Using welding goggles for IR laser protection?

[sk8aseth]

I recently accidentally smashed my laser goggles :cryyy: Unfortunately until I get a new pair I can't test the 1w 808nm laser I'm working on. However, I don't have a lot of money to spend on goggles at the moment and I'm unable to find any for <20 usd. I have found welding goggles that claim to be IR5 for only about 10 usd. Would these give adequate protection from a refracted beam? I'm not going to be point the laser into my eyes or at any mirrors, however I will be pointing it at white objects and staring at the dot to focus it. If you don't think these would give good enough protection do you know a source of <20 usd goggles? Thank you

 

[Trevor]

If I remember correctly, IR5 is far IR - in the range of CO2 lasers, meaning those would be nearly transparent at 808nm.

I wouldn't trust my eyes to them.

-Trevor

 

[sk8aseth]

how about ir1,2,3,or 4?

 

[Trevor]

I'm sure the only one that would affect 808nm much would be IR1... but you need to actually test them with an LPM (or better yet get DATASHEETS) to find out what level of safety they provide.

You need to carefully weigh your desire to test your laser against your desire to preserve your vision.

-Trevor

 

[joeyss]

Just don't risk it. You can't even see the dot that much to tell how well it's working. 1 watt is a lot of power espically being bounced off of white.

 

[JBTexas]

If I remember right, welding goggles *mainly* protect against UV. I had a piece of "welding glass" that I got from someone when I was doing an experiment as a kid; basically the same thing. (I made a homemade carbon arc welder)

From *what I remember*, I could barely see through it in a well-lit garage. From *what I remember*, it imparted a slightly greenish tint to everything. I don't have the specs, but the major hazard from modern welding is UV I think (plus some IR).