Starting a project - Help with choosing laser needed

[Chezyy]

Hi! I need help choosing a good laser diode type for a project I am starting. I want to be able to ignite small, semi-dead pieces of wood. I'm hoping for diodes under $300 but I'm open to all suggestions. Many thanks!

 

[hakzaw1]

405nm (think black-light on crack) has a small dot (consengtrates the power ) and IMO is the best diode for engraving etc- it is also (IMHO) the most dangerous as to the uninformed they appear to not be very bright-- bad wavelength to allow kiddos to 'PLAY with' no laser is a toy-- even the red cat toy lasers. Only one really enjoying is the one holding the pointer--- cruel to make a pet chase something they can never catch.. much worse for dogs IMO.

You dont have to believe me--see what 'the dog whisperer' says--

I know he talks about lasers on his shows--but in a search I could not find much w/ the dog whisperer...on this topic...
however here are a link to search and one good one I found.


edit update

Mr Murphy at LPS.org has the very best advice concerning lasers and our pets--
Some of what he tells us may NOT make you happy--he agrees with Caesar and myself 100%--
here:

Laser Pointer Safety - Tips for using lasers with animals

www.laserpointersafety.com

LPS needs to be visited often--many new stuff on a regular basis--- his advice might save you from jail/prison.
He has awesome credentials . He was involved with Pangolin from the start-has been president of ILDA and does LPS as a free service...(make a donation if you like!!)--- personally I do not care if a laser gets you into trouble-- enjoy jail- AND get banned from owning any laser for life!!!
- I do, however, care about this forum and its members--EVERY time a new laser incident gets reported we get closer to a ban in USA of ALL LASERS over 5mW (portables). This has happened to many other countries.. it can happen here--
hak

Pros and cons of using a laser with a pet - Google Search

Laser Pointers: A Good Idea for Your Cat but Not for Your Dog

Most cats love laser pointers. You can press the button and let the red laser land in a pinpoint on the floor, or the wall...just out of reach of your cat, and watch him pounce. It’s entertaining to watch and it’s entertaining for your cat. They’re not so good, however, for your dog. But first...

www.rauanimalhospital.com

I had a friend whose dog was badly obsessed trying to catch any bright lights he saw--- & it happened the first time the dog saw a laser-- afaik there is no way to treat this problem easily--- get off the couch and take your dogs for long walks!!

 

[Cyparagon]

How have you decided a laser is the only option here?

We can help you a lot better if you tell us about your project instead of give vague specifications.

 

[Alaskan]

I don't know about you, but I'd try igniting fully dead pieces of wood first, the semi-dead don't burn as well.