and it arrived today, to my surprise I had a 18650 battery ready and put it in the laser, I tried at nighttime and was so interested in the strength of the laser beam and now i'm more interested in the hobby, hopefully this isn't annoying to post as I believe these kinds of posts are common, I am wondering how good is the laser 303 for a beginner and what other not-so-expensive lasers I should get?

-lasergolub

 

[Encap]

You can check eBay and similar sites for low quality/low cost mass produced laser pointers.
Don't expect a lot from lasers like a laser 303 that cost $2 to $3. less than a cup of good coffee, to make and are resold by thousands of resellers on web sites for approx $10.
Be aware any of them can cause eye damage. You need to use safe operating procedures + get and wear good quality laser safety glasses/googles.
Laser accidents that can permanently damage you eyes happens in less time than the human blink reflex of 0.25 seconds - no time to be able to avoid an accident once it is in progress.
You can get good quality lasers goggles here:
https://www.survivallaserusa.com/Safety_Goggles/cat1667093_1527285.aspx

If you want good quality lasers see:
https://www.jetlasers.org/
and
https://www.sanwulasers.com/?gad_source=1

Most importantly, take some time and study up on laser safety. Best web site overall is :
https://www.laserpointersafety.com/
and see:
https://www.lasersafetyfacts.com/classes-menu.html
See eye hazard chart here :
https://www.lasersafetyfacts.com/hazard_distance_chart.html

PS see what happened to an experienced LPF member using a 1W blue laser in less than 1 second here:
https://laserpointerforums.com/threads/hit-in-eye-with-1000mw-445nm-blue-laser.69469/

 

[loreadarkshade]

Chheck out my store! https://www.jlasers.org/
I too, started as a hobbyist like you and decided to start making my own lasers as I enjoyed the hhobby so much.

 

[lasergolub]

Hi, thank you guys for replying.

Any more stores other than sanwu and JLasers (loreadarkshade provided his store) that I can save?

also, where can I buy good lasers, lets say 30-55$ USD?

and is the 303 Laser good laser based on it's strength and build quality? compared to cheap store lasers i've used in the past, the 303 is my favorite laser and so far is the strongest that I used, the build quality feels good when feeling the material under my fingertips, saw alot of posts that it's a good laser for its price.

 

[WizardG]

Might try: https://www.tinkerlasers.com/

The web special for his Valkyrie 573 is a steal.

 

[Eidetical]

Learning about lasers and building them is a good way to acquire skills that will qualify one for a good job. Playing with laser light can be a fun and well-paid career. In the late '70s I saw an exhibit of holography and got hooked on that immediately. Went to a 2-year laser technician program in southern Indiana and have been playing with laser light since then. I never get tired of it, and would be doing it if I won the lottery. They pay me to tolerate doing it according to their agenda and all the other BS that goes with employment, but during the actual work I feel like I'm on vacation.