Poping Baloons and Lighting Matches

[VVaI2LoCk]

Guys,
Sorry if this has been answered a few million times. I have a few simple questions.

1) All I want to do is pop some ballons and light some matches. What's the minimum requirement I need to do this with a pen style laser?
2) What color is typically the hottest or best to burn (pop baloons) Green or red?

 

[Blord]

1: for the millionth time it is 100mW.
2: depends on the color of the surface. Opposite colors burn the best. Try 405nm/445nm it burns on most surfaces.

And please use a safety goggle for experiment.

 

[mainefungi]

I have found my 405 burns better than my 445 of the same power level. However, my 445 has a much more visible beam.

Given the lower cost and ready availability of higher powered 445nm builds, they make a good choice for most people. My 1.8W 445 burns most anything and easily pops balloons at about 20 feet away if held in my unsteady hand. Further if mounted on a stand so I don't move the damn dot around.

This is a fun hobby, but I cannot stress the importance of safety glasses enough; for both you and your on lookers. Accidents DO happen. A fresh burn mark on your new sofa, or even on the skin is one thing...

Blindness or color blindness will change your life.

 

[VVaI2LoCk]

I have found my 405 burns better than my 445 of the same power level. However, my 445 has a much more visible beam.

Given the lower cost and ready availability of higher powered 445nm builds, they make a good choice for most people. My 1.8W 445 burns most anything and easily pops balloons at about 20 feet away if held in my unsteady hand. Further if mounted on a stand so I don't move the damn dot around.

This is a fun hobby, but I cannot stress the importance of safety glasses enough; for both you and your on lookers. Accidents DO happen. A fresh burn mark on your new sofa, or even on the skin is one thing...

Blindness or color blindness will change your life.

can you make a recomendation? Did you buy local or do you have to ship oversees?

 

[mainefungi]

can you make a recomendation? Did you buy local or do you have to ship oversees?

The 1.8W 445 I have, I built using a host purchased from from a member here (Mrcrouse), and a diode module/driver purchased over to DTR's Laser Shop. I purchased the one titled, "1.7W 445nm Copper Blue Laser Module W/X-Drive & Three Element Glass Lens" for $89, and it metered slightly over spec (bonus!). Then all I needed was to put it all together and buy batteries.

If you want a decent build that is ready made, they HERE or HERE

Both are reputable builds. The first one is the same as the first laser I bought, only in a different host color (purchased mine from yobresal). The second I have not had any hands on with, but Blord builds/sells some sweet lasers (and hosts), and he is well trusted here.

Good rule of thumb...

1W will burn VERY well up close, but may have a somewhat limited range (depends on how steady it is held). As you get closer to 2 Watts or above, the more range you will get. However, it is important to point out that some of the higher power builds use a lens called a "G-2", to add to the output power. These have a shortened focus range, which means a larger spot as you get further from the laser.

Builds that have the higher power while still using the standard three element glass lens (or similar) will have a better looking beam and spot, while giving you a sweet burning experience too...

Last but not least, take some time and do some reading around the forums. Many around here very frustrated answering the same questions that have been already answered a few hundred times throughout the forum.

You can PM me if you need more direction.

 

[phoenix77]

One of the coolest (&easiest) tricks that I've found that really amazes an audience is to take 2 balloons, one black or DARK colored, & one clear or white. Inflate the dark colored one INSIDE the clear or white one, (a little tricky but can be done easily enough). Then, focus the laser on the balloons. The black or dark colored balloon will pop leaving the clear or white balloon as is. Easy enough to do & has a pretty nice effect !!! Also, you can then put a black spot (with a SHARPIE or other marker) on the clear or white balloon, focus the laser on the spot & then pop that balloon too for a grand finale'. Just a thought ? phoenix77 / rob

 

[VVaI2LoCk]

The 1.8W 445 I have, I built using a host purchased from from a member here (Mrcrouse), and a diode module/driver purchased over to DTR's Laser Shop. I purchased the one titled, "1.7W 445nm Copper Blue Laser Module W/X-Drive & Three Element Glass Lens" for $89, and it metered slightly over spec (bonus!). Then all I needed was to put it all together and buy batteries.

If you want a decent build that is ready made, they HERE or HERE

Both are reputable builds. The first one is the same as the first laser I bought, only in a different host color (purchased mine from yobresal). The second I have not had any hands on with, but Blord builds/sells some sweet lasers (and hosts), and he is well trusted here.

Good rule of thumb...

1W will burn VERY well up close, but may have a somewhat limited range (depends on how steady it is held). As you get closer to 2 Watts or above, the more range you will get. However, it is important to point out that some of the higher power builds use a lens called a "G-2", to add to the output power. These have a shortened focus range, which means a larger spot as you get further from the laser.

Builds that have the higher power while still using the standard three element glass lens (or similar) will have a better looking beam and spot, while giving you a sweet burning experience too...

Last but not least, take some time and do some reading around the forums. Many around here very frustrated answering the same questions that have been already answered a few hundred times throughout the forum.

You can PM me if you need more direction.

Thanks for all the info. I'll check it out and do some research. I don't know if I really want to build one. I'm looking for something portable something that I can take hiking or on a boat. I have a lot of reading to do.

One of the coolest (&easiest) tricks that I've found that really amazes an audience is to take 2 balloons, one black or DARK colored, & one clear or white. Inflate the dark colored one INSIDE the clear or white one, (a little tricky but can be done easily enough). Then, focus the laser on the balloons. The black or dark colored balloon will pop leaving the clear or white balloon as is. Easy enough to do & has a pretty nice effect !!! Also, you can then put a black spot (with a SHARPIE or other marker) on the clear or white balloon, focus the laser on the spot & then pop that balloon too for a grand finale'. Just a thought ? phoenix77 / rob

Very cool tricks. Thanks for the info.

 

[Laser Smith]

Poping balloons...

This one seems "poped" to me