Hello, everyone.
I do some artwork with paper sculpture and paper cutting and since there are some things I can't do easily with a dremmel power tool, scalpels, and exacto knives I'm thinking of adding a laser to my box of tools. It would have to be strong enough to burn through stock paper and perhaps some thin metals too. I can't seem to find a consensus online on what mW would be required to do this.
I'm also concerned with safety. Is it feasible to even use a laser for up to fifteen minutes to a half hour at a time? Even with protective goggles? In a lit room? I would have to keep my eyes on where the laser beam meets the subject (paper or metal) to aim it where I need to burn. Can I even watch the laser point this way safely, or would doing that for stretches at a time damage my retinas? Would it be possible to aim the laser point onto the subject at a weaker strength and then turn up the power to burn through the subject in short controlled bursts? I haven't seen that feature described for any laser I've seen online.
In addition to protecting my vision, is there a risk from UV radiation to the skin (ie: skin cancer) through prolonged use of a laser this way?
I'm not an engineer or a laser hobbiest, and I'm on the fence about using a laser for a tool. I just want to be cautious. I appreciate any advice out there. Thank you.
I do some artwork with paper sculpture and paper cutting and since there are some things I can't do easily with a dremmel power tool, scalpels, and exacto knives I'm thinking of adding a laser to my box of tools. It would have to be strong enough to burn through stock paper and perhaps some thin metals too. I can't seem to find a consensus online on what mW would be required to do this.
I'm also concerned with safety. Is it feasible to even use a laser for up to fifteen minutes to a half hour at a time? Even with protective goggles? In a lit room? I would have to keep my eyes on where the laser beam meets the subject (paper or metal) to aim it where I need to burn. Can I even watch the laser point this way safely, or would doing that for stretches at a time damage my retinas? Would it be possible to aim the laser point onto the subject at a weaker strength and then turn up the power to burn through the subject in short controlled bursts? I haven't seen that feature described for any laser I've seen online.
In addition to protecting my vision, is there a risk from UV radiation to the skin (ie: skin cancer) through prolonged use of a laser this way?
I'm not an engineer or a laser hobbiest, and I'm on the fence about using a laser for a tool. I just want to be cautious. I appreciate any advice out there. Thank you.