please help me with custom scares D:

[peterbro1]

So im thinking about ordering my first ever high powered laser from laserbtb : PL 445nm 500-2000mW

I'm thinking about the 1w or 1.6w. The only problem I have is that I live in evans, georgia (not sure if its relevant) and since ive never ordered a laser before, i dont know what to do if it gets taken by customs. Im not an adult, so I will NOT be able to get another laser (of this price) until my next birthday/until i save up enough.

please help me, i dont know if it can even get taken by customs, what i can do to prevent it, how to get it back etc...

please help any help would be appreciated D:

 

[IsaacT]

It is always possible they will be seized but does not happen very often. What age are you? Also you should put that location information into your profile. These things will help us help you better. What is your budget for your laser? There are some costs you will not think of immediately but nevertheless they must be addressed. As such, knowing your budget will also help us help you.

 

[peterbro1]

I'm 12...

I know what you might be thinking right now, im too young for this sort of thing, although I beg to differ. There is no age requirements for laser pointers. Even though these particular laser "pointers" can permanently blind someone just by looking at the dot that the laser produces, I wont be using it anywhere except my room, and maybe outside while camping at night, shooting it at the sky (we camp on a mountain, planes dont fly over mountains)

I dont think i need to give the members of LPF my exact address, although I can supply you with basic information, which i will post on my profile once i'm dont typing this response.

State: Georgia
City : evans
Country: USA (obviously)
Postal Code: 30809

my budget is around $100-$200 +or- $50, i have $80 saved up, and my parents are cool, so they might help me out a bit, along with my 4 different groups of relatives that usually send me money on my birthday.


Another thing I should mention is if YOU personally feel I shouldnt have a laser like this, or if you could list all the possible dangers, double check my facts (about instant blinding) and some tips/precautions for me would be great. Im apprehensive about getting lasers on the pure fact of it being able to blind a person just by said person looking at the dot the laser produces. Any input would be GREATLY Appreciated, thanks C:.

I hope this helps, and please...... no age discrimination

thanks -peter

 

[IsaacT]

I'm 12...

I know what you might be thinking right now, im too young for this sort of thing, although I beg to differ. There is no age requirements for laser pointers. Even though these particular laser "pointers" can permanently blind someone just by looking at the dot that the laser produces, I wont be using it anywhere except my room, and maybe outside while camping at night, shooting it at the sky (we camp on a mountain, planes dont fly over mountains)

I dont think i need to give the members of LPF my exact address, although I can supply you with basic information, which i will post on my profile once i'm dont typing this response.

State: Georgia
City : evans
Country: USA (obviously)
Postal Code: 30809

I hope this helps, and please...... no age discrimination

thanks -peter

Just a heads up, you will see some age issues no matter what. In this case, LaserBtB really will be the best option for you as I do not know of any Forum builders who will sell to people under 18. Things you will need should you decide to proceed with this course of action.

1. Laser Safety Glasses. Good ones. They need to be able to stop a beam for a good second or two. Cost of roughly 30-40 dollars.

2. Batteries. LaserBtB will probably NOT include batteries for whichever laser you choose. You will most likely need 2 x 16340 Lithium Ion Batteries. Cost of 10 dollars for the pair.

3. A GOOD charger. Look into a Nitecore Intellicharge i4. Cost of 17 dollars.

4. A LOT of common sense, more than kids your age typically have. Your friends and family need to either never handle your laser, or they need to be as mature as you.

So take off 65 dollars from whatever money you have. That is your new laser budget.

If you are not an overly mature kid, it would be in your best interest to walk away now. I say that not because I don't want you to have fun, or be able to enjoy lasers, but because I don't want to hear about a kid having his eye scarred so badly he can no longer see out of it. The laser you are looking at can, and has, done things like that. I am asking you not to abandon your desire for a laser, but to understand the dangers and to tailor your desires to match the consequences you could live with if something went wrong.

 

[IsaacT]

Another thing you need to do is to download the permission form and have your parent/guardian sign it and fax or mail it back. If you need a copy of the permission form and cannot find it, please let me or a mod know and we can find one for you.

 

[peterbro1]

Maybe a 1w laser is a bit overkill, but I want something to easily burn stuff with, and be seen at night (the beam).

My parents are the ones who actually set up the account, I typed in all the basic info (age,username,password,etc) then i let them do the rest, as i have been in this situation before, and i would rather them do it then instead of the confusion of me accepting the terms and conditions

 

[IsaacT]

Maybe a 1w laser is a bit overkill, but I want something to easily burn stuff with, and be seen at night (the beam).

My parents are the ones who actually set up the account, I typed in all the basic info (age,username,password,etc) then i let them do the rest, as i have been in this situation before, and i would rather them do it then instead of the confusion of me accepting the terms and conditions

Good man. Also, we have yet to address the Great Limiter. Budget. How much do you have available for this? That will tell us the most.

 

[peterbro1]

Having just discussed this with my parents, enlightening them with the dangers of a powerful laser, they now say that I cannot have a laser OVER 1w. My budget is around $200. What I want in a laser is for the beam to be visible at day (Without being too powerful), able to burn wood(scorch, not catch flame), pop balloons, and burn mostly every thing (meaning that it doesnt have to be dark colored/black) at a distance of possibly 3-5 ft., also If this stuff is all possible without having a laser that can blind someone just by looking at the dot, that would be amazing

 

[NightExplorer96]

Having just discussed this with my parents, enlightening them with the dangers of a powerful laser, they now say that I cannot have a laser OVER 1w. My budget is around $200. What I want in a laser is for the beam to be visible at day (Without being too powerful), able to burn wood(scorch, not catch flame), pop balloons, and burn mostly every thing (meaning that it doesnt have to be dark colored/black) at a distance of possibly 3-5 ft., also If this stuff is all possible without having a laser that can blind someone just by looking at the dot, that would be amazing

Hey peterbro1,

First off. You are going to need a lot of power to be able to clearly see the beam of a laser during the day, I used to have a 500mW 532nm unit and it's beam was invisible/barely visible. And take a look at laserbtb's 500mW 445nm/450nm units. Those are less than $200 and will do most of what you need, be aware you will need to be EXTREMELY careful since 500mW is a lot of power, I would recommend following WBS advice and actually buying safety goggles before even purchasing the laser. Here is a link to both(just in case):

Safety goggles for 445nm/450nm light:
Eagle Pair® 190-540nm Slip Over Laser Safety Goggles

laserbtb 500mW 445nm/450nm unit:
PL 445nm 500-2000mW

Have fun and be safe :beer:

-Alex

 

[KapHn8d]

Here is my unsolicited 2 cents...

I have a few lasers, certainly not as many as most here, but a variety of wavelengths and powers. I have found, over time and lots of tinkering, that I enjoy the lower powered lasers MUCH more than the higher powered lasers. Burning things is nifty and all, but you'd be surprised what you can smoke/ignite with a couple hundred (or less) mW if you select your target and conditions properly (ie. beam focus, etc). A fog machine can be had for under $20 and I'm confident that you'll also learn to appreciate beam splitters, diffraction gratings, and various other optical gizmos to manipulate the coolest of the cool laser beams coming from your units. No one wants to stick their hand in a 3W beam any more than they want to catch a errant reflection to the eye.

So here is a thought... perhaps use your limited budget to get some safety goggles (for when shiny things are around and/or the situation warrants), a low cost fogger, and a lower power laser in your favorite color (obviously some wavelengths are cost prohibitive, but you get the gist)? You'll be able to do most of the cool "tricks" you want with the beam and depending on the color, you may even see the beam well in a dark area (with sufficient air particulate) without the fogger. Then, after you get your sea legs with that unit and have had a little more time to learn about the hobby and save your money, you upgrade to a more powerful unit... or, if you are like me, you buy many more low powered units (because I find them more fun).

Just some food for thought...

Either way, cheers!

/c

 

[peterbro1]

The 1w laser of that specific model is only $118, so I think that would be best...

UNLESS....can you get blinded by looking at the dot from that laser (on an non-reflective surface)?

 

[NightExplorer96]

The 1w laser of that specific model is only $118, so I think that would be best...

UNLESS....can you get blinded by looking at the dot from that laser (on an non-reflective surface)?

No, you won't get blinded by looking at the dot but it will hurt your eyes. It's best advised to avoid it if possible.

-Alex

 

[peterbro1]

now that im thinking about it, i could get a 1600mw laser for around 30$ more, 600mw for $30 is a pretty good deal, and also.. could 1600mw blind you from looking at the dot?

 

[NightExplorer96]

now that im thinking about it, i could get a 1600mw laser for around 30$ more, 600mw for $30 is a pretty good deal, and also.. could 1600mw blind you from looking at the dot?

No, you are going to need more power than even a 2W laser to blind you by just staring at the dot. DONT test it out though, 1.6W of laser light is no joke!!!!!

-Alex

 

[peterbro1]

thanks so much, i think that i will get the 1.6w 445nm, but im still worried about customs.


also, laserbtb doesnt sell 2x 16530 batteries, any trustworthy sites where i can order some?

 

[NightExplorer96]

thanks so much, i think that i will get the 1.6w 445nm, but im still worried about customs.


also, laserbtb doesnt sell 2x 16530 batteries, any trustworthy sites where i can order some?

Sorry bud. I know 2 trustworthy sites (all-battery & BatteryJunction) but they don't sell the batteries you are looking for. Im sure someone else will jump in and help you out though

-Alex