my first burn

[lightfoot500]

i just got a very excellent mxdl host laser. built by one of the guys here.
with a measured 230mw red, and some black electrical tape.
about 5 ft back, i focused the beam to what i thought was a tight beam and held it on the tape,
which started to smoke almost immediately.
i probably held it there for 20-30 seconds as still as i could.
i wasnt able to burn a hole in the tape.
i have seen some utube vids where the guys burn thru tape.
i havent tried matches, balloons, etc yet.

so can any one give some insight on proper burning?

 

[mikewitt]

At 5ft, you should use something to hold it steady.

If one of the guys here said it was 230mW, then it is (very likely) 230mW; which is more than enough for burning.

 

[StrictlyBudget]

you have to hold the laser very still. i suggest a laser tripod which is very useful. if you can't afford one, then i suggest just putting it on a flat platform, like your desk.

 

[randomlugia]

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12971

This one is 0.67" across. You might be able to squeeze an MDXL in one, I think they are about 0.7".