Hi all, a quick intro! I developed an interest in lasers over the past few months. Sadly, I found that Australia has some of the strictest laser laws in the world. These laws might make it difficult getting parts for projects - time will tell. So far, I've pulled down two old DVD burners and one brand new LG 22x, removed the sleds and extracted the diodes. Safety glasses needed before I go any further!
Have a strong background in electronics and communications, but no laser experience. I'm an unrestricted private pilot (but haven't flown for several years due to health issues). For a time was involved in pro event video and was a partner in a modelling agency.
I hope to help others on the forum eventually. Need to learn a lot before that can happen. I'm always busy on something or other, so I hope making room for laser projects won't be too problematic. Finally, my compliments to all members of the forum - what I've read so far has been valuable and most helpful.
Hey Adrian, I lived in Sydney once - but since then, cars on Sydney roads have begun breeding like mad. It seems that they conspire to gridlock travellers, whenever Hornsby is approached from the north Question: how many megawatts of coherent light would be needed to evaporate them?
I'm in the lower Hunter Valley, circa 25 clicks to the north west of Newcastle. Sadly, gridlock is not unknown up this way, either.
Thanks Ausben! I'm impressed by the variety of lasers that bobhaha has put together. It's good to see personal recommendations such as yours, it makes life much easier. Also is great to see a second Aussie's response i.e. yours (now I wish I'd thought of something like "Wallaby Walloper" for a user name)
Hi there. Welcome to LPF.
As was said before, play safe, have fun, and read read read.
From what I've seen here Australian rules are restricted to hand-held completed units. You might find that importing parts/pieces are not as restricted. Then, like Ikea furniture, some assembly would be required. Don't know about the laws/regulations about possesing said units though. Usually only gets to be a problem if you are doing something stupid though.
Good luck with it.
While you are researching things I might suggest more lottery tickets to win the future funds you will want for new purchases.
Hey Brenner, compliments of the season to you The short answer to your question is - absolutely!
I delayed this post, because I was really hoping a longstanding forum member would respond (because I'm unsure if this reply is a little too far OT - if so, my sincere apologies to forum members - moderators please remove or relocate my post). On the other hand, there's no doubt that my post lets other forum members know a great deal about my own outlook and attitudes, and therefore serves to assist in my "introductory self description" - the prime thread topic!
Australian Federal law prohibits any laser pointer over 1 mW from being imported by private citizens.
Sadly, our Government often reacts to wrongdoing in a "knee jerk" reaction - using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut! The following link highlights the herd instinct of our lawmakers ... and there are many other examples of this collective parliamentary stupidity.
The following link is a classic demonstration of the misuse of Federal power in our country.
Finally, my compliments to all members of the forum - what I've read so far has been valuable and most helpful.
Question: how many megawatts of coherent light would be needed to evaporate them? 
