Hi WDB,
When I started off wanting a laser I too wanted a high power laser. I HIGHLY suggest you start off with a low powered laser. Something like 50-500 mw. The 500 mw isn’t necessarily a low powered laser but it will burn things with ease. The reason I say this is because you can be less cautious when handling. Now when I say that it doesn’t mean it won’t hurt you.in fact one swipe on the eye and it will blind you. However you can get really good beam visibility and not have to wear glasses when it’s under 150 mw. Only when it’s pointed at something a few meters away that isn’t reflective at all. Don’t stare into it either. That could be harmful. My first lasers were a 492 nm 100 mw cyan laser,a 520 nm 150 mw green laser,and a 445 nm 500 mw blue laser.I got them all from the San wu pocket series. They all can impress people and the 500 mw burns easy.with the 500 mw laser and when burning you must wear safety goggles. Anyway if you have any questions you can ask me. Also what would you be using the laser for. Is it just for burning purposes? Also the San wu company sells in my opinion the best lasers. They are a bit pricy though.
