After much searching for a laser, i found the cheapest, best quality laser i could find, the 150mw green laser from optotronics. When i received it i was satisfied, but no more. At first it couldnt light a match at all (due possibly to a storm blowing through, high humidity) and eventually it started lighting matches, but only very close up. I sent my laser back to jack (very good guy, good customer service) to see if maybe my lens was dirty or something was keeping it from its true power. I wondered if i should have gone after one of those more expensive ones. After more searching, this is what i found.
I finally figured out why it would be worth it to buy a weaker laser for more money, other than better build quality. Took me awhile to find out that diameter of beam makes a huge difference in being able to burn things, as there is a more concentrated area. So most the lasers i looked at before yours (such as nova's alpha 105) though more expensive, have better build quality AND better beam diameter. So a alpha 105 which averages about 125mw(might actually be higher? let me know.) with a beam diameter of about 1mm, while your 150mw pen laser, averaging 157mw, have a diameter of about 1.5mm. So now im seriously considering getting a laser with better build quality, as diameter will make a huge difference. But im not sure how that will work out...If your Cheapest Rpl was not 500$ i would consider an upgrade...But im not sure what to do. Also the nova alpha laser takes AA, and comes in a nicer case.
So its 157mw, 1.5mm, 200$ vs. 125mw(maybe higher), 1mm, higher quality, 270$. I would really like to hear what you laser experts have to say! Thanks.
*If i got the alpha instead I would have to dissapoint Jack, and not get the entire 200$ back :l
I finally figured out why it would be worth it to buy a weaker laser for more money, other than better build quality. Took me awhile to find out that diameter of beam makes a huge difference in being able to burn things, as there is a more concentrated area. So most the lasers i looked at before yours (such as nova's alpha 105) though more expensive, have better build quality AND better beam diameter. So a alpha 105 which averages about 125mw(might actually be higher? let me know.) with a beam diameter of about 1mm, while your 150mw pen laser, averaging 157mw, have a diameter of about 1.5mm. So now im seriously considering getting a laser with better build quality, as diameter will make a huge difference. But im not sure how that will work out...If your Cheapest Rpl was not 500$ i would consider an upgrade...But im not sure what to do. Also the nova alpha laser takes AA, and comes in a nicer case.
So its 157mw, 1.5mm, 200$ vs. 125mw(maybe higher), 1mm, higher quality, 270$. I would really like to hear what you laser experts have to say! Thanks.
*If i got the alpha instead I would have to dissapoint Jack, and not get the entire 200$ back :l
Kidding, of course - couldn't help but razz ya. But one can do so many other awesome experiments and things with a nice laser. Besides burning things. You can also burn things with a much smaller monetary investment.